“I had many doubts as science could not explain many things. I read about Hinduism and Buddhism but was not satisfied. But when I read Islamic literature, everything I found was logical.”
Umm Hudhaifah, formerly Scarlett Jane Condon
Twelve women who have embraced Islam recounted their first step toward Islam on a platform provided by Moulana Hifzur Rahman Seoharvi Academy in Jeddah. The 12 included expatriate women from India, Britain, the Philippines and Sri Lanka.
After a successful event organized last month for male reverts, the academy honored the women who found peace in Islam.
They recounted stories of their quest for peace and serenity and the many obstacles they encountered in the pursuit of truth.
Seoharvi Academy is dedicated to preaching and spreading Islam in the Kingdom and to assist hundreds and thousands of pilgrims coming to perform Haj and Umrah.
The women narrated the trials and tribulations on their way to coming into the fold of Islam.
The event’s host and vice president of the academy, Farhana Masood Behjat, welcomed the guests. Hafiz Fatima Nadeem commenced the evening with the recitation of Holy Qur’an.
Iman, a dentist by profession, explained how she came out of darkness and saw the light of Islam and how she faced the obstacles on her path.
Batool said she was a devout Christian before accepting Islam. In her pre-Islamic days, she helped build a church in her hometown. “However, something was missing in my life. There was no satisfaction and no inner peace,” she said.
Her endeavor to attain peace of mind brought her into the fold of Islam and now she is a proud and practicing Muslim.
For Ayesha, recitation of the Holy Qur’an is an experience that she cannot describe in words. “My heart beats increased when I recited Surah Fatiha for the first time,” she said.
Ayesha said she experienced the difference between her two lives, before and after Islam. “Earlier I was confused in many things but now I am satisfied. Although some problems crop up in my day-to-day life, I know this is only a transitory phase. The real importance of life will be in the Hereafter”.
Alina was a Catholic before embracing Islam in 2001. Her colleagues guided her and gave her books on Islam. After reading several books including the English translation of the Qur’an, she realized that Islam was a pure and real religion.
“The best thing was that I recognized Allah, learned many values that I was unaware of. Now I regret that I waited to accept Islam for so long,” she said.
Fatima Joy, formerly Linda Joy, said she faced a lot of problems after coming into the fold of Islam. “But I was steadfast and faced all my trials with a brave heart. Of course, it could not have been possible without Almighty Allah’s mercy and help,” she said.
Her journey toward Islam, the problems she faced initially and the way she met all the challenges will definitely guide those who want to revert to Islam but are still confused. The way she overcame all challenges is an eye opener even for born Muslims but who have forgotten their responsibilities.
Joy was just four years old when she came to Saudi Arabia. Initially she has had some bitter moments with her Muslim schoolmates. The pain and anguish she suffered steeled her resolve to find the truth.
“I was born and brought up in a Christian family. Because of my lack of religious knowledge I became an atheist. At that time I met a teacher of Umm Sulaim School, who explained to me the true meaning and purpose of life in Islam. I was amazed by the simplicity of the religion and its teachings,” said Joy.
She developed an interest to know more about Islam and then accepted it as a way of life. “Now I am feeling blessed and have a clear vision about my life,” Joy added.
Joy, who was the chief guest of the evening, expressed her immense gratitude to that teacher who guided her to the right path and became her mother-in-law. She was also grateful to her husband and all those who stood by her in the toughest situations.
She talked about the misconceptions about Islam, saying: “Today’s media portrays a distorted picture of Islam.”
Umm Hudhaifah, formerly Scarlett Jane Condon, presided over the function. She was born in a Christian family and raised as an atheist.
“I had many doubts as science could not explain many things. I read about Hinduism and Buddhism but was not satisfied. But when I read Islamic literature, everything I found was logical.”
She visited many Muslim countries and observed people leading their life following Islamic teachings. Her experience in Yemen was amazing. She took the oath of Shahadah embracing Islam in Yemen. She learned Islamic teachings and memorized the Qur’an in Yemen before moving to Saudi Arabia three years ago.
She said: “I look back to my parents and my relatives now; they have everything in life and live luxuriously but they are not happy, not satisfied with their lives. They are always disturbed. True happiness lies only in Islam. Islam is the only faith that guarantees satisfaction and a true happiness,” said Umm Hudhaifah.
The program was anchored by Sara Altaf and Abla Farzana while Rabia Niyazi concluded the event with a special supplication.
Article first published in Saudi Gazette.
