Khadija Naseer is a 18 years old, British Pakistani from Lancashire. She recently completed her A-levels and she’s hoping to go on to study Primary Education at university.
She published her first book, Steps to Serenity, when she was 16 years old. It’s a short, easy to read guide on finding serenity through Islam.
She originally wrote it with young Muslim girls in mind because she felt there wasn’t always a comfortable, relatable space for them to learn about their deen.
Often, faith is presented in a way that can feel overwhelming or like a lecture, whereas she wanted her writing to feel warm, supportive, and like a friendly advice.
She recently published her second book. This one is a unique combination of a book and a journal, taking a more in depth look at achieving serenity while giving readers space to reflect and write down their own thoughts.
Khadija wanted to encourage people to see journaling as something personal and meaningful, rather than something that has to look perfect or be aesthetically curated:
Journaling is often romanticised on socialmedia. It is presented as a perfectly curated habit, filled with beautiful handwriting, aesthetic pages, and effortless consistency.
In reality, journaling can be challenging. It requires honesty, vulnerability, discipline, and a willingness to confront the thoughts and emotions we often avoid. It is not always neat, inspiring, or easy.
This book is not about creating perfect journal entries or filling pages for the sake of productivity. It is not about endless to do lists or checking boxes.
As you embark upon this journey, remember that serenity is not the absence of hardship. Life will continue to present challenges, tests, and moments of uncertainty.
True serenity is found in knowing that Allah is present through it all. It is found in trusting His plan when we cannot understand it, seeking His guidance when we feel lost, and turning back to Him in every season of life.
My hope is that these pages become more than ajournal. May they become a companion on your journey of growth, reflection, and faith. May they encourage you to pause, to think deeply, to reconnect with your purpose, and to draw closer to the One from whom all peace comes.”
Alongside writing, she’s passionate about building a community where young Muslim girls feel welcomed, supported, and connected. Her aim is to create spaces where girls can bond, learn, and strengthen their faith together without feeling judged or overwhelmed.
Everything she does, whether it’s through her books or community events, comes back to the same goal: making the journey of learning about Islam feel more approachable, encouraging, and accessible for young girls, so they feel supported every step of the way.
Check out her books here and here; and follow her at @stepstoserenity for more!