In a dazzling celebration of storytelling, resilience, and womanhood, Nigerian author Rawsheeda Akorede Saheed, fondly known as Kim, launched not one, but five books in a single literary event that left guests inspired and deeply moved.
Titled The Lady Collection (Tranquil Journey), this anthology is more than a series of narratives; it is a mirror held up to the lives of Muslim women across generations, cultures, and emotional landscapes.
A Vision Born from Experience
Three years ago, Rawsheeda released her debut novel. The response was overwhelming. A friend urged her to delve deeper into the characters, to give each woman her own voice. That spark ignited a fire and The Lady Collection was born.
At the event themed; Celebrating Womanhood, Relationships, and Self Discoverythrough faith and growth, Rawsheeda said: “Women need to learn from my mistakes so they don’t make the same ones. There are happy moments too. These stories are about growth, healing, and hope”.
The Five Archetypes
Each book in the collection centres on a distinct archetype:
Title/Focus
The Vivacious Lady:
Hind’s journey through intimacy, self-awareness, and emotional honesty.
The Radiant Lady:
Hind’s mother navigating fading love and rediscovering connection.
The Pining Lady:
A single woman confront ing unrealistic expectations of love.
The Enamored Lady:
A traditional homemaker embracing the beauty of nurturing.
A divorced woman helping others build strong marriages.
Who Is This For?
Rawsheeda’s target audience is clear: Muslim women, especially those of marriageable age. But the themes transcend religious boundaries. From pre-marital guidance to navigating the complexities of long-term relationships, the books offer wisdom for every phase of a woman’s life.
“Marriage is not sustained by love alone”, she emphasised. “Perseverance, prayer, patience, and communication are key”.
Voices from the Launch
The launch event was a tapestry of heartfelt tributes and powerful reflections.
- Alh. AbdulRasheed Akorede (Father and Chairman of the Day):
Overwhelmed by the crowd at the book launch, he called the day “a dream come true”, praising the creative courage it took to birth five books at once. He described Rawsheeda as a dutiful wife to the husband and has been a very good child to the parents who always heed to instructions.
He thanked Rawsheeda’s husband and in-laws for their support, reminding everyone that this was not just a celebration of words but of wisdom. Akorede in his view said the books are revealing and unique with a link between one of the books and the other, most interestingly focusing on women. “That it is a book about women is very good because when we have good women in the society the society will be very good. The problem we are having in Nigeria today is because our family system has gone bankrupt. If we have a very good family system in Nigeria the country will also be good. So the titles are apt, they are very good for the occasion.
- Imam Abdur-Rahman Ahmad (Keynote Speaker):
He honoured Rawsheeda’s lineage, noting her connection as a granddaughter to Baba Yayi Akorede, and affirmed that Allah rewards the upright and sincere.
- Dr. Aisha Adavriku (Book Reviewer):
Adavriku described the day as a day of sisterhood and friendship, also a celebration of creativity publishing five books at a go.
“Let The Lady Collection sit on your soul, not your shelf”, she urged. The contents of the book point to faith, marriage, growth and resilience so I will say that today’s event is a huge success. It breaks down the transitions we go through as women so the titles are on point.
She praised The Vivacious Lady for redefining intimacy as an act of worship, blending faith, self-care, and honest communication. Adavriku called on families to ensure young women understand Islamic intimacy before entering marriage, framing the books as essential tools, not luxuries for preserving the sanctity of the marital institution.
•. Alhaja Akorede (Mother):
She described the day as the greatest day in her life. “I am so happy and delighted to see people around me and my children celebrating here today. Growing up I knew something like this would happen in Rawsheeda’s life because was so gentle, she was queer I will say.
“If you are quarrelling with somebody she will tell you ‘mummy can you calm’. Don’t be aggressive. She is a very special girl”.
Alhaji Saheed (Father-in-law)
Alhaji Saheed’s admiration for Rawsheeda was heartfelt:
“She’s a good person who doesn’t argue or hate anyone. She’s focused on what Allah sent her to do. She’s friendly, jovial, and deeply purposeful”.
. Alhaja Fatimat Saheed (Mother-in-law):
She described Rawsheeda as a loving, excellent woman and offered prayers for more strides in her journey.
• Adekunle Saheed (Husband):
Adekunle’s tribute to his wife was both tender and profound:
“She is an amazing wife who has drawn me closer to Allah. I do not have a specific word to describe her; she is simply extraordinary. I love that she is able to share her knowledge with her JTT sisters and thrive as a marriage counsellor and author. We launched five books today. We have impacted each other, grown together, and moved closer to Allah. If I were still a bachelor, I’d choose her again, 100 per cent. This marriage is complete, more than 100 per cent.”
- . Alhaji Abdullahi Abdulateef – Guest Speaker
Abdullahi offered a powerful spiritual reflection on the purpose of marriage:
“Brothers and sisters in Islam, Allah has joined a man and a woman together to attain tranquility. But today, the rate of divorce is alarming. Many do not understand the purpose of marriage. In Qur’an 30:21, Allah says marriage is meant to bring comfort not pain. When a couple provides tranquility for each other, Allah places love between them, and from love comes mercy”.
He continued: “The source of tranquility is adherence to the Qur’an and Sunnah. In Qur’an 5:1, Allah commands us to fulfill our obligations. If a man promises something to his wife, he must fulfill it. When obligations are neglected, tranquility is lost. And when tranquility is lost, love and mercy suffer. This is why many couples struggle”.
He also praised Rawsheeda’s literary contributions: “She writes a series called Good Men Exist. And truly, good women exist too. Her work is a reminder of what marriage can be when rooted in faith”.
- . Mutiat Olagoke – Panel Moderator:
Mutiat’s words resonated deeply with the audience, especially women navigating complex emotional landscapes:
“My take-home from the books launched today is that whatever stage you are; married, single, divorced, or in between relationships your story is valid. Society is so judgmental of women outside of marriage and even within it. But whatever life you are living right now, your story is valid. What you are going through is part of your journey to greatness, and these books are here to validate that and support you in reaching beyond where you are now”.
She also spoke passionately about Rawsheeda’s authenticity:
“Rawsheeda is passionate about marriage and intimacy, not for money or fame, but because it’s her calling. She has experienced the struggles herself and offers realistic, heartfelt guidance. She is the founder of JTT (Journey to Tranquility); a community of over 200 Muslim women from around the world. We engage in weekly classes, book readings, and training, both online and offline. She has been coordinating it from the Middle East for about two years, and it runs seamlessly. That is the kind of leader she is. May God bless her”.
. Rawsheeda’s Sister:
Growing up with Kim Rawsheeda or AiRaida as I usually call her I knew she is someone who is going to go to greater heights. She is hardworking and compassionate. She is somebody that loves to read, even when she did her first book I knew she was not going to stop there, especially from the comments and reviews she received will move anyone to go further.
A Message to Women
Rawsheeda’s final words at the book launch themed ; “Celebrating Womanhood, Relationships, and Self Discovery through faith and growth’, were a call to spiritual and emotional alignment:
Her message is clear: marriage, when seen as an act of worship, blossoms into something divine.
“Women out there, there is one thing I would say is that, be submissive. The world has made submission to seem like it is a weakness, but when you are submissive to God, he is going to direct your affairs.
“And when you are submissive to your husband, you are worshipping, it is like a ticket to earn Jannah. It is like a ticket to earn God’s reward. So when you see your marriage as an act of worship, your marriage will blossom’, she admonished strongly.
Why The Lady’s Collection Matters
In a world where women’s stories are often sidelined or simplified, Rawsheeda Akorede Saheed has carved out space for complexity, vulnerability, and empowerment. Her books are not just narratives; they are lifelines, guiding women through the storms and sunshine of love, faith, and self-discovery.
Whether you are a bride-to-be, a seasoned wife, a single woman, or someone rebuilding after heartbreak, The Lady’s Collection offers a voice that understands, uplifts, and transforms.
Rawsheeda holds a doctorate degree and is a successful marriage counsellor with various certifications. She is married to Adekunle Saheed and they are blessed with three children.