By Senar Hamad, Registered pharmacist currently studying dentistry at Griffith University in Queensland, Australia
Along the journey of student life and working in healthcare, shared moments of sisterhood, creativity and reflection offer meaningful enrichment.
In this spirit, the Griffith University Muslim Students Association, in collaboration with the Australian Islamic Medical Association (AIMA) Queensland, hosted a Sisters’ Paint & Sip on Sunday 18 May 2025, at Broadwater Parklands, Gold Coast.
Held during the warmer Autumn weather, the event created a relaxed and welcoming space for sisters to unwind, connect, and reflect.
It brought together 25 attendees from diverse backgrounds, including university students, healthcare professionals, and mothers.
The sisters were also met with some friendly swans who made themselves at home, adding to the serene atmosphere.
The aim of the event was to foster a sense of sisterhood, mutual support, and faith-based reflection, with a focus on navigating faith in healthcare, university, and everyday life.
It offered an opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations while enjoying a creative outlet under the sun.
Attendees enjoyed light refreshments and an assortment of brownies and cookies from HunkyDunky Delights, while showcasing their artistic talents on canvas.
Beyond the painting, what made the afternoon truly memorable was the open discussion and collective reflection on faith, sisterhood, shared challenges, and personal growth.
Guided thoughtfully by Senar Hamad, AIMA QLD Student Co-lead, the discussion began with an introduction to AIMA and its initiatives for students and healthcare professionals.
This set the tone for a meaningful conversation, during which sisters reflected on the impact of small yet powerful acts of support, such as greeting one another with a salam or taking a moment to check in.
They also reflected on how islamic values such as intention, sabr (patience), empathy, and compassion shape their roles as students and healthcare professionals.
A central theme of the discussion was the reality of life’s tests and the importance of trusting Allah’s plan.
وَلَنَبْلُوَنَّكُم بِشَىْءٍۢ مِّنَ ٱلْخَوْفِ وَٱلْجُوعِ وَنَقْصٍۢ مِّنَ ٱلْأَمْوَٰلِ وَٱلْأَنفُسِ وَٱلثَّمَرَٰتِ ۗ وَبَشِّرِ ٱلصَّـٰبِرِينَ
“We will certainly test you… Give good news to those who patiently endure.” (Quran 2:155)
Sisters shared how stories from the Quran, such as that of Prophet Yunus, and various ayahs provide comfort and motivation in challenging times. These included, but were not limited to:
يُرِيدُ اللَّهُ بِكُمُ الْيُسْرَ وَلا يُرِيدُ بِكُمُ الْعُسْر
“Allah intends for you ease and does not intend for you hardship. (Quran 2:185)
وَمَن يَتَوَكَّلۡ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ فَهُوَ حَسۡبُهُ
And whoever puts their trust in Allah, then He alone is sufficient for them. (Quran 65:3)
إِنَّ مَعَ ٱلۡعُسۡرِ یُسۡرࣰا
Indeed, with hardship comes ease. (Quran 94:6)
أَلَا بِذِكۡرِ ٱللَّهِ تَطۡمَىِٕنُّ ٱلۡقُلُوبُ
Surely, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find comfort. (Quran 13:28)
إِنَّ مَعِيَ رَبِّي سَيَهۡدِينِ
My Rabb is with me. He will guide me.” (Quran 26:62)
The afternoon fostered meaningful reflection and connection, cultivating a spirit of sisterhood, strengthening bonds, and welcoming new friendships. As one of the attendees shared:
“I just wanted to thank you and the organisers again for a beautiful afternoon. It was so well organised, from the arrangements and refreshments and the opportunity for reflection and learning and creativity. May Allah bless you all for your efforts and for creating such a beautiful gathering.”
The creativity on display reflected the diversity and warmth of the gathering.
A friendly vote and small prizes added to the joyful atmosphere, as sisters selected their favourite artworks.
From florals to landscapes, difficult decisions were made to choose the winning paintings.
The gathering served as a reminder that growth is enriched through kind words and good company.
AIMA Queensland looks forward to many more gatherings that continue to nurture sisterhood and connection.
