Zainab Qayyum is a renowned Pakistani television actress and former supermodel. She has now established herself as a phenomenal character actor. Her most successful television shows include Pakeeza Phupo, Khalish, Mohabbat Chordi Maine, Kala Doriya, Intiqam, Riyasat, Sarkar Sahab, Yeh Zindagi Hai, Jalebiyan, Mohabbat Ab Nahi Hogi, Khumar, Aangan, Phir Wohi Mohabbat, Burns Road Kay Romeo and Juliet, and Khushboo Main Basay Khat. Most recently, fans praised her portrayal of Fozia in Geo TV’s drama serial Dayan and Sanwal Yaar Piya. She is also regarded as one of the spiritually inclined and religious Pakistani celebrities.
A few months ago, Zainab Qayyum appeared on Rafay Mehmood’s podcast, where she shared details of her spiritual journey. ZQ also revealed what persuaded her to observe Aitkaf regularly every year.
Talking about it, Zainab Qayyum said, “I reached a stage in my thirties where nobody was giving me peace—not even my mother, friends, or family’s consoling words. There was a time when I would wake up in the middle of the night, and then I started praying. I thought maybe it was Allah’s call. I then began offering Tahajjud, which gave me peace. Now, I regularly pray Tahajjud, and I still feel more peace during it than during the other five prayers. My mother cannot sit in Aitkaf, but one of my khalas used to observe it. I would tell my mother that I also wanted to try it. It has been 13 years since I started observing Aitkaf, and I have never taken a break. I began when I was 33. Now, it feels like a vacation for me where I completely disconnect from the world, without any social media contact. Initially, I used to announce that I would be unavailable for a few days, but eventually my colleagues realized that I was observing Aitkaf. Officially, you can cut off from the world, recharge yourself, and it is truly a great experience. I feel refreshed for the entire year after Aitkaf.” Here is the link to the video:
