On Christmas Day, 2010, I embraced Islam and became a Muslim. Why? Simply because I felt ready, as a result of a gradual process of growth and change that had been slowly transforming my life over the past year.
I moved to Abu Dhabi, UAE, in the spring of 2010, to teach English. My first time in the Gulf, I didn’t know what to expect but I wanted to understand the culture around me and the religion, which are a vital aspect of everyday life in this part of the world. Hence began my journey to learn about Middle Eastern culture and the people around me, reading books about Islam and the Quran. I had no intention of changing my own religion. I just wanted to understand Islam.
As I continued reading and delving , I realised that there was alot about Islam that I didn’t know or had misunderstood, and continued to search for answers to the myriad of questions I had about Muslim traditions and practices, stature and rights of women in Islam and so on.
Ramadan approached and I was marvelled by how beautifully the atmosphere transformed with everyone preparing for one of the most important times of the year for Muslims. The excitement grew around me and I decided to join and try fasting. The first day was the hardest but with each passing day, I was determined not to give up and managed to fast the entire month. I felt really good about it, like I was becoming more disciplined, and a better person.
I started to pray whenever I heard the beautiful sounds of the Adhaan, the call to prayer, reverberating throughout the city. I read the entire Quran, word for word. I changed my lifestyle and gave up clubs and alcohol drinking, channelling my energy toward a more positive purpose, a master’s degree in education. I spent my free time doing volunteer work and I formed a group of Muslim women friends.
I explored Islam on the Internet, signing up for Facebook groups like Hadith of the Day and Quran Surah of the Day. Every time I checked Facebook, I would read Hadith of the Day, captivated by the beauty of the words and the truth behind them. I started to identify more and more with Muslims, and I started to feel less and less like the person I used to be. It slowly started to dawn on me that maybe I was already Muslim inside and I just hadn’t said the Shahadah.
I shared my internal conflict regarding difference of beliefs and cultures and finding myself, with a friend who had recently embraced Islam. I went with her to women’s service at a local mosque and continued talking with friends and contemplating a new way of life.
On Christmas Eve, I had dinner with a Muslim American friend and the conversation we had then about Christianity and Islam, talking about the 5 pillars of Islam and what I believed in, was probably the turning point for me in accepting what my heart and soul were ready for.
On Christmas Day I read Surah Maryam and watched an online documentary about Prophet Isa AS. As I went about my day, I was overcome by a strong feeling that I was ready to accept Islam. I contacted my friend who was excited at my resolution and came over in the evening. He explained the process of accepting Islam, asking over and over if I was ready for something that would be a complete overhaul of my life. Suddenly I felt unsure and decided to sleep over it. As I got into bed, I felt again that I was ready and so I quickly prayed the Shahadah. A deep sense of relief came over me, and I went to sleep.
The next day I felt a little scared and unsure if I had done the right thing. I was overwhelmed by questions in my mind about how I would carry out the responsibilities of being a good Muslim, how would people I knew react at my decision to abandon the religion and culture of my family. I decided the best thing to do was to take things one day at a time, and start by only telling people who I knew would support me. I shared with my closest Muslim friends and was touched by their happiness and offers of help and encouragement. I felt a sense of peace and contentment. I knew I was doing what was meant for me and that Allah would bless my efforts. And I prepared to start the new year, on a straight, new path.
97 comments
Allah loves you most and may he rewards you and UMMAH.
You shouldn’t worry about the media. Look at all the other Muslims who are still carrying on worshipping Allah despite them being degraded so much.
MASHALLAH
Welcome to Islam. It is the beautiful religion in the entire universe. I am touched with your story and tears are falling without my control.
Mashallah. May Allah reward you for the change and any hard time you had/will have in this holy transition, and guide all UMMAH to the straight path AMEEN.
hi there i am a 45 year old man with 2 kids living in australia and yout story like many others brought me to tears. mashallah as allah in the Quran he guides to his religion who he pleases and also come to me walking i will come to you running . alhamdulillah and i welcome you to the only right religion on this earth.
That is d right choice, islam is peace.
mashallah may the almighty bless you with long live and help you grow your imaan stronger and the entire Muslim ummah
MashAllah and praise be to Allah who guided you to the straight path. may Allah increase your faith and strenghthen it. you are truly an inspirtion like many other reverts to the religion.
May THE ALMIGHTY help you to keep the spirit of Islam throughout ur life.
Mashallah, You should feel proud of yourself. Being born in Muslim family, i feel blessed but you and many others who revert to Islam in my opinion are more appreciating of true Islam. You will be just fine and just like you did so far, only let your inner self drive you for Allah does not need anything from us except for purity of that heart and you already have it. Allah says that all your sins are washed away as you did you eid prayer after Ramadan so just feel blessed and take one day at a time and at last but not the least, do pray for me and many others who need to read your story and appreciate and implement more Islam in our lives..,, It is a daily struggle for me…
Mash’Allah, Welcome to Islam. Your story gave me goosbumps and also inspired me to be a better Muslim Insh’Allah
mashahallah………..allah hum sabko nake hidayat de or islam ke bataye hue raaste par chalne ki taufiq ata farmaye………ameen..
You are welcome. I wish you Allah s guidance
Alhamdullilah,may Allah bless you & fulfill ur best wishes…
May Allah’ll help you to keep the spirit of Islam throughout ur life…Ameeen
Thank HIM. Alhamdu Lillah. May the lives of others be so touched, Amin
Hi br. Dont worry about anything as you are in tbe rigbt religion….May Allah accept our good deeds….all the best wishes from saudi arabia…….abdul shukoor
may allah bless you soul
MashaAllah.. Welcome to Islam… very touching story… Islam is Peace..
Mashallah! Welcome to Islam.
islam is d only way
Welcome 2 islam. May Allah grant us his jannah and guide us in d ryt path of his prophet (s.a.w)
Allah has guided you to His Bossom of Love. His mercies truly outweigh his anger. You are so blessed. Welcome to our Ummah.
MashaAllah. Thanks for sharing and welcome to Islam brother…
Mashaallah…Alhamdulillah, may Allah s.w.t. always gives u hidayah and nur to your life….ameen.
Allah O Akbar, Shubaa Allah
Alhamdulillah I t is ur perfect choice. Pray to Allah give strength to stay on this path until death with sincerity.
Mashallah, may Allah guide you and all muslims, i love reading reversion stories as i identify with most of them in one way or the other, i too accepted islam 4 yrs ago and is my greatest prayer that my family who are devout catholics will one day through Allahs’ guidance see this truth. One of my sisters already accepted islam 4 months ago Alhamdolillah!
Hi Im samia,Alhamdulillah! It was so touching upon reading your story, as a converted muslim same like you I faces so many challenges in my life the time I embrace Islam,but Allah guide me to the right path. It was thru my husband’s effort that helps me alot to understand the real meaning of life as a Muslima.
Foremost I thank God that my family was so supportive they never argue with me why I convert to muslim, as what they advice if I fell this religion is really good for me so I go for it.
Islam is the best religion aslong as we follow the footsteps and teaching on It.
So my friend wellcome to Islam.May Almighty Allah Bless you and guide you as walk in Islam world.
Welcome to the ummah, very touching story.
Mashallah, I am so happy for you brother, like you I also converted and accepted Islam last year, Allah works and touches our hearts in mysterious ways, I embraced Islam last year when i happened to work as a nurse in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, I was able to visit Makkah and Madinah and performed Umrah, it was the most happiest day of my life. Now I am a little bit sad because I am a new immigrant here in the US. I have no Muslim friend yet , I am struggling but I know Allah is just giving me trials, and teaching me how to be strong, I am true to my faith, and I know everything will be alright because i trust Allah will take care of me. Inshallah.
be strong sister, our Muslim sisters will find you. your right every struggle is a trial. may you find happiness where ever you are and may Allah protect you from all evil and bless you.
Thank you so much, i really wish and pray thay i will gain Muslim friends here. I am so thankful for Allah is taking care of me. May Allah bless u too. Allah Hafiz!
Salaams sister. I would be more than happy to be your friend and help you in any way I can inshaAllah.
Assalamualykur. I am honored to be your friend. I hope i can talk and get in touch with you. Pls. email me at cjavierto2000@yahoo.com. Shukran. Allah Hafiz!
Yes,it is a greatest gift! May allah bless u with more and more. :))
MashaAllah your story gives me goosebumps too. Islam is Beautiful.
right choice insha allah
Wellcome to u in islam
Aslm Alykm,ALLAH he is the one who shows u the way if u can pse Pray Sunnat Shukur.
Allahu Akbar
Masha’ALLAH,a very touching story,..welcome to the Religion of peace-ISLAM,sister Aminah.:)
My Allah give strength on our Islam,
Allah is the ally of those who believe. He brings them out from darknesses into the light. And those who disbelieve – their allies are Taghut. They take them out of the light into darknesses. Those are the companions of the Fire; they will abide eternally therein.(2:256)
MASHALLAH AND PRAISE ALLAHSWT
May Allah Taala continue to guide you and your family. Ameen
From your sister in Islam.
SubhanAllah, Alhamdulillah, AllahoAkbar 🙂 lots of respect to you my sister…Allah has truly blessed you. May Allah bless all Muslims and guide us to Siraat al Mustaqeem and forgive us our sins and make us successful over the non believing folk in this world & of the truly successful in the hereafter…and may He reunite us all in His gardens of Paradise…A’meen 🙂
Walekumassalaam Wa Rahmatullahi Wa barakatuhu….
ALLAH HU AKBAR….May Allah guide u more sister and make u among the pious women.May Allah fill your heart with Light of Islam and make u and everyone whose struggling and striving in Islam successful in Dunya and Akhira…Ameen
Congrats . Warm welcome in islam. Reverted muslims r better than us because they read & seek islam more .ALlah(swt) bless u. Allah hafiz
Hi am so happy for you, I wish u Allah’s guidance throughout your life, and may He continue to direct us on the right path, amin!
mashallah very touch story….
May Allah make U and every one us firm in His Deen.
Subhanallah….! Mabroooooook
TAKBEER..! ALLAH U AKBAR.. MASHA’ALLAH so lucky women may Allah bless you more….. may allah grant you janth-ul-firdose .
Ameen…. 🙂
Mashallah. It feels totally great after listening to your story. A very warm welcome to our religion. Islam is peace. May Allah bless u! :))
ALLAHU AKBAR,
Assalam Alaikum!
The struggles you have in life is what gets you closer to Allah (SWT). This is what got me closer to Allah, the struggles. Alhamdulillah Allah has opened your eyes and ears into knowing the truth. And inshAllah Allah opens the eyes and ears of others!
Mashallah. A very touching story, espicially where you mention that we muslims give off a peaceful and content feeling. Its encourageing to hear this kind of feedback. May Allah swt, bless All muslims to b examples to all of mankind. Ameen
Assalamu’alaikum. Welcome home, brothers & sisters. May Allah swt, gives you all strength in imaan and bestow tauhid & hidayah to all of us. Amiin. Wassalam.
ALLAHU AKBAR WELCOME TO ISLAM THE PEACEFUL RELIGION.MAY ALLAH THE ALMIGHTY GUIDE AND PROTECT ALL OF US IN THIS LIFE AND HERE AFTER.AMEN
masha allah brother u are one of us now hamde llah u know ur story touch my hasband a lot cus he was living ur life but hamde llah he find islam in 2010 and he so happy hamde llah
Assalamualykum Sister Sumayya, i am honored to be your friend, Im here in Van Nuys, Ca hope i can talk to you, i would appreciate it if you can email me your number at cjavierto2000@yahoo.com so i can call you. Thank you so much. Allah Hafiz
@yahoo:disqus
Congratulations!!!, You are naturally a bright personality.Thanks to Allaah- The-AL-Mighty[SWT], that made you guided into the unique fold of Islam. Well done & Keep It up , & make sure you read only from authentic sources.Good luck.
Mashallah Zayd 🙂
Assalamualaikum Anne Marie may Allah blessed you always…amiin.
Mashallah,welcome to the religion of peace and to the religion of Adam,Mosses,Jesus,Muhammad and to the religion of all other prophets sent to the mankind may Allah reward you with best of deeds and may you be entered in Janna firdus, let’s pray and ask Allah to guide the mis-guided servants and may the guided ones gain the highest places in Janna.Amin
MashaaALLAH welcome to Islam
MasyaAllah..may Allah bless you and us all..
may ALLAH bless you and all of us with JANNAH..
My story is much similar….mashaAllaah….it was Qur’ans translation which did the trick n later on Bukhari’s translation polished me alhamdulillaah…Bukhari is the most basic and authentic collection of the sayings and life of the Prophet(saaw)
asslam o alikum sister,,, YOU are blessed with islam its a great gift …mubarak MAY ALLAH MAKE IT EASY TO LEARN AND FOLLOW ISLAM,,,,THE ALLAH’S WAY…AMEEN
ACCEPT ISLAM AND IT IS THE ONLY RELIGION WHICH CAN GIVE U PEACE HERE AND HEREAFTER,MY BROTHERS AND SISTER IN ISLAM AND NON ISLAM.ISAHALLAH
May Allah safe you misguidance after Guidance. Ameen,
Asalamualaikum, Mashallah, Its very nice to hear about your interest to follow and learn about Islam. You are truly an inspiration for others. May Allah (SAWT) grant you all the success in this world and here after.
Marsha Allah. You’re story is very touching. It’s so good to learn about people that receive the gift of hidaya from Allah swt. May Allah keep granting us that gift, and keep our hearts focused on his path….Ameen.
Algamdoelillah , very nice Ya allah then I’m a fool as my hidaayat is as if I’m a friend of allah , he shows me so many bouties yet I try (oo little and accept what he gives Ya aalah , such stories – just can’t reveal , Ya Allah algamdoelillah ameen . I got one storie this one day I was playing with the cat , on this day I was very down and after playing with cat went to take a bath in this I ask Ya Allah in the shower if you wish you may have this soul with the tears rolling down my face subhannallah . After shower I walk with cat to gate , I put cat down and close high gate . Aish there I hear cat scream , run bak . Cat is runs away from dog who she always plys with , I retirn fifteen minutes later . I find cat dead . Look at what I asked for as at the time I seek allah to place me in jannah immediately , thus he shows me how quicly he takes thee soul of my playmate . This isnit , so I fell ill a week later unconcious of my supplication prior . Yet , then was so sick felt like was dying algamdoelillah it got better as I reflected back in what I asked for . So as time pasts i realise this … !!! Is it from allah . Is it our conversation , this has been a very proactive year for me in this sense felt I will share this story inshaaallah … Ameen
Ma shaa Allah la quwwata illa biLLah. Congratulation for finding ur way; ala siradhal mustaqeem’. May Allah (SWA) guide nd protect you and bless you from his abundant mercies and treasures.
AlhamduliLLah ala Islam deena wa Muhammad (SAW) rasulana
Dear Sister, Welcome to Islam. Verily with Allah Tallah’s will you have choosen Islam. So Glory to Allah who give shelter to whom he wants. Allahu Akbar!!!
Mashallah nice story Allah Akbar May Allah increase you knowledge if Islam and strengthen your iman ameen
Dear sis what’s you’re name now?
May Allah guide u and ur family
May Allah strengthen you in your resolve about this beautiful Deen. May He bless you and give you courage to withstand any opposition on the decision you
have taken.
May ALLAH bless you
MAY ALLAH MAKE YOU AMONG THE BEST MUSLIM, AMEEN
may Allah bless you
MashaAllah, Alhamdudillah ! May the blessing of Allah is with you as you Muslim.
We all have to give Thanks to Allah SWA for the BEST gift and that’s to worship Him alone. May Allah reward you with good forever. Ameen .
MashAllah sister. May Allah help you in carrying out the responsibilities of a good Muslim.
might Allah Bless you
MASHA ALLAH !!
M very happy after read this,
May ALLAH Bless u with good future (life)
Welcome to ISLAM My Dear sister !!
Ma shaa Allah, may Allah strengthen you and reward you endlessly :)))
MASHA ALLAH !!
M very happy after read this,
May ALLAH Bless u with good future (life)
Welcome to ISLAM My Dear sister !!
MashAllah sister. May Allah help you in carrying out the responsibilities of a good Muslim.
Masha Allah .jazakallahu khair sister.welcome to islam religion. Islam is peace Alhamduliallah.
MashaAllah, may Allaah strengthen your faith.BaariBaarik Allaahu fih.
Dear sister, I relate to that. My husband is a Muslim, he never forced me to embrace Islam, but it was me who decided to convert. And so to start my journey, I make dua’a to Allah SWT that He may lead me to the right path, that He may give the knowledge and understanding to understand what is Islam. Oh Alhamdullilah! Day by day I feel my Imaan grows and I prayed that Allah SWT will strengthen my Imaan. What I feel inside is so beautiful, that it always made me burst into tears thanking Allah SWT and repenting all the sins. May we always think of the Hereafter and we may always remind ourselves that what we sow in this dunya is what we will reap in the Hereafeter. May we always strive to be good Muslims, that Allah SWT may please with us everyday. Good day everyone!
May Allah bless you.