2024 Reflection-Failure and Success of Islam Hashtag

2024 Failure and Success of Islam Hashtag

As salamu alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu,

This is Fahmina Jawed, the founder of Islam Hashtag. Many of you have known me for the past 10 years. Alhamdulillah, we have many subscribers here who have been following us for years, whether through the website articles, WhatsApp channel, Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest.

I don’t talk about myself often, so not many people know about me or my journey. Recently, I met my teachers and friends with whom I’ve been connected for the past 7 years, and they didn’t knew that I’m an optometry doctor, the founder of Opthametry.com, and the woman behind Islam Hashtag and Authentic Hadith.

Many of them encouraged me to share my journey toward seeking knowledge, how I started Islam Hashtag, and the lessons I learned about blogging, facing challenges, and finding success.

My Journey: Reflections on Failure and Success

To be honest, stepping into the sphere of digital content creation can sometimes make you lose focus. It’s easy to get caught up in chasing metrics—likes, engagements, and followers. It can rob you of valuable time. Some people, in the pursuit of digital recognition, end up doing things they never intended to do. The time spent learning and reflecting diminishes, and the focus shifts to worldly gains.

While I’m not against digital content creation—after all, I’m part of it—I’d like to share some advice to help channel your passion and hobbies in the right direction. But before that, let me share my own story.

The Beginning of Islam Hashtag

I started Islam Hashtag 10 years ago. At the time, I was an optometry doctor working in a hospital and two private clinics. I hadn’t yet begun my formal studies in Islam. I had recently started wearing the hijab and felt a strong pull toward understanding the message of the Qur’an.

When I started blogging, I was a beginner, learning the basics of Islam. Islam Hashtag became a personal diary where I documented my reflections and learning. What began as a hobby gradually gained traction. Day by day, readers grew, and Islam Hashtag reached its peak with around 10,000 daily visitors. It became one of the top 10 Islamic websites.

People were often surprised to learn that this platform was run by a woman with no formal background in computer science and an active career in optometry. Many couldn’t understand why I would leave my profession for blogging, which requires both significant effort and investment.

The Turning Point

As I continued my studies in deen, one of my teachers once asked if any of us were doing khidmat (service) for Islam. I mentioned that I wrote articles, and he encouraged me by saying, “It’s a great effort because people today rarely seek scholars directly—they turn to Google. Unfortunately, much of the Islamic content online misguides people, as some Islamic magazines and websites are controlled by those who promote values contrary to our faith.”

That conversation motivated me to work harder. I began taking online Islamic courses, eventually completing hundreds of short and long courses, and earning two Alimah degrees through six years of Dars-e-Nizami. I’m now pursuing a Master’s in Arabic and Qira’at.

Challenges and Growth

Like any venture, Islam Hashtag has faced challenges. Last year, due to a Google update, the website’s traffic dropped significantly, and we lost many readers as well as advertisers. The advertising revenue had been helping cover the website’s operational costs. While we still receive promotion requests, we prioritize aligning with brands that reflect our values, such as Quran schools.

Despite the setbacks, I invested more in the platform because even if one person benefits from me, I feel that I was able to accomplish my dream. I created a new website for my students, TheIslamicBlog.com, where we offer Tafsir courses. InshaAllah, it will soon become a comprehensive platform for Islamic and productive courses led by different teachers. Additionally, I secured Islam Hashtag for another 10 years. Alhumdulillah. So here is a good news, Islam Hashtag will be up for the next 10 years as well In sha Allah.

So, If I talk about the failure- yes there is failure but when I look at it with lens of gratitute, I see that because of Islam Hashtag I am a different person now and Allah taught me many skills that can prove to be useful for the Muslim Ummah. Alhumdulillah I am a Quran and hadith teacher now , a website designer, a SEO expert who managed to lift up the website from the google update and a person who can create beautiful Journal and resources. So Alhumdulillah I am happy, grateful and humble for all the favors.

Advice for 2025

As we enter the blessed month of Rajab, it’s a great time to reflect and make positive changes in our lives. Here’s some advice based on my journey:

1. Have the Right Intention
   Start everything with sincerity. The right intention brings immense reward and the pleasure of Allah.
2. Fulfill Your Responsibilities
   Allocate time for everything—family, work, and worship—and ensure you fulfill everyone’s rights/ huqooq.
3. Pursue Knowledge
   Have the yearning to seek ilm. Even if you think you are not smart enough, atleast you can say to yourself I spent my time seeking closeness of Allah and saved myself from the fitna of the world. Remember everything in the sky and the Earth belongs to Allah and Allah sees our effort. He will definitely give us what is best for us.
4. Avoid Unhealthy Competition
   In fields like Islamic education, competition can sometimes lead to envy or hostility. Look at others with respect, not as competitors.
5. Use Your Time Wisely
   Engage in productive activities, even if it’s as simple as saying SubhanAllah. Remember, the most valuable thing we can do is invest in our akhirah.

A Final Note

May Allah grant us all success in this world and the Hereafter. Ameen. If you’d like to share your journey, thoughts or connect, feel free to reach out through our social media channels or the comment box below.