I'd like to welcome you our dear sister, and my question is:
How was your view of Islam and Muslims before your conversion to Islam? And, do you think the picture of Muslims today could defect the efforts are exerted for calling to Islam? May God bless you sister.
Answer
Wa alaicoum assalam.
Before my conversion to Islam I didn't know anything about Islam except some stereotypes. But when my elder sister started to tell me about Islamic Beliefs and that there are a lot of alike things between Islam and Christianity I started to learn more and more about Islam. There are different types of people and some of them are believing in stereotypes, but others are eager to know the truth. Jazakumullah khair.
Name
Sadath
- Sri Lanka
Profession
Manger
Question
Salam!
Simply a question; why you did this conversion when allegation about Islam never respect woman rights and similarly incident like Saudi Arabia keep woman at house and enunciating it is Islam. How do see this and your conversion.
Answer
Wa alaikum salam!
Alhamdulillah, at first I have known about Islam from authentic sources, but not from mass media. The very thing, which influenced my decision to convert to Islam was reading Huda Hattab's "Handbook of Muslim woman". After I've read it, I felt that I want to be a Muslim. After I have learned more and more, I started to differentiate true Islam from non-practicing Muslims.
Name
Razia
- South Africa
Profession
PA
Question
Salams dear Olha.
Welcome to Islam, I am very interested to know what made you revert as well as the reaction from your family & fellow countrymen. Jazakallah.
Answer
Assalamu alaikum.
One of the many things that made me revert is belief in One God and worship Him Alone. Another one was Islamic principles of life, especially I liked that Islam is not a religion only, but a complete way of life.
We as a family, didn't know anything about Islam. But after our talks some of them were very interested in this religion, some of them were still under the influence of their stereotypes and they consider that religious beliefs of their parents is better for them than knowledge about Islam. But now, al-hamdu lillah, after they have understood, that we can stay both Ukrainians and Muslims, they started to respect our decision. All in all, Ukrainian people are friendly to Muslims, especially western Ukrainians, who are practicing Christians and they understand, what is religion and what is practicing it.
Name
Amir
- Maldives
Profession
Unemployed
Question
How do you came to know about Islam? How did you convert? What is your hope for the future? I mean, do you want to give Dawah to your family members and friends or are you doing that now also? If so, how many have embraced to Islam? Can you give me your email address?
Answer
Assalamu alaikum.
I have known about Islam from my elder sister, who shared her emotions, ideas, thoughts and feelings about comparative analysis of Islam and Christianity. After I have known enough about Islamic beliefs, I converted to Islam when I was 17, however, I wanted to do this when I was 15.
I dream, as Ukrainian Muslim, is to spread Islam among more and more Ukrainians and to help them to practice Islam properly. Of course, after my conversion to Islam I started to make dawah to my family members and friends. Al-hamdu lillah, five of my sisters, my younger brother and mother are Muslims now. In sha Allah, I ask Allah to help me in dawah to my elder brother, father and other relatives and friends. I do not count, how many people have embraced Islam thanks to my efforts and I think its all is in Hands of Allah.
Name
Ahmed
- India
Profession
Engineer
Question
Assalamu alaikum Sister,
May Allah Almighty accept your efforts and grant you Jannat al-firdaus (Paradise), Amen.
I would to bring to your notice the urgent need for increasing our dawah efforts to the Russian speaking people. The communists used to say "There is no God" and they have bitten the dust. As Muslims we have to make them say "but God and Muhammad is his Prophet." Kindly suggest the best ways of doing dawah to the Russians.
Answer
Wa alaikum assalam.
First of all, there are different types of people among Russians, for example they differentiate in their education, beliefs, social status. All of them require different attitudes. We have to point out that Russians will preserve their nationality even if they embrace Islam. For example, if they are atheists we should explain to them that there is God and to show scientific side of Quran. If they are Christians, we should prove to them that there is only One God worth worshiping and Mariam and `Isa occupy very important place in Islam. We have to pay attention to similarities between Islam and Christianity. This is the very thing that we should be attentive to in our dawah to Russians. It is important to help them to get access to Islamic Centers and to communicate with practicing Muslims.
Name
Hassan Aden
- United States
Profession
Question
Dear Sister Olha,
May Allah be pleased with you and protect you from all evils.
After that, the short profile published about you on Islamonline.net shows that you converted to Islam at the age of 17 years old. The particular event that changed the mind of a seventeen-year old in our generation must be extraordinary as deciding one’s faith for life naturally in a world of conflicting and confusing ideologies calls for extensive research.
The points I would like you to elaborate, however, are how Islam came into your mind for the first time, your assumptions about it at the beginning, the specific occurrences that eventually led you into the fold of Islam, you life before and after Islam, what helped the conversion to your new faith of your mother, your five sisters, and one of your two brothers. I also wonder the attitude of your father (if he is still alive and is yet to convert to Islam) and your older brother towards the rest of the family they once shared same faith with. How hopeful are you that they (your father and older brother) will join the rest of the family?
Answer
Assalamu alaikum.
Before I embraced Islam I believed in God and I was a practicing Christian. My behavior and my life was close to Islamic principles. So, it was not so hard for me to embrace Islam with all its laws. At that time I had only truthful information about Islam. Stereotypes have quickly disappeared after reading Islamic books and communicating with practicing Muslims - friends of my sister.
My imagination about life has coincided with Muslim's way of life. I have embraced Islam not in one moment. I was on the way to Islam for 2 years and after studying I have come to this decision. I started to practice pillars of Islam after I have left my family and went to Kiev to study at the University.
My communication with Muslims have helped me in this. Especially, when I started working in the Central Office of Federation of Social Organizations "Arraid". Working with practicing Muslims in Islamic atmosphere helped me to strengthen my belief.
The very thing, that helped my mother to convert to Islam is living among Muslims, reading Russian translation of meanings of Quran, the tradition of the Prophet Muhammad and his sayings.
My sisters' stories are different as well. They embraced Islam in different time. But there was one interesting occasion with one of them. She liked Islamic way of life and Islamic beliefs. She even wore hijab at school at the time when she was not a Muslim yet. She was not in a hurry to embrace Islam, but after some discussions she agreed to say Shahadah.
My younger brother was 10 when he was in Islamic summer camp with my husband. Ha have learned about Islam in this camp and after this he started to practice. I think it was because of his communication with Muslim Ukrainian brothers.
My father is not a practicing Christian He is reading the Ukrainian translation of meanings of Quran and we always talk with him about Islam, and we always pray to Allah to guide him.
The same concerns my brother who thinks that he is always right in everything and he even doesn't want to talk about Islam. He considers it to be our choice and that's all. But nevertheless we respect him and communicate with him. We will try to do our best, but everything's in the Hands of Allah.
Name
noora
-
Profession
Question
What made you choose Islam at the age of 17?
How it came that almost your whole family embraced Islam?
Answer
Assalamu alaikum.
Al-hamdu lillah, my elder sister have embraced Islam when I was 15. That is why it's not strange, that I converted to Islam when I was 17, because I had a lot of knowledge about Islam.
At first, it is thanks to Allah they have embraced Islam. We could keep them from bad sides of our society and they lived with us in Kiev, and so they got positive image of Islam and were not influenced by the society. They communicated with many Muslims in my work place in the Federation of the Social Organizations "Arraid". Al-hamdu lillah, many of my family members, Muslims, work in the Association and are active in our Islamic Center.
Name
Mohamed
- Egypt
Profession
Economist
Question
Well, Allah Bless you and guide you always to the stright path.. Will you tell me how have you faced converting to Islam with your family?
Answer
As-salamu alaikum.
At first my family haven't understood our choice - my elder sister's and mine. But after our talks with them, they have become more understanding and have started to respect our choice. The other members of my family became interested in Islam. Not very close relatives have just observed our lives and criticized it from the point that we have left Christianity, the so-called "our native religion". But as they have seen that we are still in contact with them even after embracing Islam, they started treat us with respect as other members of our family.
Name
Veronique
- France
Profession
Question
Could you please tell us how was your first Ramadan? Were you able to fast easily, or did you face problems?
I'm a new Muslim and I find fasting Ramdan difficult, kind of; do you have any tips to help me fast the coming Ramadan?
Answer
Assalamu alaikum sister Veronique!
I'm very happy that you too have chosen Islam as your way of life. To my surprise, it was very easy to fast in my first Ramadan. I think that motivation is very important thing in this deal, understanding that you fast for the sake of Allah, which helps you to get along with starvation and thirst. Sometimes I was afraid that I couldn't fast. but on the contrary, the time passed very quickly and I forgot about food and drinks, even when my non-Muslim colleagues in Federation "Arraid" ate and drank. Also I advice you to make dua (supplication) to Allah and ask Him to help you in fasting.
Name
Fredrick
- New Zealand (Aotearoa)
Profession
Businessman
Question
Why did you convert to Islam? How did you feel when you decided to convert? Did you feel that you are a new person after accepting Islam?
Answer
Assalamu alaikum.
It's very difficult to recall things as they were six years ago. Christianity have helped me to embrace Islam better and faster.
However, I'm sure about one thing - I was very happy that my faith corresponds to my understanding of life. I was happy to be a Muslim and A Ukrainian at the same time. I don't think that I have become a new person, but I felt that I'm on the right path. I want all other people to experience these feelings too.
Name
AMIN
- Palestine
Profession
ENGINEER
Question
Assalamo alaikom
Welcome Islam sister...
What change in your mind do u feel after becoming a Muslim?
Do u expect affecting your family and neighbours?
assalamo alaikom
Jazaki Allahu khair
AMIN....
Answer
Salamu `alaikum brother.
Thank you for your interest in Olha's journey to Islam.
Your question is been answered previously.
Thank you and please keep in touch.
Name
Saleemah
- Azerbaijan
Profession
housewife
Question
Salam alykom
Congratulations for choosing Islam.
Did the Muslim community help you/supported you after reverting to Islam?
What is the thing that made you say: "Oh, this is the religion I want!"
How do you feel when you see Muslims who do not belong to Islam except the fact that they were born as Muslims?
How did you beleive in Muhammad?
Answer
Wa alaikum assalam.
What about Muslim community, al-hamdu lillah, I have known practicing Muslims before I've met not practicing. The Muslim community in this country supports new Muslims in a very good way and al-hamdu lillah there are Muslim organizations in many big cities of Ukraine founded by the Association "Arraid".
One of spheres of activities of "Arraid" is to spread the message of Islam to all Ukrainians. al-hamdu lillah, the majority of Ukrainian community views Islam positively and respects Muslims as representatives of the second religion in Ukraine (according to the number of adherents.)
After I've learned more about the life of Prophet Muhammad, what kind of person he was, I've believed that he was the last Prophet.
Name
Muslimah
-
Profession
Question
Assalamu 'alaikum sister Olha,
I wanted to ask you: What do you think is the best way for us Muslims to positively influence non-muslims to learn about Islam (i.e for da'wah purposes)?
Answer
Wa alaikum assalam!
I think the first thing is that we practice Islam, strengthen our faith, communicate with non-Muslims and treat them in the best way.
Name
Oleg
- Monaco
Profession
system analyst
Question
Assalamu aleykum wa rahmatullah!
About Islam in Ukraine practically isn't a common knowledge. Could you tell in a few words about the Ukrainian moslims.
May Allah bless you and your family.
Answer
Wa alaikum assalam wa rahmatollah wa barakatuh!
Al-hamdu lillah, nowadays it's easy to find information about Islam and Muslims in Ukraine. It is well known, that there are a lot of Muslims in Ukraine (approximately 1,5-2 millions). There are Islamic Centers in big Ukrainian cities, and everybody who wants to know about Islam is welcomed there. There is a newspaper and different books about Islam in Russian, a radio program "Assalamu alaikum" and several websites(www.islam.kiev.ua, www.arraid.org) which are worked out and supported by "Arraid".
Name
Nervana
- Slovenia
Profession
Student
Question
Salams.
I want to ask about your identity, was it changed after reverting to Islam? What is it that you feel more your identity as a Muslim or your identinity as a Ukranian?
Answer
Salamu `alaikum.
Thank you for your interest in Olha's journey to Islam.
Your question is been answered previously.
Thank you and please keep in touch.
Name
Jazmira
- South Africa
Profession
student
Question
As salamualikum wa rahmatullah
Welcome to this beautiful religion of Islam.
There is not much information about Russia's Muslims that we know about. Some people even think that there are no more Muslims in Russia. Where can we get information about our brother and sisters over there and their lifestyles?
Jazakallah
Answer
Wa alaikum salam wa rahmatullah!
Al-hamdu lillah, there is many information about Russian Muslims given in the internet. Try to search there and you will find some websites with the information you need. There are approximately 20 million Muslims only in the Russian Federation. For instance, the population of my country is approximately 47 millions and there are 2 millions Muslims among them, including mostly Crimean Tatars, Ukrainians and other nationalities.
Name
Mohsin Khan
- United States
Profession
Scientist
Question
Salam Olha,
I would like to know which was the most important principle of Islam that attracted you to accept it as a way of life.
Thanks in advance
Answer
Wa alaikum salam!
Tawhid (the Oneness of Allah) was the main and the first principle of Islam that made me believe that this is the true religion. What is more, that is the moral codex, the concept of family and women status in Islam.
Name
Farooq Ali Khan
- Norway
Profession
Student
Question
Assalam O Alaikum Sister,
What change do you see in yourself after converting to Islam?
Wassalam
Answer
Salamu `alaikum brother.
Thank you for your interest in Olha's journey to Islam.
Your question is been answered previously.
Thank you and please keep in touch.
Name
Musthaq Ali
- India
Profession
Engr
Question
How was the response from your colleagues and family when you embrace islam and how did you manage it?
Answer
Salamu `alaikum.
Thank you for your interest in Olha's journey to Islam.
Your question is been answered previously.
Thank you and please keep in touch.
Name
Aisha
-
Profession
Question
Salam alykom.
I used to have a teacher at highschool who was very impressed by Islam yet she didn't convert. I just wanted to know from your experience how do you think I can convince her? I'm still in contact with her.
Answer
Wa alaikum salam!
Dear sister, its worth to mention, that first of all only Allah guides those whom He wants to be guided, and it's not in our power or will. However, you can be closer to her, invite her to your house, visit her, give her books about Islam and welcome her to ask you any questions she has. You can also introduce her to your Muslim friends and your family.
Name
Amina
- Netherlands
Profession
student
Question
Assalamu aleykum, Olha!
Can you tell what was your first acquaintance with Islam? What stereotypes did it break?
Answer
Wa alaikum salam Amina!
Knowledge about true Islam broke such stereotypes as: there are harems, group of women who were treated as slaves, instead of a family; the woman humiliated and has no rights; Muslims live only in deserts.
Name
Samir
- France
Profession
Question
Salam alaykoum sister,
Muslims in the west are being ostracized because of the so-called war on terror. To be honest we are feeling isolated in our societies.
How is it in Ukraine for Muslims? Are you easily accepted by the population? Are you well integrated ?
maa salama
Answer
Wa alaikum salam!
Well educated people are not influenced by these wrong ideas and stereotypes (war on terror). Ukrainians do not support any war and al-hamdu lillah, they are mostly kind people.
Most of Muslims are citizens of Ukraine and they can work and study without any limitations. Al-hamdu lillah, Ukrainian Muslims participate actively in social life and politics. I wish you, that you will feel as equal citizens in your country. Personally, I do not feel that I need integration, because I'm satisfied with my status in the society of my country, al-hamdu lillah.
Name
Wael
- Belgium
Profession
researcher
Question
Assalamu aleikum wa rahmatu Allah wa baraktuh sister,
I would like to know your opinion about the problems and best methods of making da'wa in eastern Europe in general, and in your neighbouring country Poland in particular, where both "strict" catholicism and atheism prevail.
Answer
Salamu `alaikum.
Thank you for your interest in Olha's journey to Islam.
Your question is been answered previously.
Thank you and please keep in touch.
Name
Abdu
-
Profession
Question
As-salaamu Alaykum
What was the reaction of your family and freinds, and did your conversion serve as an opportunity to clear up misconceptions about Islam?
Answer
Salamu `alaikum.
Thank you for your interest in Olha's journey to Islam.
Your question is been answered previously.
Thank you and please keep in touch.
Name
Mohamed
- United Kingdom
Profession
Doctor
Question
Salam,
It is great pleasure to contact you and wish to exchnage common interest.
Answer
Salamu `alaikum.
Thank you for your interest in Olha's journey to Islam.
Thank you and please keep in touch.
Name
Jazmira
- South Africa
Profession
Student
Question
As-salmualikum wa rahmatulla
Welcome sister, to this beautiful religion Islam
We do not hear much about the Muslims in Russia. Some people even think that there are no Muslims in Russia due to the lack of information. Are there any informative magazines or websites about the lifestyles of our brother and sisters in Russia?
Jazakallah
Answer
Salamu `alaikum.
Thank you for your interest in Olha's journey to Islam.
