“I am Yosri Bouassida, a seeker of Hijra — spiritual, geographical, and intellectual. I revive the spirit of Hijra through my journeys, my writings, and the timeless lessons of the Prophet’s Hijra and the Forgotten Legends of Islam.”

I am still fleeing to Allah, poor, stranger, and eternal learner

Biography of Yosri Bouassida (Abû Ryan)

Yosri Bouassida (Abû Ryan) is an Islamic Novelist and storyteller devoted to reviving the forgotten treasures of Islamic history through the art of narrative. His writing is distinguished by its unique fusion of scholarly accuracy, Qur’anic symbolism, and literary depth—offering readers not just history but living guidance.

He is the creator of the groundbreaking series Forgotten Legends of Islam—the first collection of Islamic historical novels of its kind. In this ambitious project, Bouassida opens six narrative doors into the world of the Prophet ﷺ and his Companions, each one revealing a dimension of faith: loyalty and servitude with Zayd ibn Ḥārithah, sacrifice with Jaʿfar ibn Abī Ṭālib, spiritual longing with Salmān al-Fārisī, moral courage with Abū Dharr al-Ghifārī, divine passion with Rābiʿa al-ʿAdawiyya, and others whose voices history has eclipsed. Together, these works form a mosaic of human striving and divine nearness, restoring to the ummah heroes who were nearly forgotten.

Bouassida’s storytelling mirrors the Qur’an’s own method—repetition with variation, symbolism that pierces the heart, and dramatic turning points that shape character and destiny. His novels transport readers beyond the page: battles are felt, sacrifices are witnessed, and faith becomes tangible. Youth find in them answers to their identity, while parents discover a powerful tool for nurturing faith at home.

His perspective has also been enriched by a lifetime of travel. Having lived for over a year in countries such as the United States, Oman, Jordan, Lebanon, and Libya, he has immersed himself in diverse cultures and communities. These experiences opened his mind and spirit to the vastness of humanity, deepening his empathy and sharpening his vision as a writer whose work speaks not only to Muslims, but to the universal human search for truth, meaning, and connection.

His works have received wide recognition for their originality and impact, earning literary awards and international readership. More importantly, they have become a means of daʿwah and cultural revival, offering the Muslim world narratives that inspire, educate, and awaken.

For Yosri Bouassida, writing is not merely an art—it is a trust. A mission to ensure that the forgotten voices of Islam are heard again and that the ummah rediscovers the barakah hidden in its own history.

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Thinking of Hijrah to Allah? Think Again.

If you want to make hijrah for the sake of Allah, you might need to think again.Hijrah today is not what it was in the time of the Prophet ﷺ.

Now, you need a visa, permanent residency, a sponsor, and often a lot of money.You won’t be welcomed as a “Muhājir” fleeing to Allah. Instead, you’ll be stamped as an immigrant—in a world where immigrants are often treated like criminals or burdens.

There are no more Ansār waiting to share their homes and food with you. Step into a mosque today, and many won’t see you as a blessing from Allah. They may see you as a stranger, invading their space, even “rubbing their food.”

So yes—without wealth, connections, and papers, hijrah seems impossible.But is that the whole truth? Not at all.

Bad people exist, but good people are everywhere too. In every land and every time, Allah plants sincere servants devoted to Him who will help you.

Yes, you need visas and documents—but the One who said:> “O My believing servants! My earth is truly spacious, so worship Me ˹alone˺.” (29:56)can break any barrier for you. Just worship Him alone, and trust Him fully.

Yes, you need money to move abroad—but He is ar-Razzāq, the Provider. He can open doors with little, place barakah in what you have, and send people to serve you—if you are truly sincere and surrendered to Him.

Yes, some will look at you as worthless, even criminal—but why should that matter? You did not travel for them. You crossed borders for Allah. Keep your eyes on Him alone.

It is hard to be a Muhājir. It has always been hard—even in the time of the Prophet ﷺ. But what merit would hijrah carry if it wasn’t a test?

“Do people think that once they say, ‘We believe,’ they will be left without being tested? We certainly tested those before them. And Allah will surely distinguish between those who are truthful and those who are liars.” (29:2–3).

I am sick and tired…
of my weak faith.
I am sick and tired…
of my lazy worship.
I am sick and tired…
of my shallow love for Allah
and His beloved Messenger ﷺ.
I am sick and tired…
of this diseased nafs
that keeps dragging me away.
I am sick and tired…
of my incapacity
to thank Allah as He deserves.
I am sick and tired…
of my istighfar
that itself needs istighfar.

My chest tightens —
from the weight of longing,
longing that my love
could be worthy of Him.

My head spins
from thinking of His greatness,
and the smallness of my deeds.

My tongue trembles,
unable to speak the praise He deserves.

My body weakens,
unable to worship
as did the best of His creation.

How I despise myself
when I think of all this.

How can we ever repay a Lord
who guides us to faith,
then rewards us
for what He Himself inspired us to do,
then thanks us for it —
though we have no power,
no strength,
no worth?

What greatness is this, O Allah?
What generosity is this,
that breaks beyond all bounds of generosity?

How can one who truly knows You
ever rest again?
How can a soul
that has tasted the sweetness of Your love
and the love of Your Messenger ﷺ
ever find comfort
in the glitter of this fleeting world?

Ah… you lovers,
you knowers,
you hearts that burned before us —
how can we understand your cries,
when we have never been consumed
by the fire of your yearning?

And after all this failure,
all this forgetfulness and denial —
the Most Generous,
the Most Merciful still says:

“And surely your Lord will give you until you are pleased.”


The pens have been lifted.
The pages have dried.

“It is never too late.”

I spent fifty-five years of my life lost — chasing a thousand dreams, running after fame and wealth — while I knew, since the age of seven, that there is only one true dream: to please Allah.

I lived ذليلًا — humiliated, constantly asking people for help and support — while I knew, since the age of seven, that true help and support come only from Allah.

I was foolish, thinking that all the good ideas, talents, and insights I had were because I was intelligent — while I knew, since the age of seven, that every success and blessing comes only from Allah.

I was poor in spirit, begging Allah in every repentance to solve my worldly problems — while I knew, since the age of seven, that the only thing that truly matters is the Hereafter.

Thus, I wasted fifty-five years of my miserable life — knowing the truth, yet walking away from it.

But a year ago, Allah — out of His mercy — blessed me with a final Hijrah to Him: both geographically and spiritually.
A journey, I pray, with a one-way ticket — never to return to anything but Him.

I could have easily been
a young man who grew up in the obedience of Allah,
or a just ruler,
or a man whom a beautiful woman invited to sin but he refused —
or one of those whom Allah will shade under His Throne on the Day of Resurrection.

But I hope to reach — through my trust in the generosity of Allah —
what I could never reach through my own deeds.