Short Convert Stories

Bismillah,
Here are some interesting recounts of some Perth convert sisters' journey's to Islam.

Sister Sonia -

Islam was the last thing that I expected to find at 18 years of age. These were suppose to be the"good years" spent having a "good time". My room mate introduced me to Islam and just the statement that Jesus was not the son of God but rather a prophet...had me sold. I went overnight from total darkness to belief, alhamdulillah.

Islam was immediately my everything, nothing else really mattered not my family, friends nor any of the previous aspirations i had before. Somehow it was an immediate fit...I know that many converts struggle at first, but for me the rest of the world didn't matter I just wanted to implement Islam in every area of my life because i knew wholeheartedly that if I could achieve that my life would undoubtedly be as perfect as it could be...Allah is the best of planners.

I met so many different people from different countries and I think that enhanced my first exposure to Islam...it was such a blessing, Allah replaced anything I had lost/given up from my" previous life" with so many new people etc that I could not complain at all...I always look back fondly at the first few years being Muslim as they were the "good years" and i had so many "good times"..ALHAMDULILLAH

P.S..there were times of hardship for sure especially with my mother...but mashaAllah....after hardship comes ease...tomorrow I am the daughter of the bride (my mum is getting married) so even the hardships I appreciate, because they have made the journey all the more memorable."

Sister Kate -

I'm not a new revert but I'm not an older revert either. I don't have the knowledge I should have (in my eyes). The first 18 months after I became Muslim I still worked in the hospitality industry 40+ hours a week, I had hardly any time to think about what I had done!!!

Then when I went to Egypt I thought it would make me a better Muslim, I don't know why. Because it didn't!! Not Egypt's fault, it was all my fault.

I guess I know now that it doesn't matter where I am, I have to work hard at being a better Muslim.'

Sister Sandy -

I reverted to Islam 9 years ago at the ago of 17 alhamdulilah. Like most Muslims, I had read a lot about it and was in such a hype, I wanted to do everything perfectly, I wore hijab, prayed and then took hijab off only to wear it for good 6 years later.

I have had ups and downs in my convert life and at the end of the day, it has a lot do to with who you hang out/keep in contact with. There weren't many reverts when I reverted and I couldn't (still cant) relate to the North African people who taught me about Islam and helped me through my journey.

I really felt like my Islam had meaning when I got married. What I mean is, I understood how important it was and brought me back to the hype I had when I converted when I decided I was going to be a wife and eventually a Mum and role model to someone.

There have been some lonely and miserable moments when I first arrived in Perth, until I met the Sisters at the Convert Group and felt like I really belonged somewhere. I am proud to say this group has kept me on track and motivates me to want to be a better person and seek knowledge. Also, I truly believe no-one can understand what a convert lady has been through except for another convert.

Sister Emily -

I reverted years ago after learning about Islam through my then boyfriend (now husband) we got married and I too outwardly did all things appropriate including wearing the hijab but for some reason (Allah swt knows best) I didn't actually actively try to learn more about islam.

I then fell off the wagon you could say. Took off the scarf and just lived life (not in a terrible way) but just not properly practicing. I felt like an outsider in both realms. My western friends I couldn't relate to that well anymore and any Arab community members (hubby is Lebanese) I felt judged and intimidated by (not their fault my own insecurities).

It's only recently since I realised that my son is at such a good age to be soaking up information that I have started reading and praying and actually practicing and a positive step was joining a covnert support group and feeling surrounded by like minded people. Also seeing positive role models has been helpful for me as well.

Sister Tania -

After reverting mid 2006 I copied a lot of the outward things Muslims did & it felt good but I think it was more a "belonging" feeling. I went up & down with a lot of outward actions but was void of a lot of necessary knowledge like praying in Arabic oppose to English. As time went on & I came to really understand the importance of prayer I felt ashamed to admit I'd been "Muslim" for so long but didn't know some of the fundamentals.

So basically after a realization of "what If one of my babies died & I wouldn't know how to pray for them at the Janazah" I started my journey to really understanding & learning about Islam. It's been a long & slow journey for me that's gone up & down but Alhumdulillah thanks to some very supportive, PATIENT, beautiful people I feel firm on my revert journey!!!

Our Home-Grown Martyr

Bismillah,

A few months ago, on the day of what was Eid Al Fitr for us in Australia, the Australian Muslim community received the  news that a well-known young Shaykh had died in Syria (Allah have mercy  upon him).

I have a few of his excellent lectures on audio that I bought whilst at an Islamic centre in Sydney and had also attended a conference one where he was one of the speakers. I actually saw him sitting with his little daughters in the back rows of the men's section. That's pretty much as far as the learning and contact I had made with this Shaykh and Da'ee (caller to Islam).

His name was Shaykh Mustapha Al Majzoub.

When I found out that he had died, I couldn't help but be affected and feel inspired and sad at the same time. He died for a noble cause, doing a noble thing. He had left behind his young wife and family and was ready to put his safety and well-being on the line to be there for the people of Syria. He could not sit at home in comfort and security whilst he knew he could get to Syria and answer the people's cries for help. Allahu Akbar.

Whether he went there for aid work or to help defend the people or both (Allahu A'lam), all I know was that from his messages and facebook posts to back home, he was seeing and experiencing the reality of the fight between the oppressor's army and the freedom fighters.

I just thought to myself, what a hero. What a man from the Ummah of Rasulullah SAW. We all say we care so much about what happens to the innocent people's abroad yet we know deep in our hearts (speaking for myself) that we are ever so hesistant to take a real step towards helping. May Allah strengthen our hearts Ameen.

One of my favourite sayings is "Evil will prevail when good people fail to act."
(This is a quote I had originally heard from one of my all time favourite lecturers and Shaykh's, Imam Siraj Wahhaj. Watch his story here.)

Therefore it is the hero's who take action against the evil in this world. The rest of us who sit back and do nothing are merely giving our silent approval of the acts of the evildoers.

Any how, I shall leave you with some links containing some inspiring articles, lectures and reminders of Shaykh Mustapha (May Allah have mercy upon him and bless and protect his family).

I have wanted to write this post for such a long time, (as I find it hard to find time to sit and write) but really felt the need to share the legacy and inspiration that this ONE YOUNG MUSLIM MAN has left behind. We should take him as a role model and especially our youth and young men should learn about what he stood for and taught as a young Muslim who grew up in Australia. Mashallah he was a man of principle and has left behind a powerful legacy as a Shaheed!

May Allah accept Ameen.


Sheikh Mustapha’s last post on his Facebook page was on Aug 3 2012 in which he wrote:

One important lesson I learnt where I am is to never judge a person by the greatness of his biceps or the width of his shoulders or the loudness of his voice or his aggressiveness in front of other Muslims or by the hype talk he repeats, rather judge him by his steadfastness at calamities and on the battlefields.

Subhanallah I met brothers here who from the first instance you might think they are too merciful or weak (due to the way they treat other Muslims), however on the battlefields they are lions that roar. They are stern and firm, they scare their enemies more than 100 men with big muscles. like the way the companions where described in the Quran. (they are merciful towards one another and stern against their enemies).

His blog site

His Beautiful Recitation of Quran

Speech at a Protest to the Evil regime in Syria


The Purpose of Our Life

Words of Positivity from the Shaykh (this is lovely)

Rethinking Education

Bismillah



This documentary is one of my very favourites about Education and I highly encourage you to watch it and challenge your current thoughts about the current education system.

It's time we started to rethink our approach and the world's approach towards the education of the next generation.

This documentary raises many interesting questions and also shows the benefits and successes provided by schools that take an 'alternative' approach to education.

"We Are the People We've Been Waiting For"
http://vimeo.com/8311189
Enjoy!

Youth and Religion

Subhanallah, it's great to see such a young Muslim so educated and convinced about the truth of Islam and belief in Allah! Mashallah Tabarakallah!


By Hadiyah Stephens The 16 year old author of The Written Word Blog


~ Why do you believe what you believe? ~

How could I not? I’ve read about other religions in depth and I’ve studied Islam extensively. Through my research I’ve always found myself drawn to Islam. It’s ‘right’ for me. Any issue or question or problem I face I can be sure to find the answer in Islam; whether it is in the Qur’an or in the Hadith and Sunnah. I’m confident in my beliefs and I know that they will continue to serve me in my everyday life.

~ Who has influenced your beliefs? ~

My parents have played a huge part in developing my belief in Islam. They started me in the path of Islam and have also encouraged and cultivated a deep love of reading, researching and exploring not only Islam, but other religions such as Christianity. Because of this I would say that I’m stronger in my faith than I ever would have been on my own. I’m thankful for this every day.

~ Have you always believed this or were you ‘converted’? ~

All children are born innocent and as a Muslim. They grow up yearning for a chance to learn about God. It’s their parents, guardians and role models that shape them into any particular religion. My parents converted shortly after I was born and as a result they were particularly dedicated in my siblings and my religious education. As far as I’m concerned I’ve always practiced Islam, I’ve always been a Muslim and I’ve always believed in my religion.

~ Why do you think young people are losing interest in religion? ~

I think the reason that the youth are losing interest in religion because there has been less of a focus in teaching religion in children than there was say 40 years ago. During that time religion was taught in school, practicing religion was allowed freely and most of all it was respected. Religion was a socially accepted life choice.

     Now strict laws have been passed in order ‘to protect children’s rights and prevent indoctrination’. These laws inhibit the practice of religion, the discovery of faiths and their cultures and almost shun away the idea of a religion and a god. Perhaps even more devastating is the loss of self-awareness. Children and youth these days don’t have an idea for how they are, and what their purpose is. You can see repercussions of this in the youth of today. There is no interest in religion, no knowledge of respect and no desire to learn. Because of this the discipline and world knowledge that comes with religion has fallen away. I do believe the problems with the youth today stems from the lack of religion and the sense that every action has a consequence that will affect them.

~ Is there more that religions can do to increase Gen Y (youth) involvement? ~

To attract the younger generation’s religion could take itself out of the church or the temple or the mosque and specifically target the youth. Although these buildings are extremely important I believe their place is in the second stage of someone’s religious journey. Firstly they need to feel like this religion has something for them. In order to get the youth interested in religion it needs to appeal to them, it needs to speak to them in their ‘language’ as such.

     Some examples would be interactive workshops, tours of religious youth centres, meetings with some age-relevant people from different faiths and through mediums that specifically target them as the youth. I really feel that to attract the younger generations religious establishments need to speak to the youth’s interests and likes, not just the wider community as a whole.

A Back to Basics Reflection

An inspiring reflection from a 15 year old member of the Back to Basics Islamic Studies Class 2012.

My Journey

This class is amazing, astonishing, astounding, stunning, awesome, awe-inspiring, sensational, remarkable, stupendous, phenomenal, extraordinary, incredible, unbelievable, mind-blowing, jaw-dropping, wondrous… and I could just keep going on and on about it but my thesaurus ran out of words

Well you see I had nothing better to do on Friday night so I was like what the paradise!

Ok. That’s not true, I’m sorry I lied

The real reason is that I find it so sad that so many converts are more interested or knowledgeable about Islam than actual born Muslims. I didn’t want to become one of them. I wanted to seek more knowledge about my religion and understand it.

This class has truly opened my eyes and ruined my life. Let me correct your thoughts, I mean that last sentence in a good way. Reality has struck me, my virtual bubble has disappeared. Reality is staring me right in the face beckoning me to make a wrong move. And to be honest it’s freakier than I expected.

It made me realize that you must face reality head on and that Islam is the only right way to do it.

It has taught me things that are completely beyond me, things that are so related to our society now that it astounds me.

One thing that had a profound impact on me was the statement, ‘You are whom you hang out with’. The class also made me aware that my Ibadah isn’t up to scratch

At the end of the day we all want the same thing out of life, which is Inshallah to enter Jannah. 

Jazakillah sisters

Amira