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My Journey To Islam
Introduction
I am 24 year old girl from Holland, my parents are Christians but never did very much with their beliefs. I didn't think much of it either until I was about 16 years old. And I wanted a steady life, something that would comfort me. Life sometimes seemed so dishonest at that age.
I had some Muslim friends, who were not practicing it. But there still were some things in their ways that atracted me, like the fact they gave me the feeling of protection and respect to parents among other things. I also had a Muslim friend and sometimes when I went with her to her parents' house her parents were so peaceful and friendly, I was always welcome there and they seemed to be so fulfilled with their life even with very little and also how they dealt with bad things in life. I looked up to that way of life. Being contented with life itself no matter what life brings. I was in high school at this time. And through another friend of mine I began to read about the first standard things in Islam.
What was your previous religion?
A bit of Christian I think, I believed in God. But the church was so cold to me that I never liked being there.
Were you observant in your previous religion?
No not really.
Did you belong to a particular sect or denomination?
No.
What was your reason for wanting to change your religion?
There was a time when my brother and I were in an agrument and he said: "O shut up, who died and made you God or Jesus or whoever!" And I said: You say that like you mean there is no difernce between God and Jesus. And he said "I think it would be the same". Then I asked my father and he told me about the so called 'Trinity'. I was about 17 years old, and until that time I had never heard of that, so it sounded like a stupid thing to me. I have always thought that Christianity was about God and that Jesus was a messenger (like in Islam). When my father told me that it was a disappointment to me.
When I read about Islam more and more I saw that there was nothing that I didn't like. It actualy seemed like an open book, it was all so clear to me. I thought, you see, that is what I believe in . I have always thought that this was the truth. But I thought that it was Catholicism. So it was very clear to me that Islam was the true religion.
After a while again I kept on reading. Than I had a boyfriend who was also a beginner even though he was born in a Muslim family. After a tuff life he began to see what he wanted in life. He helped me get my information and after a while I read the Quraan and it was like I constantly was nodding my head while reading it, every piece that I understood I agreed with.
Later on I learned how to pray by that girlfriends family. I did it without my boyfriend knowing because I didn't want him to think I did it 4 him. After a while I told him and he was very happy.
Then there came a time that we knew we weren't doing right by having a relationship like that so we got married, and at she same time I began to wear a veil (hijab).
Now we 've been married for about 2.5 years. And Islam is the biggest part of our life. I told my husband that he wasn't the love of my life anymore but Islam took his place! He accepted that gladly and said the same thing 2 me! I 'm now also content and fulfilled. I'm thankful. Alhamdooli'llah
What concerns did you have about your previous religion?
The questions about Jesus and about the honesty. In my situation the questions came while I was already reading about Islam. I don't even remember why I started to read about it. I think I just wanted something steady in my life that counldn't break. Something I could always fall back on.
How many other religions did you study?
Just Islam, I read the standard things about the other world relegions in school. at that time I also find those very interesting.
What pros and cons did you see about Islam?
Every thing is about the standerd good things in life. Things we all know which are naturally the right or wrong things. Something we all know in our hearts. But that fact I see now is the mercy that Allah swt gave us.
What were your criteria for making a decision about which religion to follow?
The honesty and the anwersto why we live. I now know that we life to praise Allah swt. Whom we come from and to Him we shall come back. Life's a test, knowing Islam I feel the truth. He is constantly among us, seeing end hearing us. He knows us better than we know ourselves.
Were there any external factors that influenced your decision?
I guess my relationship with my husband helped me pulling it through, maybe else it would have taken me al lot longer to decide to go through with it.
But maybe without him I would have also become a Muslim. The external factor was Allah swt. He decided on me to become part of the Muslim community!
What religion did you choose?
The One Good and Only Religion of Allah swt: ISLAM. It's the truth, and it's the only way.
Reasons? See the above.
Did you face any problems after your conversion?
My parents didn't like the fact I was dating my husband. So that's why they also think that I do it for him. But on the other hand they also see me and the good way in which I've changed. Maybe it takes more time to realize this is my own choice.
My mother still thinks I wear the veil for him, she honestly believes I will take it of if our marriage won't pull through. I don't intend to prove it to her, although earlier on I would've almost liked to end my relationship to prove her it isn't so! But now I just believe that she unfortunately isn't led the way we Muslims are.
Do you have any advice for someone who is studying Islam?
Yes, if you look at the hard things (like parents disagreeing, afraid to wear the veil etc.)that offer resistance to your conversion or continuing your faith believe that there is just one to whom you have to take responsibility to, and that is Allaah. He will guide you through life if you accept Him.
Because:....Whoever gives up something for the sake of Allaah, Allaah will compensate him with something better. When you do, you will feel that too. We just have to have faith and sabr (patience).
Salamu alaykoum brothers and sisters.
Peace of Allaah be upon you all.
