About Us
My name is Abu Muhammad, and I want to share my story with you. I live in Sri Lanka with my beloved wife and our five wonderful children. Alhamdulillah, I consider myself truly blessed for the family I have.
My journey has been a rollercoaster of emotions and experiences. It all began when I ventured into my very first business in Dubai, a computer shop. Unfortunately, I faced setbacks and losses that brought me back to Sri Lanka.
Early Entrepreneurial Ventures
It was here that I joined forces with two dear friends, and together we embarked on the thrilling path of entrepreneurship.
Our collective dream led to the creation of a groundbreaking startup – an online meat ordering system, the first of its kind in Sri Lanka. We started from scratch, pouring our hearts and souls into this venture. Remarkably, we achieved remarkable success, with 400 kg in weekly sales and partnerships with over 20 restaurant chains. Our journey was marked by resilience and determination.
However, our dreams were abruptly halted due to the tragic events of the bombing in Sri Lanka. Tourism ground to a halt, and the shadows of racism loomed large, casting a dark cloud over our aspirations. In the face of adversity, two of my friends chose to seek employment elsewhere, leaving me and my wife to navigate the uncertain path forward.
A New Chapter
Undeterred, we decided to create our own products. We began with a 100% Natural Nutrition powder and expanded our offerings to include energy bars, kombucha drinks, Kos Koththu, and more. Our journey was characterized by ups and downs, navigating the challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic and the four lockdowns that shook our country. Yet, we persevered, pushing forward until the end of 2021.
Regrettably, we reached a point where we could no longer continue due to the economic crisis in our country. The triple hike in the US dollar exchange rate and the unavailability of some crucial raw materials due to import restrictions left us with no choice but to shut down our production. With no other income source to sustain us, I had to reluctantly embrace a 9 to 5 job.
Financial Struggles
Leaving my wife's mother's home due to her brother's wedding, we moved into a rental house. My job's salary alone wasn't enough to make ends meet, so I took on a part-time job with a friend. Despite both jobs, my income fell short, and every month, I found myself needing an extra Rs. 50,000 to cover our expenses.
Determined to find a solution, I explored various avenues, including Amazon, Etsy, Affiliate Marketing, Fiverr, Upwork, Freelancer and Kindle, but none proved successful.
In my quest to bridge the financial gap, I decided to start a Digital Marketing Agency. While it allowed me to complete some projects and earn to meet our expenses, it consumed a significant amount of my time, making it challenging to keep up with my primary job. Regrettably, I had to halt the digital marketing agency and search for alternative means to tackle my financial debts. This is when the idea for My Ummati was born.
At present, my financial debt has become a heavy burden, exceeding US $49,900. To keep things afloat, I've had to borrow from friends and family, and I even resorted to selling my wife's jewelry. There were days when I had to ask my children for assistance from their savings (Tills). Bills have piled up, and school fees remain unpaid.
Search for Additional Income
I've always dreamt of migrating to the UK, Europe, or Canada, with a student visa as the only feasible option. Unfortunately, given my current financial situation, I'm unable to manage the costs or borrow the necessary funds. Other avenues, such as visit visas or job opportunities, come with hefty expenses imposed by agents, making them unattainable. I've applied for various jobs, but, by Allah's will, I've yet to secure any employment.
I have come to realize that there is a purpose in the challenges I am facing. I now understand the financial difficulties experienced by people in Sri Lanka and how they make ends meet. I see this as an opportunity granted to me by Allah to gain insight and empathy for those in similar situations. Alhamdulillah, I recognize that everything happens for a reason, and I am learning from every trial that Allah places in my path.
I firmly believe that one day these hardships will be a distant memory, and I will find a way to settle my debts and establish a life in Europe or the UK, Insha Allah, if it is Allah's will. I refuse to lose hope, and I am grateful to Allah for granting me this unique life experience. Each of us faces our own trials; for some, it's in relationships, for others, it's the challenge of having children, or health issues. In my case, I am grappling with financial difficulties for now, and I say Alhamdulillah for the lessons I am learning through this journey.
The Birth of MyUmmati
It is in this context that the My Ummati project was born. I wanted to use it as a means of spreading Dawah and addressing the difficulties we encounter. It serves not only as a means of sharing Islam but also as a constant reminder to myself, my family, and all of you about the beauty and guidance that Islam offers in our lives. Additionally, my wife has started her own YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/@mybeautystitches) focusing on hand embroidery to support our financial situation. However, she is still working towards monetizing her channel, with just over 400 subscribers.
I humbly seek your support in any way you can provide it. Whether it's by following my wife's YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/@mybeautystitches), sharing it with your friends and family, spreading the word about the My Ummati website, sharing our social media profiles, ordering our products, or even sending a contribution through platforms like "buy me a coffee," "ko-fee," or using crypto payments.
Furthermore, I invite you to share your guidance, suggestions, and advice based on the teachings of the Quran and Hadith. Your insights are invaluable in helping us steer My Ummati in the right direction and make a positive impact on the lives of those who need it most.
Once my debt is cleared, Insha Allah, I intend to allocate a portion of the profits from MyUmmati site for charitable endeavors. Please remember us in your prayers, and I will keep you in my prayers as well. May Allah accept our intention and grant us a lofty position in Jannat al-Firdaus.
