What are your life goals? Where do you see yourself in 5 or 10 years from now? Some of us may imagine ourselves successful in our career field, climbing the corporate ladder. Others might dream of settling down and building a loving family, raising children and leaving behind a meaningful legacy. No matter the path, we all seek purpose, connection and growth.
Recently, we had the incredible honour of joining a heartfelt and soul-nourishing event with Sonny Bill Williams and his wife, Alana Williams, with the presence of Shaykh Daood Butt as the moderator. The couple opened up with raw honesty, deep reflections and Islamic values that reminded us of what it truly means to live with intention, whether as individuals, spouses or parents.
Here’s what we took away from this unforgettable day.
1. Marriage is Worship
The couple highlighted a powerful reminder: marriage is an act of ibadah. It’s not just a worldly bond but a spiritual one that requires sacrifice, understanding and intention. Sonny Bill Williams reflected on how the Prophet Muhammad’s (s.a.w.) love for his wife was unmatched, emphasising that the most beloved person to the Prophet (s.a.w.) was his spouse; that kind of love comes with respect, patience, and compromise.
2. Understanding Differences is Key
Alana Williams shared a candid reality: “Some people are morning people; others take time to function.” She laughed about how her husband’s day started way earlier than hers, committing himself to the gym before the crack of dawn, while she was still sleeping. But it’s in understanding these differences that their marriages thrive. They emphasised that we don’t always have to agree with our partners, but learning to say, “I might not agree, but I understand,” is essential. That’s the key to an everlasting marriage.
3. Parenthood is a Lifelong Sacrifice
Being parents, they don’t shy away from talking about the hardships. “You give up your happiness and comfort for your children,” they shared. Yet, in doing so, there’s a du’a’ they hold close to their hearts:
“May Allah (s.w.t.) bless us with mercy the way we show mercy to our children.”
Sonny also mentioned how the Prophet (s.a.w.) would let his children sit in his place—a beautiful gesture of love and leadership within the home.
4. The Power of Communication
The couple spoke about how communication and empathy are the backbone of every successful relationship. Whether it’s expressing frustration, navigating disagreements, or simply sharing thoughts, how we speak matters just as much as what we say. Alana emphasised the importance of phrasing things with compassion, while Sonny mentioned giving one another the benefit of the doubt and remembering that every person carries struggles we may not see.
5. Navigating Hardships & Growth
For those going through marital challenges, divorce, or seeking “the one”, they offered advice grounded in realism and hope. It’s halal to marry. It’s also halal to divorce. But what matters most is pure intention and self-improvement. Trust Allah (s.w.t.) with your journey. He (s.w.t.) knows your heart.
6. Balancing Leadership, Faith & Fitness
Sonny also shared how he balances being a leader at home, a provider, and an athlete. “The grind never stops”, he smiled, admitting that he loves the challenge. From training to Hajj, from fasting to parenting—every struggle is a chance to grow. He reminded us that taking care of your soul and your body is a form of gratitude to Allah (s.w.t.).
7. Staying Firm in Faith
Lastly, they spoke to those who may be struggling with haram temptations or are unsure of their path. Sonny shared his early days of learning about Islam and how important it is to fact-check, seek reliable references and always fear Allah (s.w.t.) above the judgement of people. He said, “Our dream should be to represent the ummah of Rasulullah (s.a.w.) with strength and beauty.”
A Moment to Reflect
What we witnessed was not just a talk but a testimony of two people striving for Allah (s.w.t.) while navigating life, love, and legacy together. In their honesty, we found ourselves. In their challenges, we saw our own. And in their faith, we were reminded of the kind of believers we hope to become.
May Allah (s.w.t.) bless their journey and ours, and may we all strive to be the best for our families, our communities, and our Creator.
That’s all the recap we can share with you from Team Williams’ event! See you in our next blog post!
