Throughout human history, when a person, family, or community needed something, they would make it. Whether that was a garment to shield against the elements, a vehicle by which to traverse the land or seas, a toy for a child, or a utensil to prepare food with, human hands created it. If something broke or wore down, those same human hands would repair it. 

For most of us living in modern times, this reality of our ancestors is barely fathomable. The palms and fingers that would have once sheared, combed, drawn, and spun animal wool, persuaded stone into forms, and whittled and whispered to wood, now swipe screens, click buttons, and unbox cardboard packages. In record time, the items we hastily and mindlessly order fly across the world and land on our doorsteps. When we’re done with them, they are cast onto mountains of waste, piling higher and higher in landfill sites, or left to float through the oceans. 

Making is Resistance: The Power of Crafting

As with all human oppression, there is a resistance force. Individuals who refuse senseless consumption and absurd wastage, who are willing to forego the dominating culture of new clothes hauls and fashion cycles, and defy the relentless purchasing of disposable items. Hearteningly, this community seems to be growing, especially among younger generations, as seen by the increasing presence of makers across social media. There is a whole network of potters, stitchers, weavers, foragers, crafters, and carvers, working to resist the common narrative of dangerous consumerism.

When I was going through a difficult time in my life, a wise relative advised me to step beyond my headspace, where I’d been tangled in trauma and thought, by engaging my hands. I tried both knitting and pottery and as my fingers moved through the wool and my hands carefully caressed the wet clay, I recall a stillness unfolding. A stillness that felt sacred, one that I had been yearning for. The moments that had felt tied up and contracted by worry expanded and unfurled, and I became acutely aware of the wonder, healing, and importance that Allah ﷻ has placed in our connection to making things by hand. 

Neuroscientist Dr Kelly Lambert attributes the global rise in depression and anxiety to the decrease in making things with our hands. 80% of the brain’s neurons link to movement rather than thought, with a staggering number controlling the hands specifically.

Making something by hand triggers a cascade of biological compounds that are vital to our well-being, including oxytocin, dopamine, and serotonin. It’s hardly surprising then that in this age of convenience capitalism and the digitalisation of almost every aspect of our lives, our collective sense of well-being has taken a major hit. 

It is traditionally taught among stonemasons that the rhythm of the hammer must match the mason’s heartbeat as if they are carving the beat of their innermost self into their work.

No matter how advanced AI becomes, no machine can ever match the sacredness of time, thought, and process of hand-made items.

As Muslims, honouring this modern resistance is essential – not only from the moral perspective of ethical and environmental consideration but also for the emphasis it places on mindfulness, the room it creates for inner stillness, and the way it connects us to our true selves. There is something visceral and vital about returning to making. Something that relates directly to our fitrah. 

Alongside making in general, the concepts of mending and repairing are becoming less and less prevalent. The fast pace of life and low prices of goods, often owing to unfair wages and slave labour, combine to mean many of us find it less hassle to simply buy another rather than take the time to fix something. This mindset propagates injustice, oppression, and dissonance within ourselves. Our beloved Prophet Muhammad ﷺ is known to have repaired his shoes and mended his clothes.

Next time you consider reaching for a needle and thread or some sandpaper and paint, remember that in opting to repair rather than replace something, not only are you benefiting the planet and your purse, but also following a sacred Sunnah.

Your mind, body, and soul will thank you for honouring your hands with their precious power and purpose. 

I spoke to some Muslim women makers who inspire me, and whose works embody the beautiful heart and spirit of hand-making, to discover more about what their work means to them.

1. Uroosa Threads

Uroosa Khan is a Yorkshire-based podiatrist, saving limbs by day and pursuing her passion for embroidery by night. Inspired by nature and the stories of elders, she infuses her work with her Pakistani roots. Outside of her professional life, Uroosa is dedicated to improving her Thai boxing skills. A firm believer in the power of kindness, she embraces every opportunity that comes her way, always with an open heart and curious mind.

Your one-off pieces are truly exquisite masha’Allah. I am the honoured owner of one of your beautifully embroidered designs which sits proudly in my kitchen! How did you first become interested in this craft?

U: My embroidery started during lockdown. I’ve always enjoyed making things with my hands. I’ve struggled with anxiety and panic attacks, and embroidery quickly became a soothing outlet. When we were all forced to take refuge in our homes, I was still working but it forced me to sit still on days that felt overwhelming and too much. That’s what I enjoy the most about it; the process.

Embroidery has taught me to slow down, you can’t rush stitches, they knot or get caught. Sometimes you do mess up, so you have to unstitch and start again, which makes the result even more satisfying. At moments it became quite meditative. There’s something therapeutic about the repetition of the same stitch over and over. Some of my pieces can take ten-plus hours. The time would fly by and in the process, you create something beautiful and meaningfully crafted with your hands. I have given away a lot of my pieces. A fair few have ended up in the homes of family and friends on request. Which is an honour in itself, for it to be a part of somebody’s personal space.

Your work features a variety of themes, from the culture of Yorkshire to Charlotte Brontë‘s wisdom, but perhaps most prominently, Pakistani culture. I’d love to hear more about this. 

U: For me personally a lot of embroidery was inspired by my Pakistani roots. Being a third culture kid and navigating the complex juxtaposition of the cultural traditions my parents held onto whilst they voyaged west and a British upbringing was confusing. Being Pakistani wasn’t mainstream, I was in constant conflict between two traditions. Now, as an adult having gone back and wanting to explore my ancestral roots, I have love for both where I live and where my parents came from. Now I hope to change that narrative, I want to bring the love of my cultures into the artwork I create.

I have a profound appreciation and love for Urdu, one word can hold so much depth. My culture is so vast and rich with amalgamations of colours and textures, poetry and art. Be that a hand-painted rikshaw or captivating qawwali, It’s impossible for it not to be a huge source of inspiration. 

In addition, my embroidery became a catalyst for connecting with my parents. Through it, I began to hear their stories—about life and traditions in Pakistan, and their journey of adapting to a foreign land. This exchange created a beautiful cycle of inspiration, fuelling my work and sparking new ideas. It felt as if the more I created, the more stories and insights emerged, and the ideas kept flowing.

Thank you so much for sharing your incredible work with us, I look forward to seeing it continue to soar and develop!

2. Seeds of Selma

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by S E L M A🌱📚📿 (@seedsofselma)

Selma Maloumi is a graduate of BSc Biology and MSc in Medicinal Natural Products and Phytochemistry at UCL. She has created online and in-person events such as seminars and sister circles, to learn the teachings of traditional forms of medicine and how to apply them to the 21st century. By bringing together Islam, science, nature, and traditional teachings of health, Selma encourages women to make better decisions for their health. She also held hikes that grew in popularity over the years and created a nurturing environment for women to deepen their relationship with nature.

Selma is also a qualified Integrative Health Coach and works with women to support them on their journey to better health and vitality. You can find her hand-crafted products on Etsy.

I’ve been inspired by your connection to the natural world and the small batch oils you produce from your foraged plants. How did this journey begin for you?

S: I was drawn to foraging by satisfying my long-standing curiosity and appreciation for the natural world. I studied plant therapy in my Masters degree, and this opened my eyes to the true healing properties that plants hold, and how magnificent yet overlooked they are. This led me to do my research on the plants native to the UK, and their associated benefits, and would encourage me to think about how I can incorporate the wonderful world of plants into my daily life, such as creating healing herbal tinctures, teas, and even facial care products such as rosehip-infused oil. 

In our world, it’s far easier to pop down to a shop, (or even just sit still and order for next-day delivery) to buy a skincare product, than to go through this process. What do foraging and making mean to you and why do you choose to do this? Have these practices impacted your well-being or lifestyle in any way? What advice would you give to someone curious about foraging and making things by hand?

S: To me, foraging means understanding the medicinal gifts that Allah ﷻ has granted us on this earth to enjoy and benefit from. It also means developing a relationship with the natural world – one that is rooted in respect and humility. It always leaves me reflecting on what we too can provide the earth – cleanliness, respect, tenderness and awe/gratitude.

Hand-making allows me to be conscious of my footprint, and how much I use/consume of said thing. It deepens my awareness of all of these things and simultaneously encourages me to not be wasteful. It encourages me to be mindful of all the products I use daily, the food I eat, the content I consume, the books I read, and the conversations I have. To think properly about the type of clothes I buy, their impact on the environment and whether they have been ethically sourced. In essence, mindfulness can seep into every aspect of your life as long as you welcome it with curiosity.

To someone considering this, go for it! There are so many resources available online for you to try your hand and make things. It can range from facial oils, and body scrubs, to herbal tea blends. I would say just be mindful, and have fun with it.

Thank you so much for shedding light on this beautiful, simple, yet profound practice! I pray you continue to enhance your mindful connection to nature always.

3. Rahma Jewellery

Shuhena is a full-time mum of two energetic boys, balancing family life with running her own small business. Originally from West Yorkshire, Shuhena also lived in Jordan and spent long periods in Bangladesh, but now calls Scotland her home. She has an academic background in Linguistics and Deaf Studies and has worked with children with Special Educational Needs (SEN) in both state and specialist schools. Shuhena has always taken inspiration from her faith, Bangladeshi/South Asian heritage and the beautiful Scottish countryside.

Your jewellery is elegant, unique, and sustainable, I’m a huge fan! How did you get into this art and what was your journey to founding your brand – Rahma?

R: I have always been creative but never pursued it past college because of the premise ‘It won’t get you a job’ – not that the degree I pursued landed me a great job! 

Art is incredibly therapeutic, and engaging in it brings about so many benefits including self-compassion. Although I have an interest in different art mediums, jewellery making was especially attractive to me as an ancient art. It fascinated me how adornment of this type was part of all old civilisations and the craftsmanship was so intricate and complex. We still use all of these methods in traditional jewellery-making today.

I started Rahma Jewellery amid a lot of changes in my life. I had gotten married, moved countries and soon after, I became a mum. Most people assume I had named my business after myself or my child but it was my way of reconnecting myself with Allah. Or rather reinterpreting what I had been taught about Him. Like many Muslims, my worship of Allah was encouraged through fear of Him, and the more I pursued spirituality the more I beat myself up for not worshipping ‘enough’. This was my reminder of Ar-Rahman. Because nothing goes unnoticed by Him and He is more Merciful than He is Wrathful. 

Rahma Jewellery was also a reminder to me that art isn’t as pointless as I had been taught, and seeing the beauty in it can still connect you to your Lord because He is the creator of beauty. Allah loves beauty and the Prophet ﷺ loved beauty.

Has your craft had any tangible impact on your well-being? Have you noticed any changes in yourself through it? 

R: Making jewellery and learning these new skills has had a positive effect on my mental health which in turn leads to better spiritual health. With the many life changes, all of a sudden my time was no longer mine but for others, and that was exhausting. Rahma Jewellery was the only thing that was purely for me. So once the kids were in bed and I had some energy or needed to wind down, melting metals to make pretty things was a form of self-care – unfortunately hammering had to be on hold until a more acceptable hour.

Was the consideration of ethics important in how you set up and operate?

R: In our world of wastage and fast fashion, entrapment works against the ethos of  Muslims. I do my best to embody the meaning of ‘Rahma’ in my work from making the jewellery myself to being as sustainable and eco-friendly as possible. I try to support charities and causes and keep a lookout for ones that I feel I can connect with. It also helps to know that I am accountable for not just my interactions with others but everything around me.

Thank you so much for this inspiring conversation, and I pray that your business goes from strength to strength and that all of your intentions are fulfilled and accepted.

4. The Bright Blooms

Atia is a content creator and crafter who is known for colourful sewing, knitting and interior projects. She lives in London and works as a doctor. She has a website where she shares her projects and is also on Instagram.

I’ve loved seeing your vibrant, joyful textiles, knitwear, and garments for years now, and would love to hear more about what it was that drew you to doing this. 

A: I’ve been interested in making things by hand for many years, starting with knitting and improvised clothing when I was a student. To begin with, I was simply interested in making clothes and accessories which were more interesting and unique and being able to control all aspects of that process from choosing the colours, textures and materials to the design and customisation (e.g. for hijab). 

Making items yourself can be a very liberating process, as you have complete freedom over the process. It is also incredibly interesting to develop skills in crafts like dressmaking and knitting, as there is always something new to learn. I didn’t feel like I was limited even as a beginner, as there is such a wealth of resources online now. I am mostly self-taught although I have attended a few basic courses as well over the years. I would say it is a creative process and outlet as well as a skill, one that is no longer seen as essential in a time when we can buy whatever we want, but which has its own value.

Many people feel that buying something mass-produced is just more convenient, cheap, and efficient than crafting it yourself. In this context, what does hand-making mean to you? 

A: Buying something cheap and mass-produced does not appeal to me as the majority of products are now poor quality with dubious and unethical production and often made in synthetic fibres which don’t last, are uncomfortable to wear and are bad for the planet. I’m not interested in ‘garment hauls’ and having multiple colours of the same item which will be thrown away, as I don’t feel they are in line with the values of caring for the environment and maintaining a simpler life.

I used to want to make a lot more, partly as a drive to learn and be more creative, but I’m now more interested in using what I have more mindfully and sustainably.

I prefer to make items that will last for years or that can be passed on and reused. There is also a great sense of community amongst makers, as you can connect with people who share your interests and values.

Do you feel making things by hand holds spiritual significance?

A: Spiritually, I do think making, reusing and mending are qualities that align with Islamic values. By making things ourselves we are more connected to every stage of the process and understand the time and work that goes into creating these items. Instead of seeing things as commodities you are more aware of the time and work that goes into them, and you have more respect for them.

Thank you, Atia for your important and beneficial insights, and for inspiring us with these ethical principles. May these choices weigh heavily on your scales!

Apart from these creators, following are some other Muslim makers whose work we have been loving.

• Mohammed Shaid – Hand-carved tasbihs, hand-bound books, and carved silver rings and jewellery
• The Night Press – Hand-carved rubber block prints
• Hamaila – Hand-crafted silver jewellery
• QM Design – Hand-crafted wooden boxes and décor pieces
• Lote Tree Healing – Sunnah-inspired eco-friendly skin and haircare
• The Little Pomegranate – Sewing clothes and home décor

“He who works with his hands is a labourer. He who works with his hands and his head is a craftsman. He who works with his hands and his head and his heart is an artist.”  – John Paul Caponigro