Twins Yusuf & Sofiyyah Maherilham Are Born - Alhamdulillah | Maher Saham

Alhamdulillah, all praise be to Allah - on 11 August 2026, a Tuesday, Tn. Maher and his wife, Syazana Othman, were blessed with twin babies they had been waiting for. With hearts full of gratitude and joy, this wonderful news is shared with the entire mahersaham.com community.

Every child is a trust. Every name is a prayer.

Twin Birth Details

Alhamdulillah, the delivery went smoothly at KPJ Damansara Specialist Hospital, under the excellent care of Dr Imelda Balchin.

Yusuf bin Muhammad Maherilham
Date & Time of Birth: 11 August 2026, 11:35 AM
Birth Weight: 2.84 kg

Sofiyyah binti Muhammad Maherilham
Date & Time of Birth: 11 August 2026, 11:37 AM
Birth Weight: 2.50 kg

The combined birth weight of both babies was 5.34 kg - a remarkable gift from Allah SWT. And that is just the babies themselves, not counting the placenta, amniotic fluid, and everything else.

The Maherilham Family Naming Tradition

For those who have been following Tn. Maher's journey, the tradition of naming children is not merely a custom - it is a prayer and hope planted from the very beginning.

Before Yusuf and Sofiyyah, there were Ibrahim, Musa, and Sumayyah. The principle is simple and consistent: boys are given the names of prophets, girls are given the names of female companions (sahabiyyah). Each name carries a story, and each story carries a life lesson.

This tradition is not just about choosing beautiful names - it is a way of teaching children to recognise the finest role models in Islamic history from an early age. When a child asks, "Why is my name Yusuf?", that is the golden opportunity for parents to share the profound story of a prophet.

The Prophet SAW said, "You will be called on the Day of Resurrection by your names and the names of your fathers, so make your names beautiful." (Reported by Abu Dawud, no. 4948)

The Story Behind the Name Yusuf

The name Yusuf is taken from the story of Prophet Yusuf alayhissalam - one of the most complete stories in the Quran. Allah SWT Himself describes it as "the best of stories" in Surah Yusuf (12:3):

"We relate to you, [O Muhammad], the best of stories in what We have revealed to you of this Quran although you were, before it, among the unaware."

Why is the story of Prophet Yusuf so special? Because it encompasses nearly every trial a human being may face in life - betrayed by his own brothers, sold into slavery, tempted by a powerful woman, imprisoned without cause, and ultimately rising to become a great leader of Egypt who managed the treasury of the entire region.

The hopes and prayers planted for our son Yusuf:

To be a unifier of family - when siblings quarrel, when family bonds fracture, may Yusuf be the hand that reconnects broken ties. Prophet Yusuf forgave his brothers even though they had once thrown him into a well.
To rise after falling - the story of Prophet Yusuf teaches us that a fall is not the end of the road. From slave to prisoner to statesman - every stage holds its wisdom. If Yusuf falls in life, may he know how to rise again.
To withstand temptation - whether temptation of desire, wealth, or any worldly trials, may Yusuf be given the strength to remain upright with integrity, just as Prophet Yusuf refused the advances of Zulaikha through firm faith.
To be wise in managing finances and trust - Prophet Yusuf once said to the King of Egypt, "Place me in charge of the storehouses of the land. Indeed, I am a knowing guardian" (Yusuf 12:55). He was not just skilled in finance - he was also trustworthy and principled.

The Story Behind the Name Sofiyyah

The name Sofiyyah - commonly written as Safiyyah in Malay - actually originates from the Arabic letter sod (ص). The more accurate spelling and pronunciation according to its Arabic root is Sofiyyah, not Safiyyah with the letter sin (س).

Two great female companions serve as inspiration for our daughter Sofiyyah:

Sofiyyah bint Abd al-Muttalib

The paternal aunt of Prophet Muhammad SAW, sister of Sayyidina Hamzah bin Abd al-Muttalib - known as the "Lion of Allah" - and the mother of Sayyidina Zubayr al-Awwam, one of the ten companions promised Paradise during their lifetime.

Sofiyyah bint Abd al-Muttalib was among the earliest to embrace Islam. She was known for her extraordinary courage. During the Battle of Uhud, there are narrations that she was present helping to tend to wounded warriors. She was not one to sit idle - she was a woman who bravely took action when the ummah needed it.

Sofiyyah bint Huyai

A wife of Prophet Muhammad SAW from Jewish lineage, tracing her noble ancestry to Prophet Harun (Aaron) alayhissalam. Her marriage to the Prophet after the Battle of Khaybar became a symbol of Islamic justice - that Islam does not discriminate based on ethnic origin, so long as one believes and obeys Allah.

Sofiyyah bint Huyai was not only a noble wife of the Prophet - she also narrated several precious hadiths from the Prophet SAW, making her one of the hadith narrators among the Ummul Mu'minin (the revered wives of the Prophet).

May our daughter Sofiyyah grow to be a brave, faithful woman who benefits both her religion and the ummah - just like the two great Sofiyyahs who inspired her name.

Infographic of twin birth announcement - Yusuf and Sofiyyah bin and bint Muhammad Maherilham, born 11 August 2026, birth weights and family details — Twins Yusuf & Sofiyyah - 11 August 2026, KPJ Damansara Specialist Hospital

Dua for the Twins

From the sunnah of the Prophet SAW, when a baby is born, it is encouraged to seek Allah's protection for the newborn. Based on the hadith narrated by Ibn Abbas RA in Sahih Bukhari (no. 3371), Prophet Ibrahim AS once recited this dua for Prophets Ismail and Ishaq:

"A'udzu bikalimaatillaahit-taammati min kulli syaythaanin wa haammatin wa min kulli 'aynin laammah."

"I seek refuge in the perfect words of Allah from every devil, harmful creature, and from every envious eye."

We humbly request dua from the entire mahersaham.com community for:

Good health and wellbeing for Yusuf and Sofiyyah
Peace and blessings for the entire Maherilham family
Ease for Syazana in facing the challenges of nursing twins
May the birth of these twins bring even more blessings and barakah to the Maherilham family

Heartfelt Gratitude

Behind every birth is a warrior. And this time, that struggle was doubled.

Syazana Othman - an extraordinarily strong and patient wife. Carrying twins for 9 months is no small feat. The combined baby weight alone reached 5.34 kg - far heavier than the previous pregnancies (Ibrahim, Musa, and Sumayyah). And that is without counting the weight of the placenta, amniotic fluid, and everything else. Now, the challenge of nursing twins awaits, followed by countless other challenges ahead. Thank you for all the sacrifices, perseverance, and boundless love.

Dr Imelda Balchin - thank you for providing the best possible care throughout the delivery at KPJ Damansara Specialist Hospital. Her professionalism and dedication throughout the entire process are deeply appreciated.

Special Notice for Gold Members

To all our beloved Gold Members, in connection with the birth of the twins, some changes need to be made for this month:

This month's webinars and workshops will be postponed to give Tn. Maher time to be with his family during this special occasion
As a token of appreciation and compensation, all active Gold Members this month will automatically receive an extra 2 months free - no action is required from members

Thank you for your understanding, support, and prayers for Tn. Maher and his family. Your support since the beginning of the mahersaham.com journey means so much to the Maherilham family.

FAQ

Why are boys given prophet names and girls given sahabiyyah names?

This is a personal choice by the Maherilham family based on the sunnah of the Prophet SAW, which encourages giving good and meaningful names. Prophet names for boys carry the aspiration of following in the footsteps of the anbiya, while sahabiyyah names for girls connect them with honourable women in Islamic history. Each name becomes a story and lesson that parents can share with their children from a young age.

What is the difference between Sofiyyah and Safiyyah?

The difference lies in the original Arabic letter. Sofiyyah (صفيّة) uses the letter sod (ص), while Safiyyah uses the letter sin (س). The more accurate spelling and pronunciation according to the Arabic root is Sofiyyah - which is why the Maherilham family chose this spelling over the common Malay romanisation.

Who was Sofiyyah bint Abd al-Muttalib?

She was the paternal aunt of Prophet Muhammad SAW, sister of Sayyidina Hamzah bin Abd al-Muttalib, and mother of Sayyidina Zubayr al-Awwam - one of the 10 companions promised Paradise. Sofiyyah bint Abd al-Muttalib was among the early converts to Islam and was known for her extraordinary courage and steadfast faith.

What lessons from Prophet Yusuf's story are most relevant to young people today?

The story of Prophet Yusuf teaches us several highly relevant lessons: integrity in managing finances and trust, perseverance in facing trials without despair, the importance of forgiving those who betray us, and how Allah SWT can transform a person's destiny when they remain patient and faithful. His story also shows that expertise in resource management - including finances - is an act of worship when done with integrity and accountability.

What is a healthy birth weight for twins?

According to general medical guidelines, twins born weighing more than 2.5 kg are considered to be in a good and healthy weight range. Yusuf (2.84 kg) and Sofiyyah (2.50 kg) are both within a healthy weight range for twins - another reason to be grateful to Allah SWT.

Do Tn. Maher's previous children also follow the same tradition?

Yes. Ibrahim (Prophet Ibrahim AS), Musa (Prophet Musa AS), and Sumayyah (Sumayyah bint Khayyat - the first martyr in Islamic history) all follow the same tradition: prophet names for boys, sahabiyyah names for girls. Yusuf and Sofiyyah continue this beautiful tradition as the 4th and 5th children of the Maherilham family.

Can I open a CDS account for a newborn to invest for their future?

Yes, you can! You can open a CDS account for a minor through a joint account with the parents as guardians. This is the best way to start investing for your child's future from an early age - investments in Bursa Malaysia stocks as well as international stocks like US and Hong Kong markets can all begin through a CDS account.

Conclusion

Alhamdulillah, with the birth of Yusuf and Sofiyyah, the Maherilham family is now blessed with 5 children. Every name is a prayer, every prayer is a hope, and every hope is a trust that must be nurtured.

Thank you to everyone who has prayed, congratulated, and supported Tn. Maher and his family. May Allah SWT reward your kindness manifold, and may the birth of these twins bring even more blessings to all of us.

Please continue to pray for the wellbeing of Yusuf, Sofiyyah, and the entire Maherilham family. May they grow up to be righteous children who bring pride to their family and their religion.

The birth of a child - especially twins - is the best reminder that financial planning for children's futures must begin early.

Open a CDS Trading Account to begin investing in Bursa Malaysia stocks and international markets like the US and Hong Kong via our CDS account page.

Download our free Stock Market Basics Ebook at mahersaham.com/ebookasas - your first step into the world of stock investing.

Alhamdulillah! Twins Yusuf & Sofiyyah Maherilham Are Born