Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – As Mawlud al-Nabi (Gamo) approaches — the blessed month in which we celebrate the birth of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) — I am reminded of his teachings on mercy, gratitude, and honoring those closest to us. It is in this spirit, the Month of Mercy, that I pause to give thanks to my wife, Ellen Njie, daughter of Pierre Sarr Njie and Anna Ngoloh Njie.
She has been my partner, my confidante, and my silent strength — a living example of the love and compassion that Mawlud al-Nabi inspires in our lives.
The Prophet (PBUH) said, “The best of you are those who are best to their wives.” This saying strengthens my resolve to honor Ellen not only with words, but with daily acts of kindness, loyalty, and care.
In Gambian culture, it is not common to openly express gratitude to one’s spouse. Too often, such words are reserved for funerals or moments of loss.
What I am doing through this article may therefore seem “un-Gambian.” Yet I believe love and appreciation should be spoken while our loved ones are alive and able to hear them. And so, I say thank you to Ellen now, from the depths of my heart.
From a Single Soul
The Qur’an reminds us in Surah An-Nisa (4:1):
“Be mindful of your Lord, who created you from a single soul, and from it created its mate, and through both spread countless men and women.”
Ellen has been that “other half” of my soul. In her, I have found balance, dignity, and love. She has stood beside me in hardship and triumph, equal in worth and unwavering in loyalty.
Strength in Faith and Patience
Surah Maryam tells the story of Maryam (Mary), a woman of profound faith who endured immense trials with dignity. Ellen’s quiet strength reflects that same model of womanhood. Her ability to face challenges without bitterness, to nurture without complaint, and to raise her voice in prayer has carried our family through many storms.
Some of those storms were moments of deep fear and uncertainty — the sound of a vehicle stopping outside our compound late at night, the phone ringing with the number hidden, or the dreaded call to the NIA, never knowing if I would return. In those nights of anxiety, it was Ellen’s courage, faith, and quiet reassurance that grounded me and gave me the strength to face whatever awaited.
A Voice That Matters
Surah Al-Mujadila (58:1) begins with the story of a woman whose plea was heard by Allah Himself. Ellen’s voice has been such a guiding light for me. Her wisdom, her cautions, and her encouragements have shaped my path. Many times, her counsel has been the difference between hesitation and courage, between a wrong turn and the right decision.
More Precious Than Rubies
The Bible also captures this truth. Proverbs 31:10 says:
“A virtuous woman is worth far more than rubies.”
That is Ellen. Her worth is not measured in gold or jewels but in her honesty, devotion, and love. And as Ephesians 5:25 reminds me:
“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.”
Ellen has sacrificed, cared, and prayed for our family in ways words cannot fully describe. My duty is not only to say “thank you,” but to honor her daily with respect, loyalty, and love.
My Prayer of Gratitude
I thank you, Ellen — for your patience, your sacrifices, your unshakable faith, and the laughter that fills our home with light. I pray to Allah, the Most Merciful, to bless you with health, peace of heart, and endless joy.
As the Qur’an tells us in Surah Ar-Rum (30:21):
“And among His signs is that He created for you spouses from among yourselves so that you may find comfort in them. And He has placed between you affection and mercy.”
Indeed, in you I have found comfort, affection, and mercy. For that, my dearest Ellen, I will be forever grateful — not in silence, not too late, but here and now, while you can hear me and know how deeply you are loved.
In this blessed month of Mawlud al-Nabi, as we reflect on the mercy and guidance of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), I celebrate you, Ellen, for being the mercy in my own life.
