by Malaika Khan

Change begins the moment a girl decides her dreams are not negotiable, they are her destiny.

Religion, however, tells a different story. Islam calls us to channel our highest energy and devotion into our life’s work. Passion is not a lack of modesty, it is purpose in motion. It is using the abilities Allah has given us with sincerity and excellence. 

This truth is rooted in our faith. The Quran declares: and that there is not for man except that [good] for which he strives (surah An-Najm, 53:39). This verse applies equally to women. Our efforts define our path. Complimenting this, the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) taught: Allah loves that when one of you does a job, he does it with excellence (Ihsan). This hadith is a powerful message for all Muslims, men and women, to pursue our callings with dedication and integrity. Seeking knowledge and striving for success is not reserved for one gender; it is an obligation upon every Muslim.  

These teachings liberate rather than limit. They remind me that true devotion includes pouring myself into what I love, whether that’s understanding engines, analysing race strategies, or one day engineering performance cars myself. 

Real change becomes visible through women who refuse to be confined. Amna Al Qubaisi, the Emirati racing driver, embodies this powerfully. She has broken multiple barriers: first female in the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia Pro class, competitor in the F1 Academy with MP Motorsport and the winner of an F4 trophy race at Yas Marina during an F1 weekend. Alongside her sister Hamda, she competes at the highest levels while representing faith and resilience. 

Amna’s journey, from karting to international circuits, shows what happens when passion meets persistence. She didn’t wait for permission from culture. She answered a higher call. Women like her don’t just achieve personal success; they shift possibilities for everyone watching. They proved that a girl passionate about cars isn’t an outlier, she’s a pioneer. 

We need to challenge these narratives. Culture may try to define our limits, but faith calls us to exceed them. To every young woman reading this who feels the pull towards something “unconventional”: your passion is valid. It is not too much. It is necessary. Pursue it with excellence. Modesty and ambition are not enemies, they reinforce each other. 

This isn’t about rejecting culture wholesale. It’s about refining it. Keeping what encourages, and questioning what restrains. There will be doubts, stereotypes, and setbacks. But with faith as the foundation, and effort as the fuel, we empower to move forward. 

I refuse to let cultural expectations dim my drive. The track is open, the engine is running, and the future belongs to those bold enough to accelerate toward it.