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I
was raised as a strict Catholic in the South coast of
Australia. Being of Italian origins, I had never been in
contact with Islam or Muslims; I didn’t have any information
about Islam. As I was growing up, I questioned my family about
their Catholic identity, and the response was always:
“Italians are all Catholic and we have always been.” I
thought to myself, is it right that we should believe in
something simply because our parents follow it?
By
the time I was 15 years old, I already had a strong belief in
God. I would go to Sunday mass every week with my mother, but
I found praying to Jesus to be very confusing. I started
asking my mother questions about the difference between God
and Jesus, but her answers never seemed to satisfy me.
At
the age of 16, I got married, had two boys, and then separated
by 21. After that, by the will of Allah, I met a Muslim man. I
began associating with his friends, including a sister who was
wearing hijab and was also a convert. She introduced me to
more Muslim sisters who gathered regularly at a Muslim youth
center in Lakemba. They explained Islam to me effectively, and
the missing pieces were filled in by what I read in the Holy
Qur’an. I asked a sister to lend me a book explaining the
Prayer, and I taught myself to pray five times daily.
Months
went by in this state. One day, my mother became furious when
she found Islamic books in my room. She was devastated to
learn that her only daughter, who was raised a strict
Catholic, was interested in Islam of all religions (for some
reason, whenever anyone hears that I converted to Islam, they
say, “Why that religion?!”). My mother made it
clear that if I changed my religion, she would have nothing to
do with me - I wouldn’t be her daughter anymore.
Notwithstanding
this, my faith grew stronger. I sincerely wanted to live an
Islamic life, but the only way to do so was to live on my own
with my two children. I had to establish Islam, not just as a
religion but as a complete way of life.
“…Allah
alone could bring my mother close to me again.” |
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When
my knowledge of Islam grew, I understood that I had to either
obey Allah, the Creator of all, or listen to my parents who
didn’t want me to convert. I was in a dilemma: should I keep
my parents happy, or should I choose what I believed to be the
right path of life. I chose the path of God Almighty - our
Sustainer and Nourisher and the only true Guide to success.
In
order to make my choice official, on March 29, 2000, I put on
my hijab. From that day on I didn’t care about the opinions
of my friends and relatives as long as I believed that I was
doing the right thing. When I began wearing hijab, my life
became easier with Allah’s help. One of my Muslim friends
chose the name Eman for me, meaning faith.
I
decided to give my children Islamic names: Tareq and Bilal. As
a Muslim, I have overcome my fears of others’ opinions and
try to fear Allah only in my actions and decisions.
I
phoned my mother and told her the news about my choice to wear
hijab. At first she didn’t believe me - she told me that if
she saw me wearing hijab she would rip it off. A week went by
and she realized that I was serious. She told me never to set
foot in her house again and that she did not consider me her
daughter anymore. It was the hardest thing I have ever
experienced in my life.
I
knew that Allah alone could bring my mother close to me again.
So after a few months, I was praying and I started to cry
while making dua’ (supplication) to Allah to let my
mother call me. The next day Allah answered my dua’
and my mother rang. Alhamdulillah (all praise be to
Allah), Allah is the Controller of all affairs!
Later
on I started having financial problems. I made dua’
to Allah to ease my situation, and the next day I received a
check in the mail. After that, there was no way I could
disobey Allah by not following His commands. I strove to do
what was good and avoid what was evil.
Taking
my son to kindergarten, I met more sisters. I got very close
to two of them, and they helped me and always made me feel
secure, especially when my mother rejected me. I was told
about Arabic classes for my five year-old son, and he has
learnt a lot since I converted. I have taught him how to
recite the Qur’an. In sha’ Allah (God willing), my
children will grow up learning about Islam and the best way to
live their lives.
It’s
been almost two years since I converted, and I am now able to
speak to others about Islam.
One
morning I went to the shop and a young girl served me at the
counter. She asked me, “Did you convert?” I replied yes,
and she told me that she also believes in Allah and is
thinking of converting. We kept in contact; I gave her a copy
of the Qur’an, books, and video tapes so she could
understand and learn more about Islam. At the same time, I
knew to stay close to her and give her as much advice and help
as possible. My being a Catholic convert to Islam helped her
to relate to the religion, though she already knew some things
about it.
After
six months, she called me and asked if I could take her to the
mosque to convert officially. I was so happy that Allah used
me as a means of her guidance. Alhamdulillah she is now
a Muslim!
I
thank Allah everyday that He awoke me into this wonderful
religion. Islam is a religion of peace and goodwill to all
human beings, irrespective of color or ethnicity. It is a
great privilege to be part of this way of life. It is a great
honor to guide a non-believer to Islam, and alhamdulillah
I have been used for this great task, and it has encouraged me
to do more da’wah in the path of Islam. I strongly
encourage other Muslims to do the same.
May
Allah give us guidance to follow the path of the Prophet
Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him). Amin!
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