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SMF

SMF Recognizes a Trailblazing Shia Muslim Hijabi Fitness Expert and Author

Toronto, Canada — The Shia Muslim Foundation (SMF) is proud to highlight Zehra Allibhai, a Canadian Shia Muslim of Khoja heritage, as part of the Shia Spotlight Series. Zehra is a trailblazer in fitness, content creation, and culinary arts, breaking barriers as one of the very few hijabi Shia women making waves in the health and wellness industry.


Zehra’s journey is an inspiring testament to the power of identity, faith, and perseverance. Armed with an honors degree in kinesiology, she founded The FitNest, a platform where she shares accessible workout routines, healthy recipes, and lifestyle tips. With over 700,000 followers, Zehra has become a beacon of empowerment, showing that health and self-care are achievable without compromising cultural or religious identity.


In October 2024, Zehra further expanded her reach by publishing her debut cookbook, “Bismillah, Let’s Eat!”. The cookbook features over 130 vibrant recipes and a healthy Ramadan guide, blending traditional Shia Muslim culinary heritage with a modern approach to healthy living. Her work underscores the importance of representation and provides a much-needed role model for Shia women who seek to balance wellness with faith.


“Zehra Allibhai’s work is truly groundbreaking. As one of the few hijabi Shia women promoting fitness and health, she is showing us how to care for ourselves while staying true to our faith,” said Farhana Kassamali, SMF’s Communications Lead. “Her dedication fills a critical gap in representation and inspires Shia Muslim women to embrace health, wellness, and cultural pride.”


Zehra’s influence goes beyond fitness; she embodies the values of community, faith, and strength. Through her work, she demonstrates that being a practicing Shia Muslim and pursuing health and wellness are not mutually exclusive.


To learn more about Zehra Allibhai and her work, visit her website thefitnest.ca. Her cookbook, “Bismillah, Let’s Eat!”, is available on Amazon.


This recognition is part of SMF’s ongoing Shia Spotlight Series, which aims to highlight the remarkable achievements of Shia Muslims in various fields.


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About Shia Muslim Foundation (SMF)

The Shia Muslim Foundation is dedicated to supporting the civic rights of American Shia Muslims, advocating for social and political issues, and promoting the welfare of Shia Muslims worldwide.

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