Author · Poet · Storyteller
SAM Ruh
Between the prayer and the ache —
this is where I write.
SAM Ruh believes some truths only survive as stories.
She writes in the language of longing —
where faith wrestles doubt, where love quietly becomes loss,
and where honesty matters more than resolution.
What She Writes
SAM Ruh writes at the intersection of faith and feeling. Her work explores love in its many forms — the ache of longing, the weight of loss, and the quiet strength found in surrender. Yet she believes there is much more to life than love alone.
"Aur bhi gham hain zamaane mein muhabbat ke siva
Rahatein aur bhi hain vasl ki rahat ke siva"
There are other sorrows in this world besides the agony of love.
There are other joys too, besides the joy of union.
SAM Ruh often ponders what our existence means for the concepts of heaven and hell. If we were not here — not sentient, not aware — would worship, morality, or the afterlife hold any meaning at all? It is a question she does not shy away from.
"Na tha kuchh to Khuda tha, kuchh na hota to Khuda hota,
Duboya mujh ko hone ne, na hota main to kya hota?"
When there was nothing, God was there; if there were nothing, God would still be there.
My existence has undone me — if I were not, what would I have been?
Rooted in reflection and shaped by lived experience, her words dwell in the in-between — where questions are allowed, silence is honored, and truth is gently revealed.
Her writing does not chase closure. It rests in the quiet ache — as if sorrow, too, deserves to be understood.
About SAM Ruh
Life, for SAM Ruh, is a tapestry woven from words, music, and memory. From her earliest days in India to her present life between New York and New Jersey, she has been quietly collecting moments — sunsets that linger, songs that move the soul, the simple and profound gestures that most people let pass unnoticed. Every experience, ordinary or extraordinary, becomes part of her creative universe, inspiring poetry, stories, and performances that reveal the depth of her heart and imagination.
Her love for Bollywood and its music is more than nostalgia — it is a lifeline, a bridge connecting generations and emotions. Guided by her father's passion for Rafi and the golden era of Indian cinema, and nurtured by her mother's quiet devotion and unwavering faith, SAM absorbed melodies, stories, and values that continue to shape her artistry. Through these experiences, she discovered a rhythm of life where faith, family, and creativity coexist in harmony, each fueling her endless curiosity and desire to express herself.
Family remains at the core of everything she does. Her brother Afthab, gifted with extraordinary artistic talent, and her sister Sheeba, a source of shared musical joy, are constants in her world. Her husband Sarin, their beloved Jalal boys, and the Jalal Cats form a circle of love, support, and shared dreams — giving her the courage to pursue writing, singing, acting, and broadcasting with fearless dedication.
SAM's life is also a journey of exploration. From self-created short films to karaoke stages, from curating radio shows to experimenting with every form of expression she can find — she embraces creativity in all its shapes. Hers is a story of passion, resilience, and curiosity; a testament to a woman who lives fully, reflects deeply, and invites others to witness the beauty she finds in the everyday.
Discover the many facets of SAM Ruh — her radio shows, singing performances, and acting projects, and the family that shapes every word she writes.
Know the Illustrators
Faseeha Hassan
A self-taught artist, baker, crocheter, and Islamic calligrapher, Faseeha Hassan is a Teacher Assistant by profession who finds joy in everything she creates. Her passion for art has led her to make others happy — be it on canvas, paper, or cake, her touch brings warmth to many hearts.
Hailing from India, Faseeha moved to the US with her husband Abu Zahir more than 25 years ago. Now settled in Charlotte, North Carolina, she enjoys life with her three wonderful boys and husband. In her free time, she listens to music, watches films, reads, or — most of all — explores a new form of art.
Henna Aslam
Henna Aslam was an artist whose vision was as bold as it was thoughtful. She moved effortlessly across mediums, letting each piece carry its own truth — reflecting not just skill, but reflection, curiosity, and care. She painted with intention, giving voice to ideas she held close to her heart.
Faith, justice, and humanity were quietly woven into her creations. Even at a young age, her presence in every piece was unmistakable. She inspired those around her to see art not as decoration, but as conversation. The work she left behind continues to speak, linger, and inspire.
Testimonials
"The hardest part of writing a poem is that each line has to be so true and so personal that you must line it with your life sometimes. Your use of rhyme scheme and rhythm was a nostalgic trip down the old poetry books. I hope you write more and explore more and sing more."
"SAM 'Ruh' – Her writings go deep into your soul and there they stay. I particularly like the romantic images she paints on the canvas of your mind. Makes each episode look life-like. As if she is giving voice to your innermost feelings."
"SAM Ruh's poems exquisitely portray the bare emotions of a commoner. Her words unfold the plight of one's soul breaking the chains of an ever-demanding universe. 'My Prayer Rug' invoked a strong sense of faith in me. Disconnecting us from bitter realities, she takes us into an imaginary world we all dream of — a magnificent combination of love and pain expressed with intense passion."
"SAM Ruh is truly gifted in her innate ability to craft meaningful words together creating splendid poetry. She takes one through a rollercoaster of emotions with her clever use of words. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking to give a fresh perspective to life's everyday moments."
"Fragments is all about love — and SAM Ruh is an expert storyteller. She spins the story and brings characters to life with such finesse that you can't help but feel every emotion. There is a subtleness with which she ends each story that the feelings linger on in the reader's heart. Fragments gives the 'sit-back-with-a-cup-of-coffee-watching-the-rain' feeling that will warm your heart."
"खुद को खोजते खोजते उतरी ये कविताएँ कभी जीवन को दिखाती है, कभी सवाल खड़े करती हैं,
कभी खुदी में खुदा को ढूँढ़ती हैं और कभी कबीर की सी चोट करती हैं। इन्हें पढ़ते-पढ़ते
जीवन की गहराई में डूब जाने का और इसके अर्थ को ढूँढ लेने का मन करता है।
प्यास जगाती हैं ये कविताएँ।"
Work in Progress
My muse never rests, and neither do I. Creativity is a journey, not a destination — and this is where the journey is visible.
This section is where ideas take shape, experiments unfold, and visions are brought to life one step at a time. You'll find projects in various stages of development: some just beginning to bloom, others evolving through trial, error, and inspiration. Each piece reflects a moment of exploration — a thought in motion, a story still being written.
Work in Progress is a space to celebrate the process, not just the finished outcome. Every draft, sketch, and iteration is part of the journey toward something meaningful — a broader collection of poetry, stories, and creative works currently taking form. Step inside to witness the evolution of ideas and the magic of storytelling in the making.
Ready to explore the creative process?
Depression
Tired, stuck, or feeling low?
You are not alone. Join me — there is hope.
Rather than viewing experiences as inherently good or bad, SAM Ruh invites readers to embrace their humanity — accepting themselves with honesty, compassion, and grace.
Depression is often misunderstood as temporary sadness, but for many, it is a quiet, enduring weight that affects the mind, emotions, and the will to move forward. Ordinary moments can feel heavier than they appear, even within a life filled with love, faith, and meaning. This space offers a deeply personal reflection — one that acknowledges the darkness while gently holding room for hope, healing, and the gradual return of light.
Contact
Get In Touch
Open to Conversations
Let's connect. Whether you're interested in a new creative project, a potential collaboration, or simply want to talk about the craft of storytelling — I'm always open to engaging discussions and sharing thoughts.
SAM Ruh is not active on any social media platforms. Her presence exists solely through her website, where she shares her words, art, and creations. She prefers the quiet intimacy of her own world over the bustle of the digital crowd.