Amina was born in Dubai in the 1970s. As a child, Amina was brutally
beaten by her father. As she came of age, she was cruelly discriminated
against in favor of her brothers. But as a woman she nonetheless
persisted in her love for her family, which was at the center of her
life.
Managing to connect her father with life-saving medical attention at a
time when he was dangerously close to death, she subsequently witnessed
what appeared to be a miracle. Her grateful father became a famous
businessman and a fervently devout Muslim. Delighted with his apparent
change of heart, Amina felt as though her loyalty had been rewarded.
Sadly for her and for many other people, she couldn’t have been more
mistaken. She soon discovered that her father was, in fact, a gangster,
hiding behind the shield of religion.
This true tale is more than a disturbing account of hypocrisy,
corruption, and betrayal. Thanks to Amina’s 14-year-old daughter, Maha,
who skillfully brings her story to life in these pages, it is also an
inspiring testament to the power of speaking the truth, of bringing
meaning to suffering, and of discovering what truly matters in this
life.