When Will and Sana talk about leaving Canada, they don’t frame it as a dramatic escape or a polished reinvention. They describe it as a parent’s decision—one that surprised families, divided audiences, and ultimately meant packing up “everything we’d ever built” for a life in Malaysia.
In this Hijrah story from Saleh Family, they speak candidly about why the move became unavoidable: the emotional weight of raising children, especially their daughters; repeated incidents of violence targeting Muslim communities; and everyday realities such as a broken healthcare system, the cost-of-living crisis, and even the difficulty of coping with what they describe as “eight months of winter”.
Born and raised in Canada—so why leave?
Will and Sana were born and raised in Canada. Sana is of Pakistani origin and described herself as first generation Canadian, while Will’s family history stretches back many generations—“before Canada was even a country”, as they put it.
So the move wasn’t about rejecting Canada as a place. Sana is clear: they will always be Canadian and Canada will always be home. The shift was about whether Canada, as society was moving, still matched what they wanted for their children “for that for this time being”.
A choice made for their kids—not because love had stopped
One of the most striking themes in the episode is that they didn’t leave because they “stopped loving” Canada. They left because they felt they had to choose their kids.
They describe the expectation from both sides of family that they would remain in Canada forever—continuing the “traditional” path: university, a career, stable roots. Will also reflects on how his upbringing didn’t revolve around permanency, yet even for him the decision still carried emotional friction.
For Sana, there’s an especially personal layer: she feels as though she may have “betrayed” what her parents wanted, including the idea of a long future in Canada with a conventional life plan. Yet she also explains that their marriage and family journey has never been purely traditional—something she sees as part of how they arrived at a different direction.
The fear that followed them into prayer
As parents, they say, the decision became tied to safety in a way that couldn’t be ignored.
They recount multiple moments in which news of violence involving mosques and Muslim communities created fear—fear that they describe as something you feel “every time they stepped into prayer.” Sana recalls how, even with supportive community reactions after attacks, the underlying reality remained: Muslims were targeted.
They mention several headline incidents, including:
- the Quebec mosque shooting
- the London family massacre
- Christ Church in New Zealand
- a San Diego mosque shooting
They also reference a stabbing in downtown Toronto that they connect to the wider pattern of risk, describing that some incidents are reported while others are not.
For them, it wasn’t theoretical. They describe Islamophobia as a real thing, and they speak frankly about how daily life can feel different when your identity is visible—particularly for women wearing hijab.
When your daughter asks “Are you sure?”
One of the most emotional moments in the transcript is their description of hesitation before a child takes a major step. Will mentions asking his daughter, “Are you sure?”, as she was about to wear hijab.
In their telling, this isn’t simply doubt—it’s love mixed with fear. They frame it as a burden parents shouldn’t have to carry, yet one that they felt forced to face in the environments they were raising their family in.
Cost of living, healthcare, and the weight of winter
Alongside safety and community concerns, they discuss practical pressures that made life harder over time. They name:
- a broken healthcare system
- the cost-of-living crisis
- “eight months of winter”
In the episode, these details aren’t presented as a checklist of complaints. They’re part of the larger picture: a cumulative sense that staying put no longer aligned with the kind of environment they wanted for their daughters as they grew up.
Malaysia as “so far so good”—and an open future
They acknowledge that moving to Malaysia doesn’t come with absolute certainty. They don’t claim to know if it will be their “forever home”. Instead, they describe their decision as a step for the foreseeable future, shaped by what they believe their family needs right now.
When asked how it turned out, the answer they offer is simple: “So far so good.” They describe continuing to work from home, and they position adaptability—rather than perfection—as the mindset that helped them get through such a life change.
Why their story still matters—even if you disagree
This episode also addresses the reaction they received: the families shocked by their choice, and the audience divided over it. Their message is that change is possible, and that parents who care should evolve as circumstances evolve.
They frame leaving as something Muslims (and especially parents) are allowed to reconsider—whether it’s temporary or long-term—because the world doesn’t stand still.
Plan your next step with Sakina Tours
If you’re inspired by journeys that centre faith, family, and real-life decision-making, let Sakina Tours help you turn curiosity into a plan. Whether you’re considering Malaysia for a holiday rooted in culture and community, or simply want a meaningful escape that feels tailored to you, we’ll guide you towards a trip you can feel good about.
Ready to explore? Contact Sakina Tours to discuss your travel dates, interests, and preferred style—so you can travel with confidence, not guesswork.
