In the name of Allah

A puzzle could have 100 pieces or 1,000 pieces, but in the end - only one piece is designed to fit each part precisely. The pieces may be different, some parts round and others square; some sections open and others closed….but in a perfect and seamless way…complementary pieces just fit. In many ways, the love story of Ryan and Brianna has blossomed into a story of two pieces that fit beautifully. “And of everything We have created pairs that you may be mindful.” Holy Qur’an 51:49 Brother Ryan and Sister Brianna were first acquainted by way of the Healthy Relationships Initiative— an initiative aimed at strengthening the black family and creating spaces for NOI Believer’s to be introduced to each other through events and activities in a moral setting. It was through this initiative that Brother Ryan found Sister Brianna, later pursuing her. In October of 2022, he requested her for courtship, and despite the fact that the two lived nearly 900 miles apart, it was her first ‘yes.’ Throughout the courtship process they shared stories about everything from their family, work and school, to their goals, values and dreams. But they also laughed tremendously and grew to care deeply for one another beyond the surface. They studied and intellectually sparred, prayed together and read books, watched movies, and did video calls and even brought out the old pen and paper and wrote each other letters. They learned very early about what it means to compromise, how to be patient, and how to be creative as their long distance love developed. They visited each other a few times and in fact, after Brother Ryan visited Sister Brianna during her doctoral graduation ceremony in May 2023, after having met and gotten the approval of her family, he told her, “I can see us together, and I want to make that happen. With the help of Allah, I’m making plans for you.” A few months later, on her birthday (9/25), he proposed to her. Among laughter and tears, she gave her final 'yes,' and the two began preparing to open their chapter of forever. Both reserved, down-to-earth, friendly souls, they found in each other a safe space where they could be themselves while also encouraging each other’s growth. Most importantly, they found someone whom they entrust to help them on their journey to God, and they thank God immensely for this opportunity to complete half of their faith. They love to take walks, both adore the outdoors, quiet moments of reading and also dancing and just being able to laugh and have fun. They are also heavily involved in the STEM field, working in their communities and helping others. They look forward to merging their lives and uniting to build something beautiful, God-willing. They are excited, hopeful and grateful for this next chapter, and God-willing, May 18th, it will begin. Thank you, family and friends, for being here to celebrate this monumental moment for RnB. It truly means a lot. All praise is due to Allah!