In the spring of 2024, our lives quietly shifted course at the World Bank/IMF Meetings in Washington, D.C. Sheikh AbdulKareem was leading a respected delegation from Lagos, Nigeria. Aisha Rivka Nisha was there representing her consulting firm, focused, composed, and slightly jetlagged. Amidst the buzz of diplomacy and economics, Allah caused our eyes to meet in the atrium. What started as a professional exchange became something more. After finishing with his team, Imam engaged Aisha in a conversation about her work. She graciously offered to take a photo of him and his delegation. Then, in a moment now marked by divine humor, he asked her to step into the photo too. Now, let’s pause right there. Most couples have stories about their first date, their first text, maybe even their first awkward handshake. But how many people have a photo of the literal first moment they met their spouse? We do. Frame-worthy evidence that the Almighty was already setting something in motion. And that was no accident; it was Allah SWT laying the first brick of something beautiful.

After that moment, we returned to our respective lives. But what is written always finds its way. A few months later, Aisha was in Lagos for work and tried to reach out to Imam; except she accidentally messaged one of his staff members instead. (Oops.) But divine miscommunication can be the best kind. That staff member handed Imam the phone at an ice cream shop, and a brief but warm conversation followed. They didn’t meet in person that time, but destiny was only getting started.

During the festive season, Imam invited Aisha to a wedding in Lagos. They met again but this time amidst celebration, conversation, and the kind of energy only West African weddings can bring. It was there that a real friendship began. One grounded in shared values, mutual respect, and long, meaningful conversations. It didn’t take long for that friendship to become something deeper. When Allah writes a person into your life, your heart recognizes them even before your mind can explain it.

Soon after, Imam proposed, with clarity, sincerity, and reliance on Allah’s guidance. But before anything else, it was important to honor tradition. So, with five companions, including Sheikh Saad and a full heart, Imam journeyed to Accra, Ghana, to formally ask Aisha’s father, Rudy, for her hand in marriage. Alhamdulillah, permission was granted; with only mild grilling from Dad. (Let’s just say Rudy asked a few solid questions, and Imam answered with grace and conviction.) . Shortly after, we were legally married. Neither of us wanted to wait any longer. When you know Allah has brought you your person, you move with certainty and gratitude.

A year later, we are bringing together our loved ones to witness and celebrate our union: Islamically, traditionally, and joyfully. This celebration is more than a wedding. It is a testimony to the power of du’a, divine timing, and the beauty of two worlds coming together. Call it #IslandSpiceMeetsJollofRice. A Bajan-Naija love story crafted by faith, full of flavor, and anchored in purpose. We cannot wait to share this moment with you. Come ready to pray, laugh, dance, party and be part of what happens when destiny is fulfilled.