In the name of Allah, the Gracious the Merciful
I am a very new convert. I was introduced to Islam by a friend I met on the internet. His name is Fouad and he is Egyptian. He told me a few things about his religion, and about his 5 daily prayers. I found it all very interesting, and was moved by his dedication to Allah, his family, and his gentle and loving nature.
Fouad and I had many discussions about Islam over many months, until one day he was diagnosed with a tumor in his brain. He was taken to hospital in England to have the tumor removed. He phoned me (in Canada) the night before the operation, 3 months ago. I have not spoken with him since. During the procedure he went into a coma and did not wake up for two weeks. During this time I began reading everything I could find on Islam.......somehow it made me feel a little closer to Fouad during his absence. I was amazed at all the web sites dedicated to women in Islam. And I was equally amazed at the misconceptions and preconceived notions I had. Thanks to the media in the western world, I had a rather bleak opinion of Islam in general. Fouad began turning my mind around, and the wonderful information I found on the internet continued to educate me. I also learned that there was many untruths on the net about Islam, and I slowly learned to separate the true religion from the cultural and political aspects. The more I learned, the more I wanted to know!
Unfortunately, Fouad's medical condition did not improve a great deal and he went into another coma. He is presently in hospital in Cairo where he has been for over two months. He lost some of his short term memory, and sadly I am one of the people he does not remember. I was devastated by this news, but in my heart I knew that Allah was with Fouad, and I took comfort in that.
I bought an English translation of the Koran and began reading in ernest. This is a condensed version of the Holy Qur'an, only about 500 pages. But from the very beginning, as I read I could hardly believe it. Everything made so much sense! I loved every word I read. About 2/3 of the way through my reading I suddenly realized that THIS was what I had been missing my whole life. THIS was how I wanted to live my life. I was raised a christian, and as a child attended sunday school and had the christian doctrine drilled into me. But I always prayed to God, never to Jesus. I didn't understand why, but it just made more sense to me. Now I understand why!
During this time, I joined an email discussion group on Islam, mostly consisting of converts. I asked them if I could join their list, even though I was not Muslim. I felt it would be a great place to learn more about this wonderful religion. And I was so right! I have made some wonderful friends who have helped me tremendously. I confided to them my desire to convert. I had thought about it for a long time. I had to be sure I was doing it for the right reasons. I worried that I might be doing it just for Fouad. What if he was not in my life anymore??? Would I still want to be a muslim, or would I let my faith slip away and go back to my old life??? It took me about two minutes to realize that this is how I wanted to live my life, whether he was a part of it or not. At that moment I was so happy and felt so good inside! I felt peace.
On April 19, 1998, I said my Shahada with the help of a brother in Baltimore. It was one of the happiest moments of my life. I know I made the right choice for me. I have many brothers and sisters to thank including Genghiz, Sharif and Barb. Where would I be without these great people :) They have sent me books, videos, and most importantly been there to answer all of my questions. They are just a small example of the kind hearted nature of Islam.
And, of course, I thank Fouad for his love and friendship, and for starting me on my never-ending journey to the truth.
I strive every day to be a good muslim. It is sometimes a difficult transition in this western society. But I am taking it one day at a time, slow baby steps. I know that Allah will be there to guide me through the remainder of this great life and, insha'allah, into the even greater life beyond.
Your sister in Islam
Jane
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