As Oman marks Omani Women’s Day on October 17, Rahma Adam’s story highlights the many forms of strength, perseverance and contribution among Omani women. Through sharing her experience with multiple sclerosis, she has turned a deeply personal journey into an opportunity to raise awareness, encourage understanding and offer hope to others facing chronic illness. Her story is a reminder that a woman’s impact is not defined by her physical abilities or circumstances, but also by her resilience, the lessons she shares and the lives she touch.
At 23, Rahma was looking forward to a future filled with hopes and possibilities. However, symptoms that began in 2015 left her searching for answers for nearly three years before she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) in 2018.
The condition gradually changed her physical abilities, and since 2024, she has been unable to walk and relies on a wheelchair. Everyday activities that once came naturally now require assistance, patience and planning.
Despite these challenges, Rahma has found strength in her faith in Allah, embracing patience, gratitude and trust in His plan.
“I never would have chosen this journey for myself, but I believe that Allah can bring goodness out of experiences we would never have chosen”, she said.
For Rahma, viewing MS as a blessing does not mean denying its difficulties. She continues to experience challenging days, grieve what she has lost and pray for healing. However, the experience has strengthened her relationship with Allah and taught her that gratitude need not depend on favourable circumstances.
“I can grieve what I have lost and still be grateful for what remains. I can ask Allah for healing while trusting Him through the waiting”, she said.
Her journey has also reshaped her understanding of strength. Through physiotherapy, appreciating small improvements and taking life one day at a time, she continues to navigate an uncertain future. She believes that accepting assistance does not diminish a person’s worth, dignity or potential.
Rahma has turned her personal experience into an opportunity to raise awareness about MS through social media, sharing the challenges of living with the condition alongside the lessons she has learned.
Having experienced symptoms for nearly three years before receiving a diagnosis, she understands the importance of awareness and early recognition. She hopes her story will encourage others to seek answers and help society better understand chronic illnesses.
MS affects people differently, she noted, and not every symptom is visible. People may appear well while experiencing fatigue, pain or mobility difficulties, making greater compassion and understanding essential.
Throughout her journey, Rahma has drawn strength from her faith, family and friends, as well as an online community whose prayers and heartfelt messages have helped her feel less alone. She also carries the enduring love of her late parents, whom she remembers with deep affection.
By sharing her experience, she has transformed a personal struggle into an opportunity to raise awareness, encourage understanding and offer hope to others facing chronic illness. Her story reminds us that a woman’s impact extends beyond her physical abilities or circumstances to the lessons she shares and the lives she touches.
Her message to women facing chronic illness is simple: they do not have to be strong every day or measure their worth against others.
“Do not let your hardship convince you that Allah has abandoned you, and do not wait for your circumstances to change before you allow yourself to see the blessings that remain”, she said.
For Rahma, life may look different from what she once imagined, but its possibilities remain. Through faith, hope and perseverance, she continues to find meaning in the journey ahead.
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