This topic is not talked about much, and I can be the first one to admit, I never thought I, myself would convert religions. I was never really religious, but I was content for a long time because it was the only thing I ever knew. Until I started to question the religion my family was a part of, and I began to read about other religions and study them, until I found one that was perfect for me.
Ever since I was a little girl, I attended a Christian church with my family. That is the religion majority of my family associated with and family plays the biggest role in your religious affiliation for just about everyone. I prayed to God before every meal, before I went to bed and I read the Bible. I was content with who I was for awhile until I began to question all of my beliefs as a young teenager. Was God even real? Was I going to Heaven? Did God love me? These were the questions that plagued my mind on a daily basis.
About a year later, I began to tell my friends I was an atheist. The Bible did not make sense to me anymore and I questioned everything about it. However, there was still a small part of my being that believed there was a higher power. Someone was watching over me and protecting me. I did not tell my family about what I was thinking or what I was going through, in fear they would disown me or never talk to me again.
I was sitting in my father’s basement one day, going through all the books in his large collection. He was giving them away, so I was helping him organize them. I found a beautiful green book with gold accent, that read, “The Holy Qur’an” on the front. I asked my father if I could keep it, he smiled and said yes.
I read the beautiful literature over and over and over, I still do to this day. The moment of truth for me was truly when I told myself: “Jesus is not God’s son.” I had a Muslim friend who I talked to. She introduced me to her mosque, told me everything she knew about Islam. After careful consideration and tons of consideration, I knew Islam was truly the religion that defined me. I was fifteen years old when I went to a local mosque and completed my Shahada. This is declaring the belief in the oneness of God and Muhammad (PBUH) as God’s prophet.
Islam is not just a religion, it is a lifestyle. It changed my whole perspective on life. I did have to overcome many obstacles, both internally and externally. Some of my family members do not associate with me anymore because of my conversion to Islam. Some of my friends do not talk to me anymore. And it is completely okay. I have improved so much as a person, I have become more peaceful, more loving and more caring. I have met amazing people because of my conversion and for that, I am very grateful.
However, telling my parents was one of the hardest things I have ever had to do. I was not sure how they would react and I was scared. I remember I was sitting in a pizza restaurant when my mother asked me why I had given up pork. I was shaking with anxiety because I knew I had to tell her. All in all, both of my parents very supportive and they still are, and I am extremely grateful for that, because converting to Islam was one of the best things I have ever done.
I did not write this article to encourage you to run to your local mosque and convert to Islam. I have noticed converting religions is not talked about much and it should be. A lot of teenagers and young adults are confused about what they believe in and are scared to explore other options outside of what they know. If you are questioning, don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone, and don’t let your fears of what others will think stop you.
