A Retired Woman’s Story

This book is a realistic account of some of the life experiences I have gone through, regardless of how difficult, harsh, or intense some of these experiences were. Yet they were steps—and whoever is destined to take steps must walk them. Praise be to God that they have passed, with their ups and downs, in accordance with the saying, “Every hardship will pass, and every trial has its time.”

I begin by addressing the experience of retirement, offering some answers to the questions raised by this phase of life. I then move on to my school days and youth and the role of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan—may God have mercy on him—in my life and the lives of my generation.

I also highlight the role my father—may God have mercy on him—played in my life and his constant determination and insistence that I continue my studies.

I touch on the idea of establishing the farm, which served as my refuge and sanctuary from some of the psychological challenges that accompanied my retirement. I also discuss my professional career, which was limited to the field of history—as a teacher of this wonderful subject—and to media, particularly in the areas of news editing and media communications.

I briefly touch on some aspects of my personal life, such as my hobbies, and discuss some of the hidden aspects of retirement, as well as how to seek new opportunities in life to overcome its difficulties and worries.

I urge readers nearing retirement to find a new outlet for themselves so they can continue living their lives. I emphasize the need to adhere to the teachings of our Islamic faith, to draw closer to God by every possible means, and to seek refuge and turn to Him in all matters, for He, Glorified and Exalted be He, is the only One capable of delivering us from the narrow straits to the broadest path.