Alhassanain(p) Network for Heritage and Islamic Thought

The American Sister

FATIMA

Islam brought happiness into my life and gave me a feeling of respect to myself and the others.

Just as truth emits a light that guides those who dive deep in the darkness and those who are led astray, You, our Lord, guide whom You wish to Your straight path, those who pray for Your help in the dark night of their confusion, to be met by Your gracious guidance.

From this deep darkness, the American sister Fatima was able to escape and become a new Muslim sister who was guided by the« Light of Islam » . In this interview, she tells us (at her home in Kaifoun in Mount Lebanon) the story of how she became a Muslim.

Q: Please tell us about your environment and the circumstances that led you to Islam?

A: First, I would like to welcome you. I am an American from the city of Denver. I was born in 1951. I called myself Fatima after Fatima al-Zahra (A.S.). I have a university degree in nursing, and I am interested in the various fields of culture especially religion. I have worked as a nurse in America, but now I am a housewife. I take care of my family and my Lebanese husband whom I met after I became a Muslim. We live in this beautiful Lebanese town. And I always try to develop myself as a Muslim by learning more about Islam to serve my religion and my message.

I thank Allah, (Subhanahu wataallah ), for helping me find the truth, Islam. As He offers this path to all His creatures, and so to me, and I am so grateful. It is as if I« came home » after a long journey and finally sat before the heart of knowing that there are answers to all my questions, and I can have peace of mind in knowing that ultimate truth does exist. That is because Christianity took a sectarian detour in its origin and did not adhere to the truth as taught by Prophet Jesus (A.S.). So the present day Christianity is based on basic misconceptions. Growing up in a Christian environment, as I did, gives one, as myself, some confusing concepts such as altered literature (Bible), indirect relationship with Allah (S.W.T.), separation of church from political economic structure, forgiveness through the« crucifixion » of Jesus, doctrine of original sin, son of Allah (S.W.T.), and some left over pagan ideas such as Christmas, Easter, and the« trinity » ... These are the negative aspects, and I mention these in retrospect, not knowing they were misconceptions at the time of learning and practicing Christianity. I did wonder at the inconsistencies, and I did ask some questions which were left to ...« When you grow up you will understand » . Well I grew up and still did not understand. The positive things that Christianity gave to me were knowledge of God, respect for God, and a social structure adherent to religious laws as they knew them to be. It also gave me some knowledge base to continue my search for the truth. I am thankful to these experiences, and I am also thankful to my parents and grandparents who did the best they could to let me know about a relationship with God.

My family in the U.S.A. is German in origin and strictly Protestant Lutheran in religion. I attended Lutheran school for 13 years and lived in a fairly isolated German, Lutheran social atmosphere. I attended daily religious study classes - a« typical » American upbringing. If one can generalize, my rearing was much more« religious » and attentive than the norm.

I became an inactive member of the church in my early adult years as I became disillusioned with its inability to answer those questions I had and its inability to address social and political realities in the U.S.A., and I began to look at various philosophies and other branches of Christianity. I made an attempt to return to the Lutheran church for one year, however, I found it impossible to honestly participate as an adult in the doctrines I found to be more and more false. Bewilderment within myself was my ever present baggage as I wondered why I could not find inner peace in knowing what the truth is, as I never gave up the prospect that Allah (S.W.A.) had created all of us and this world so exquisitely with the truth contained therein. I feel within myself that there was a« Complete Truth » given to us by our God; however, for some reason I could not find it.

Q: How did you come to embrace Islam?

A: In the middle of my third decade of life (Alhamdulillah ), I more and more felt distress about looking at the world around myself, participating in the world, be holding a future, and still not having the missing puzzle piece. I feared the Day of Judgment and did not know how to face it in my then present state of incomplete knowledge. At that time I quite simply prayed. Yes, I prayed. I prayed that God would show the right path to me and lead and guide me.

Within two weeks, a doctor I was working with at that time (my profession is nursing) began to speak with me about her Islamic faith. She was from Pakistan and Shia. She did not have books about Islam in English for me; however, she shared what she knew. I was quite interested and wanted more information.

At that time, I was completing my nursing education at the university, so I looked at the university schedule to see if there was perhaps any class about Islam. I found an« Islamic Study » class and took it for one semester. It was a general survey course, historical in nature. I gleaned what information from it and from the classmates - many of whom were Muslims. Through my participation in this class I was able to meet an American sister who had become a Muslim through the teaching of her Iranian husband and the Iranian community. She helped me so much (Alhamdulillah ) in my study of Islam and in many of its aspects of daily living and worship. Through her friendship and care I was introduced to a group of believers in the local cultural Iranian and Lebanese community.

Nearly after one year of study since I had beseeched Allah (Subhanahu wataallah ) for help in showing me the right path I became a Muslim during the month ofRamadan (Alhamdulillah ). How gracious and beneficent Allah (S.W.A.) has been to me in my life to guide me to the truth!

Q: Could you tell us about the impact of your embracement of Islam on your milieu, and what are the problems, if any, that you now face?

A: Embracing Islam does mean inevitable change in one’s life. Every change adherent to the faith has been a joy in my life. Initially, I can say some have been a bit startling and difficult; however, how can I ever not be pleased to change when I waited for so long to know the truth?

Personally, my impulse became to get all the information I could, to read books, to read The Quran, and to learn from other Muslims. The reciting of prayer and contemplation is my solace. I wear women’s Islamic dress and feel a metamorphosis of subtle change by so doing. I did not know that this was essential when first studying Islam and was a bit taken aback when my sisters told me of this. I began this process slowly and realized that this mode of garmenting oneself is not only the cloth and what it covers but an inward spiritual journey as well. I truly feel my self respect. My honor for society and the Islamic« body of believers » has grown by covering appropriately. Our examples for Islamic dress come from the Household of the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) as Sayyeda Zeinab (A.S.) and Sayyeda Fatima Zahra (A.S.). Certainly their examples in behavior as wives, mothers, and members of society were intimately connected to their covering themselves, their self respect, and their honor for those around them.

The effect on my parents, children, and relatives was predictable I suppose. They adhere to Christian doctrine and see me as a lost, condemned soul. This has been the most difficult thing for me to lose the respect of my parents in this regard. I pray that they would follow the path of Islam. Of course, they still love me as their daughter and through the years have become more accepting of my change in dress, eating, etc. but the look in their eyes is not the same for me. They feel hurt by this change. I respect my parents and their commitment to their church and family.

My great happiness is the subsequent conversion of my three adult children to Islam (Alhamdulillah ). They are studying their faith and each has in his heart the desire to serve Islam in propagation and service. My sons are currently being educated to teach, (Inshallah ), and my daughter is a homemaker, mother, and wife.

Non-Muslim friends, who were truly friends, respect my decision to become a Muslim. Our relationship has become closer in some cases because we can discuss« religion » with more knowledge. They do nice, respectful things such as buy meat from the Islamic meat store to serve for me and provide a quiet room in which I can pray when I visit their home. In general, I have not lost friends and probably have gained.

In my employment at the hospital, fellow employees were quite accepting of me. They would cover my absence so I could pray, arrange their meal times so I could break my fast inRamadan , and, in general, were open and sharing with me about their lack of knowledge of Islam which elicited many discussions. I started wearing Islamic dress to my work approximately one year after becoming a Muslim and six months after wearing it at home and socially. This provoked many questions from staff, patients, etc. They were accepting and respectful. My career advancement was not affected, (Alhamdulillah ), as the hospital wanted me to take a higher position as supervisor, However, I said I would not be able to attend the parties associated with the position as there was drinking of alcohol and dancing. So they said that this party attendance was mandatory; therefore, I declined the position.

Q: On the personal level, do you feel more peaceful, secure, and relieved?

A: Yes, all of the above: more peaceful, secure, and relieved, and as I said before, it was as if I have« come home » . Islam covers in practical terms every aspect of life, and I see it as a continuing evolving process. I am ever humble before its greatness and completeness. Each day I learn new aspects of this path.

The Quran is the source of peace to me. My security comes from knowing more and more about the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) and the twelve Imams (A.S.) who provide a supreme example for living this life. There is not any problem I face which could compare to what Imam Hussein (A.S.) confronted at Karbala in his sacrifice.

The relief comes from now having a direct relationship with Allah (S.W.A.) without need of an intermediary, as Jesus (A.S.) is in Christianity. It states in the Quran [50: 16]:« We are nearer to him than the regulate vein » . This is a very direct and close relationship we have with Allah (S.W.A.).

Q: On the social relations level, do you feel the difference between your relations with Muslims now and those with non-Muslims in the past?

A: Yes, there is a code of ethics and conduct prescribed and ordained by Allah on our relations between each other. We have The Quran and traditions of our Prophet (P.B.U.H.) and Imams (A.S.) to look to for guidance. I am grateful for these sources and examples.

I feel close in my relations with other Muslims. Certainly, we are all not perfect, and we all error in our caring for each other as« one body » ; however, in general, there is a much higher level of mutual honesty, benevolence, and cooperation in the Muslim world compared to the non-Muslim world.

I did not leave Christianity because of not having benevolence, honesty, and cooperation; I left because the doctrine is incorrect. One can find many fine examples of loving, caring Christians such as in the community in which I was raised, but without the entire« truth of Islam » one is left, as a Christian, without all the rules for life and will inevitably feel lost in the social realm of life.

Q: Do you suggest any specific methods, based on you own experience, to call non-Muslims to Islam?

A: The example that we are in our everyday learning is one of the greatest ways to show that submission to Allah is part of our personality. This« personality » would hopefully be an impetus for some to examine Islam. I would encourage all who travel as Muslims to non-Muslim lands for work or study or whatever reason not to abandon their example. Their behavior with non-Muslims is important, and too often what the non-Muslim sees of their actions is taken as Islamic behavior which is a deception and misleading to the non-Muslims.

Doctrine for the Christian, as it was for myself, may be the greatest reason for conversion to Islam. I would encourage any Christian to really study well the doctrine of Christianity. I believe true study of Christianity will lead one to Islam because of the many errors in logic and reasoning found therein. There are books available to give to them regarding misconceptions in the Bible, but point to even passages in the Bible itself proclaiming Prophet Muhammad (P .B.U.H.) as the final Messenger.

I truly appreciated and continue to appreciate the many fine Islamic books which have been translated into English. In the U.S.A., the Iranian foundations were most helpful in supplying these for my children and me.

Q: What is the role you are personally assuming or the role you intend to assume in serving the Islamic Call?

A: I believe the greatest role I can serve is to be a good wife, mother, and homemaker. I have a small baby and feel great prospect in being able to raise him in Islamic surroundings. Parenting is the most valuable undertaking for the future and certainly an all-consuming mission. We are most blessed to have as our examples for parenting our Prophet (P.B.U.H.), the Imams (A.S.), and their wives. Their hard work in parenting and working for the family helped us in Islam to, still, have a solid social and family structure network.

I feel there is a great need for Islamic children’s books written in English. I am certainly not an illustrator but I have thoughts about their content.Inshallah , I can contribute my effort in this regard as well as any writing that is needed in general.

Q: What are the potentials and prospects of the Islamic Call in your country?

A: I am now living in Lebanon, but to give my view of the U.S.A. seems logical as I spent most of my life there. The potentials of the Islamic Call in the U.S.A. are great as the general population is good and accepting. They are a searching group with great disillusion with their present society.

Only Allah (S.W.A.) knows about the prospects for the Islamic Call in the U.S.A. I feel I can suppose that the prospect for the Americans present course is downfall and misery as it is not currently based on Islam, or even Christianity. It is a racial, secularist, floundering government and society.

Q: What in your view is the state of Muslim women?

A: I think we Muslim women have as our guide and example the faithful women of our Islamic history. Khadija (A.S.), Sayyeda Fatima Zahra (A.S.), Sayyeda Zeinab (A.S.), the wives of our Imams (A.S.), Hajjar (A.S.), Miriam (A.S.), the wife of Pharaoh (A.S.) etc... If we take their example as they struggled, suffered, and took their happiness and try to incorporate even a small part of their traits into our personalities, we would take more comfort and solace in the life that Allah (S.W.A.) has given to us. Does this represent the current« state of Muslim women? » Probably not, because as stated before, we become entrapped in our cultures rather than Islam. We have no excuse because Allah (S.W.A.) has elevated women to an exalted position in Islam. Her rights are protected, and her status is individual in regard to her path of faithfulness.

Q: Do you wish to address Muslims from the forum of Noor Al-Islam?

A: I would like to add my voice to others having great concern about the influx of« Hollywood Media » into developing countries around the world.« Hollywood » , I believe, has done much to destroy the limited social structure that existed in the U.S.A. maybe 30 to 40 years ago, and now is being incorporated into populations around the world, especially with the advent of the satellite dish, videos, CDs, cassettes; etc. Hollywood movies, music, and cartoons are currently the U.S.A.’s largest export, so its distribution will of course be propagated and protected worldwide by the private owners and the U.S. government. Remember when you turn on the television to any meaningless violence and inhumane behavior contained in many cartoons, movies, and T.V. programs, contrary to Islamic teachings, you are inviting a very potent and evil force into your home, and many will divert your children and your own attentions away from valuable subjects to disrupting and corrupting subjects.

Thank you for your kind consideration of my thoughts and words. I appreciate your diligent work and like to read the English section ofNoor Al-Islam .

CLEAR FACTS LEAD A BELGIAN COUPLE TO EMBRACE ISLAM

Following the Zionist invasion of Lebanon in 1982, Beirut was besieged for more than two months. The deteriorated situation motivated me to make the hard decision: Departure!

During a short cease-fire, we had the chance to leave the bunkers and cast a look on our homes and store shops. Everything was a ruin. I decided to leave the country to ease my nerves and start business abroad. The only route out was via Syria. From Damascus airport I left for Brussels, the capital of Belgium, where I was often for business or visits of relatives.

I reached the country on that Friday noon and went directly to my relative’s house. The family was getting ready to spend the weekend at the seaside, a 100 km. away.

They welcomed me, praised Allah for my safety, and asked a lot of questions about the homeland, the friends, and the relatives, since the telephone services were inoperative.

My relative Said was a surgeon working in a big hospital; he was married with two children. He was bright, intellectual, and skilled in his profession, and with high morals and good reputation. He was committed to Eastern traditions despite spending many years in the West.

His only defect that saddened me was his indifference regarding Islam. Though he was of inborn purity (Fitra ), he lacked the Islamic knowledge as a result of living in a non-Muslim country. Being fully occupied with his job, he had no time to get such religious information. Hence he led a western routine life.

I performed my prayer and sat to have some rest. My relative asked me to join them and spend the weekend at the seaside. Giving some excuses, I apologized but he was not convinced since he knew how much I loved swimming. He insisted, and I finally told him the real reason for my refusal. It was to avoid seeing women semi-naked (in their swimming suits) or in indecent situations. He then suggested spending the couple of days in his friend’s villa, Dr. Bernard, a physician who worked in the same hospital where my relative used to work. He phoned him, and we soon were on our way to his villa in Louvain, 30 km. south of Brussels. He welcomed us warmly since the Westerners suffer loneliness and hardly enjoy visits of their relatives. It was a splendid villa amid a big garden, with a swimming pool at one corner. In the small room near the pool, we put on our swimming suits and jumped into the clean water. We enjoyed swimming then got out to stretch on the green grass and enjoy the warm sun. I looked at the villa and was taken by a surprise when a beautiful woman, the doctor’s wife, in her swimming suit came in our direction to welcome the dear guest. The husband introduced her to me, and she stretched her hand to shake mine. I drew back and apologized for not shaking hand with her. She became red in the face and quickly returned to the villa. Her husband followed in anger, and my relative exploded blaming me for such backward behavior, finalism, and religious prejudice. How could I humiliate such a famous doctor and his wife - a famous psychiatrist? Could Islam be disgusting to such an extent? I tried to pacify his anger and told him of my readiness to apologize to them and explain the situation. He went inside and came with the husband who was still angry. He said:« You have humiliated us. How could you refuse shaking my wife’s hand? Are not we clean enough? » I said:« Please, do call your wife; I want to apologize to her » . He went, and she came with him, still vexed. She said:« Am I dirty? Suppose I were, is it a matter of good behavior not to shake my hand while you are my guest? Are you such a fanatic to consider us filthy or infidels? »

I said:« It is nothing to do with filth or infidelity. I shook your husband’s hand just few minutes before you came to join us » .

« What is it then? » she asked.

I thought that the best means of defense is to attack. Seeking Allah’s help, I said:« I used to think that the Europeans are objective and discuss the matters objectively. No doubt, scientific progress affects the social behavior, especially of those highly educated individuals. You could have taken the matter easy and asked about the reasons for my behavior. Instead, your reaction was quite strange vis-à-vis such simple matters. I think the concept of civilized or uncivilized has nothing to do with the educated or the uneducated, poverty or wealth, and the developing or the developed countries » .

They said nothing, and I added:« Dr. Bernard, whose beautiful villa is this? » He said,« My wife’s and mine » .

I said: «What would you say if I seized a part of it to be my own? Would you agree on no conditions? »

He said: «It is nonsense! Why should I agree? »

I said:« If it were the jungle law, I could do it at my will. Yet, there are laws that regulate the social relations » .

He asked: «What do you intend to say? »

I said:« You don’t agree at my sharing with you your property. Could you agree at sharing with you your wife?

She is beautiful; every man wants to kiss her or shake her hand. Even I would do it if my instincts were not controlled. However, I act through laws decreed by my Lord, the Creator of all. It is a matter of religious instructions and Islamic behavior.

Have you ever been to a jeweler’s shop? Have you seen precious stones thrown here and there? Can everyone touch them? Are not they kept in a safe place where no one can get them? We, Muslims, consider woman as a precious stone. Not everyone can touch or enjoy her beauty. We don’t allow one to degrade her or damage her chastity. It is not the same as in your country where woman has lost her female nature and become a commodity, a plaything for all vices and indecencies. She is no more considered a human being. All your feminist organizations are means to cover the woman’s exploitation. » They still listened attentively without interrupting me. I continued,« You see how corruption spreads at large and family relations are discarded. It is the result of the freedom of no limits. It starts with shaking hands to end in an intimate love affair. Don’t you feel it is an odd situation? You do! But you are afraid of saying your opinions, lest you may be labeled as reactionaries. You stick to such trifles which are the real backwardness. In such an atmosphere, every woman will look for a lover and thus corruption spreads as fire in dry straws. Children of unknown fathers can be seen everywhere. Your girls count the days to be 15 and leave the parents’ house and experience life by their own. Can these countless illegal children settled in special homes be considered civilization? What do statistics tell you? Thousands of the aged die in their homes while no one knows about them until bad smelling leak out of their homes » .

When I took a breath, the doctor’s wife said:« Don’t you think that Muslim men are quite tough on women? Women are locked in their homes. They cannot have jobs and should observe hijab. Is not polygamy a remnant of old ages? »

I said:« Islam forbids whatever leads to situations experienced in your communities. Hijab is woman’s shield against men’s lusty instincts. It is to spare man the instincts stirred by woman’s beauty. It is for the benefit of all humanity.

Islam does not lock woman in her house. She can have any job or social activity outside her house, but she should observe decent clothes. Our history is rich with such active women in their communities.

Moreover, man is also ordered to act decently. The reason for this dispute is my refusal to shake hands with you. It is a religious duty. Similarly, a Muslim woman is not allowed to shake hand with a foreigner.

Regarding polygamy, it is allowed under strict conditions to solve social problems suffered by communities such as yours. Your thinkers confess such a truth » . When I finally apologized, I felt a clear change in their attitude. They asked me to spend the night with them but I apologized and was about to leave when they expressed their wish to meet again and have more discussions. I was ready to do that. For more than ten days we met, and I answered all their questions regarding Islam religion. Both were convinced of the sound reasoning and asked how to become Muslims. I said,« Quite simply. There is no baptism, no confession and no sacred bread! Just you utter: There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is His messenger » .

Both of them uttered the clause twice for an accurate pronunciation. I congratulated them and shook the husband’s hand, while the wife drew back. I taught them how to perform ablution, prayers and fasting and promised to provide them with Islamic literature. I gave the doctor’s wife an Islamic dress as a gift. Both of them today propagate Islam in America.

Antoine Ja’ja:

The Bible Calls to Islam

Ja’ja (Mustafa) is a graduate from a French University. He is from the city of Bshirry (Lebanon). He is a Christian who converted to Islam. He read the Old Testament and the new one, and after reading The Holy Quran, he became a Muslim enjoying spiritual tranquility and rest, though his kin and kith turned away from him. A local newspaper interviewed him recently.

Q: When and how did you acquire Islamic ideology?

A: I am proud of being of the people of The Book. The Bible was the first book that linked me to Islam and to The Quran. I read The Quran and pondered on the Quranic verse that reads:{ Those who follow the Apostle, the Prophet, the Ummi ( unlearned) whom they find written ( in their scriptures) with them in the Torah and the Ingil; (who) enjoins unto them ( what is) good and prevents them from evil... } [A’araf: 157].

I made a thorough investigation in the Divine Books that preceded The Holy Quran. I found that the Islamic religion is actually the religion of all prophets and apostles. Prophet Jesus (a.s.) was sent with the mission of The Lord. He says:{ For I have not spoken of myself, but of the Father ( Lord) Who sent me, He gave me commandment, what I should say and what I should speak. } . [John: 12/49].

The Bible clearly calls to Islam, the religion of Prophet Ibrahim (a.s.) who was a monotheist.

Q: When did you start such investigation?

A: I became a Muslim after profound studying of the Torah and David Psalms. In 1993 and 1994, I made a comparative study of the holy Books and The Holy Quran. I found that The Quran completes and verifies the preceding Divine Books.

Prophet Muhammad’s (P.B.U.H.) message is a perfection of the preceding religions. The Holy Quran says:{ ...This day I have perfected for you, your religion and have completed My favor on you and chosen for you Islam (to be) the religion. } [Al-Maidah :3].

Q: You are a Christian from the Maroni sect; how could you overstep the sectarian factor flourishing in Lebanon?

A: I believe in religion not in sects. I am proud of my Christian background. The Holy Quran mentions all the prophets and apostles including Prophet Muhammad (P .B.U.H.). The Quran says:{ Say ( O’ Muhammad!) O, you people, surely I am the messenger of Allah unto you all... } [Al-A’araf; 158].

I found that the message of Islam addresses all people. Hence I had the right to become a Muslim. I do not claim that I changed from one religion to another, but that I found the right path. I was on the wrong track; then, I found the right one.

I became a Muslim following Prophets Muhammad and Jesus (Peace be upon them both). I believe in Christianity as a doctrine, and I find a lot that leads to Islam in the Bible.

Q: Your major is psychology; how did you feel before embracing Islam and how do you feel now?

A: Psychologically, I have thoroughly changed. I was pessimistic, hesitant, lost, and alien to my own self. Now I am optimistic and firm in belief. Previously, I had to choose one of three: to be a heretic, to commit suicide, or to embrace Islam. I preferred the third option. Following the west scientific development one cannot be a heretic.

Science proves the existence of a creator. To commit suicide means to displease Allah. I embraced Islam.

Q: Are you influenced by famous intellectuals who embraced Islam in France such as Maurice Bucaille and Rojer Garaudy?

A: I was greatly influenced by those famous men, especially Bucaille who was stunned by the Quranic verse that reads:{ ...And say: 0’ my Lord! Increase me in knowledge } [Taha: 114].

No other religion but Islam demands one to increase one’s knowledge. Man is at the threshold of a new century; still increase in scientific knowledge is demanded.

It is logic and reasoning that led me to embrace Islam. I did not blindly follow one of the present trends, nor did I flatter Muslims for some personal interest in marriage or divorce. I found the scientific factor in The Quran. They are scientific miracles in the age of science and knowledge.

Q: What was the reaction in your own locality?

A: Naturally, they rejected my new attitude. I suffered hardship and social harassment. I became a stranger in my family and amid my friends. But I consider myself an immigrant from one religion to another. Today I live amid the Muslims.

Q: The majority of Muslims are not committed Muslims; how were you attracted to Islam?

A: I was attracted to Islam through its clear reasonable logic and concepts that can be enacted. There is nothing secret or ambiguous in Islam. Islam’s practical instructions are clear to both: the common people and intellectuals. No one is humiliated or despised in this religion. There are no complicated or ecclesiastical rituals. No one has the authority to forgive the sinners. Allah the Almighty is only the One Who forgives. Islam is religion of reason and convincing argument. The Holy Quran says:

{ But if they dispute with you ( O’ Muhammad), then say: I have submitted myself ( wholly) to Allah and so does everyone who follows me } [Al-Umran: 19].

{ And they say: ‘None shall enter Paradise except him who is a Jew or a Christian.’ Say ( O, Muhammad to them): Bring your proof if you are truthful. } [The Cow: 111].

Islam is the religion of dialogue. A Muslim feels certain of the Creator hence enjoys spiritual tranquility.

The Holy Quran says:{ And those who believe and their hearts are set at rest by God’s remembrance; certainly by God’s remembrance are the hearts set at rest. } [Al-Ra’d:28].

Islam is different from other religions in such features in addition to its demand of one to seek knowledge. Moreover, Islam does not stifle the natural instincts of the human being. We are today at the age of stirred instincts through media propaganda. Islam is moderate; it does not suppress the instincts. The Prophet (P.B.U.H.) says:« The believer who lives amid others and is patient at hardship is better than he who isolates himself and is impatient. » In Islam there is not monasticism that suppresses the instincts Allah created in men to survive the species reproduction. Tribes and nations are created to know each other. The Holy Quran says:{ O’ you people, surely We have created you of a male and female and made you in nations and tribes that you may recognize each other; surely the most honored of you to Allah is the one of you who guards ( against evil) the most, Allah is All- Knowing All-Aware } [Al-Hujurat: 13].

Q: Are you active amid Muslims or Christians?

A: Naturally amid the Muslims. I give lectures, radio interviews, and explain a lot about reasons for my conversion to Islam. I refer to the scientific miracles in The Quran and confirm its authenticity vis-à-vis the distorted Bibles.

Q: You do not address Christians, do you?

A: No, I do not, but I do call them to seek authentic information related to the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) in their Bibles. The Deuteronomy 18: 18 says:

{I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren like unto thee (Moses - having a father and a mother)and will put My words in his mouth and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him. }.

Isaiah 2:12 says:

{And the Book (The Quran)is delivered to him that he is not learned saying: Read this, I pray thee, and he says: I am not learned .}.

Q: Do you consider Islam as a perfect religion encompassing all previous religions? Can it play a role at the international level?

A: Of course I do. The Quranic verse 3 chapter Al-Maidah confirms this fact. Other religions need Islam so that they may be refined of all distortion.

Islam can be a unique school for science and culture. The renowned writer George Bernard Show says:« If a man like Muhammad were to assume leadership of the modem world, he would succeed in solving its problems and bring peace and happiness. »

MRS. BERNICE HOLTON

Mrs. Bernice Holton is a British biologist who embraced Islam more than twenty years ago. She married a committed Muslim scientist and has three children. In an interview with a local magazine, Mrs. Holton speaks about her early inclination toward religion in general and Islam in particular. Following is the text of her interview.

Q: Kindly tell us how were you attracted to Islam?

A: As a child, I attended the church as is usual for Christian families to do. Then I became a teacher in the church; however, the teaching and the contents of the Bible did not convince me. Hence I left the church and turned to other religions, such as Hinduism, Buddhism... and Islam as well. The problem in the West is that one reads about Islam in books that cannot tell the true meanings in Islam. Writers play with words to distort information. I gave up thinking of religion. Then in college, I saw people from all over the world. Some were Muslims, and I asked them about Islam. At that time, the Muslims and the Arabs were ridiculed in the magazines and newspapers. They were portrayed as being silly and stupid, and it was said that one Jew could mislead a thousand Arabs.

However, when I talked with true Muslims, they furnished me with good, reasonable information which proved them to be clever and intelligent. I asked for books written in English by British Muslims. I never thought of becoming a Muslim woman, because I knew my family, friends, and co-workers would oppose me and create trouble for me. Hence I put away all the Islamic books in a place where I could not get them easily. Yet I could not tolerate the situation and hurried to get them back. I accepted Islam after I received my college degree. I got a job in Toronto... It was not easy for me to work with Jews, Christians, etc. They mocked my new belief, but I used to tolerate their behavior and talked to them sociably.

When I started to fast, I could not arrange the times for eating: Iftar and suhur (eating after sunset and before dawn). When I suffered poor health, my colleagues hurried to get me a doctor and from that time on, they were so nice to me that they even supplicate me on fasting days with chocolates or biscuits at the time of eating. They are still my good friends.

Q: What is your opinion regarding women’s freedom in the West and Muslim women in the Muslim community?

A: Women have gained some freedom in recent years. They have entered all fields of knowledge. The West talks a lot about freedom but never talks about duties and obligations. For women, it is good to study and achieve social status. Women can work as doctors, engineers, and in business. The problem is not to work or not outside the home. The problem is that she is being cheated, misled, and sexually abused. In this regard you can see the article of Dr. Frances Conley published in« Time » No. 27, July 1991.

In a capitalist society, companies compete for the highest profits for their products. Now who is to buy their products? Of course, men, women, and children. Women also take the husband’s money for their own use. Here the companies encourage women to buy even useless items. Women, in turn, try to find the latest fashions, cosmetics, furniture, luxurious cars… They think about how to spend the evening and where. The company’s profits increase. In the West, nothing is encouraged if it is not profitable. As a result, immorality and deviation spread, families break down, and children suffer psychological damage. Women also suffer. This is the result of the media campaigns which don’t differentiate between reasonable freedom and interference in one’s obligation...

In regard to a Muslim woman wherever she lives, she suffers hardships in her community. Even those who agree with her decent (Islamic) clothes (hijab ) find it difficult to have her at work. She faces difficulties in bringing up her children in an environment where the schools (usually with secularist curriculums), the T.V. programs, and the media teach them something in contrast with their belief. Hence the Muslim mother must be aware of Islamic ethics (ideology) and must know that which is forbidden and that which is not forbidden.

Q: How can a true Muslim woman play a positive role in a Muslim community?

A: Every person can play such a role. A woman can have such a role if she brings up her children according to Islamic instructions. Speaking for myself, I like reading scientific and social books as well as books about environment. I like very much to join organizations caring for the disabled. I think disabled people throughout the world are in great need of help. The work with the disabled may not seem fruitful since improvement is not always obvious... However, in Third World countries, we see few organizations caring for them. Everyone is concerned with his own affairs. In the results of the territorial wars, one can see thousands of helpless citizens.

The disabled may not suffer from a missing leg or hand. He may suffer from a mental disorder, a bullet in the liver, etc. The disabled often feel they are a burden to their families, and they may develop other sicknesses. Organizations can be of great help. We are all supposed to demonstrate sympathy, compassion, and help towards those who need it.

STEVE JOHNSON

(FAROOK ABDULLAH )

The History Professor in Indiana State University Declares After Embracing Islam:

O, Messenger of Allah; O, my master; Peace be upon you: Your voice has transcended the barriers of time, and it has reached us sweet and clear after 14 centuries. I can almost visualize you sitting with your companions when you said:« I long to see my brothers » . Astonished, the companions (A.S.) would ask:« Are not we your brothers, Messenger of Allah? » .

And then you would answer:« You are my companions... My brothers are the ones who would come later. They would believe in me without seeing me... Each one of them would be rewarded 50 times as much as you » . And then he would reassert, in response to your inquiry:« They will be rewarded 50 times as much as any of you, because you find others to help you in your path of doing good while they would not » .

Here, O Messenger of Allah (P.B.U.H.), is one of those we believe is one of your brothers... He lived in a different time of different values, where good in his country has no followers, and where he could not seek help except for evil... But he is reborn anew, with his pure faith, and he is longing to be one of your followers... He is Steve Johnson, the history professor in the University of Indiana - Muslim who professes that there is no god but Allah, and that Muhammad (P.B.U.H.) is His Messenger... In the following we will let him tell his own story, the story of Farook Abdullah as he now calls himself:

« Islam Is Undoubtedly ‘the Right Path’... And The Quran Is the Way to know It » .

One of my earliest memories is that I used to sit under a big tree in my father’s ranch looking towards the clouds. One idea used to persist whenever I sat there: There must be a strong powerful God who runs this universe Since then I grew determined to live for the cause of this God. During the following 22 years, my life had undergone a series of transformations that drew me gradually closer and closer to Islam... I was a hardworking student, and I used to spend most of my spare time in studying... I was eager to know everything My unsocial nature and love of solitude were quite helpful. I spent long hours in reading... In the eighth grade, I was injured in a car accident as I was on my way to attend my grandmother’s funeral... In a few seconds, my whole life changed... I lied in my hospital bed unable to move. My head was hit... I could not feel anything in the left side of my body. I also lost the sense of hearing in my right ear...

Upon my hospital bed, a man on a cross was hung on the wall... who according to my Christian Catholic belief was God... I believed then that he loves me and would relief me of my pains... I prayed to him and promised that I would dedicate all my life to him.

This accident deprived me of the ability to practice any physical activity which made me devote even more time to reading and studying.

I knew that the church does not allow priests to marry, but I believed that such a sacrifice was necessary for the purpose of serving God... Meanwhile the church needed doctors, and thus I enrolled in the university to study chemistry and psychology as a prelude to study medicine... I worked hard and was the first in rank even in the first year...

I divided my time between my academic-scientific studies and my passion for philosophy and theology... Gradually, I began to lose interest in becoming a physician but I was accepted in the school of medicine which was, as I thought, a sign from God that I ought to continue, and so I did.

In the following years, I had little time for philosophy, because, as you know, studying the various branches of medicine is quite demanding. Nevertheless, I used to spend a few hours everyday in praying and contemplating... I also had to serve in the local church... Yet a strong feeling of anxiety and frustration was gradually getting hold of me... I started to have doubts regarding my faith and began to hate my studies...

This led me to taking drugs and alcohol. I did not want to feel anything or think about anything. I began to take pills and wine the moment I woke up in the morning, and my religion failed to help me... Then one day I decided to leave the university and told the church that I wanted to dedicate myself for serving the church and studying philosophy.

I was hoping that philosophy would help me to believe in what religion says about God being human, and that all humans are sinners from the moment they are born.

I used to spend my days fasting from uttering any word and praying all the time for God to make me one of his saints. But I did not eliminate my drug and alcohol addiction. The church asked me to determine which theological school I wanted to work in. I went to Europe to find some help. I came back, deciding, as Rome wished, that I should go to Toronto. But in the end, I was sent to the Indiana University to study for a degree in philosophy, Theology, and education.

But in Indiana, I felt suddenly that my soul was completely void...

I started by being spiritually destroyed, and decided to join the church; then I wanted to study so that I could believe, but I ended in believing in nothing.

One night I was tempted, and for two years I was sinking in the depth of desperation and uncertainty... What was even worse is that I began to be offered academic awards and to hold honorable university degrees, such as the doctor’s degree of the John Hopkins University... But I did not feel the value of any of these. On the contrary, I felt that my sins were being rewarded... I began to despise myself and believe that I was a hypocrite. Then Allah’s grace made me meet a young man from Abu Dhabi called Ismail. We talked and explained some of the notions of Islam... I decided to visit the mosque on the following day. Then I took a vacation, and we went together to Denver, Colorado. We became friends and roommates. Since he knew the basis of the Islamic call, he never asked me all that period to embrace Islam. But he used to pray when the time of prayers was due, and whenever I asked him about Islam, he used to answer my specific question only.

In 1981, I joined a seminar to study Sufism. It ended by making me hate Islam although I had a great admiration for it. Three months later, Ismail gave me a book that contained certain sacred traditions... Reading it, I knew that I was mistaken... I began to tremble and felt cold; Ismail covered me with blankets but to no avail. I was shaking... What I read has struck my deepest soul and touched my spirit which was struck by its beauty, strength and truth... I knew that I have found the truth I was looking for... But I was still terrified... And I was unable to sleep or eat... Little by little the trembling began to weaken, but I was still feeling cold... As if I was hearing a bell that kept ringing these sacred traditions.

In November 1981, I professed the two testimonies: that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammad is His Messenger, and I felt a profound inner peace.

For the few next months, my soul was transcending higher and higher ...and gaining more and more peace and tranquility while I was living the sublimity of prayers and Islamic brotherhood.

I became certain that Islam is the right path. It was a gift from Allah, the All-Mighty, that nobody ought to lose.

I decided, then, and in accordance with Allah’s will, to surrender myself to God, whatever the circumstances... I dedicated myself for the call in the United States... Such a call has its bitter moments and sweet ones. I began to be frustrated by some of the brothers and sisters who were unwilling to sacrifice for the sake of the call which ought to be coupled by the feeling of subjection to the will of Allah, The Most Exalted.

I was also frustrated by those who lacked a clear vision and the will to promote the programs of the call which could present Islam to the entire American people, who although they might appear strong are in reality longing for what could determine the meaning of their lives.

Moreover, I was even more frustrated by my own incompetence and ignorance...

On the other hand, I was happy for all those who were seeking to find truth and who were finding it in the end in our straight path religion - the beautiful Islam... At such moments I used to feel that all my frustrations disappeared and evaporated.

And now when I go back in my memory to the days I was in my father’s ranch... I thank Allah, The Most Exalted, for His grace and generosity... Whose kindness has led me to the truth that was inside me...? The truth of Islam and the truth of The Quran. May Allah be praised.

THE GERMAN MUSLIM SISTER

CATHERINE MAYERHOOVER

- I felt an innate call telling me that the veil is better... But I did not do so to appease my husband but out of conviction and will.

- Islam brought me a sense of security and tranquility... I now have an aim to live and die for.

The German sister Catherine Mayerhoover is one of thousands of Western women whom the corrupt and morally deteriorating civilization was unable to tempt. They embraced Islam and came to enjoy the happiness in this world and, Allah willing, in the Hereafter.

Noor Al-Islam met the German sister in the house she lives in with her husband Hisham Shamseddine in the village of Arabsalim in southern Lebanon which suffers, like all the southern villages, from the brutal aggression of the Zionists.

She answered our questions conveying a firm belief in Islamic rites and rulings.

Q: We would like to express in the beginning our feelings of pride in meeting with sisters like you, and we ask you to introduce yourself and tell us about how you became a Muslim.

A: I was born in 1968 in Stuttgart where I grew up and went to school until I graduated from high school. Then I met my Lebanese husband, and we were married in Germany.

As for my environment and the family’s atmosphere, it was a relatively reserved Christian one. We all used to go to church on Sunday, and we had strong ties which used to bond us together with the rest of our relatives and especially my grandparents. But when they died things changed for the underlying motive was not being good to one’s relatives, but rather to please my grandparents. And such a problem faces all the Western societies in general, where all emotional ties are severed once they lose their bonding element.

As for the larger environment, the role of religion with respect to the relations between individuals is quite formal and limited. Moreover, it has almost no role whatsoever in the issues of economy and education; whereas the issues of politics and nationalism play a major role whether in the German society or all Western ones.

Q: Can you tell us about the direct and principal motives that made you adopt Islam?

A: When I reached the age of 14, I no longer felt the need to go to church, for I had by that time reached the conclusion that what is considered to be the Bible is not realistic and could not be applied in our contemporary life. Then I began to feel that there is no role for the church and religion in the life of my generation. I stopped going to church, although I was not familiar with Islam and its Divine values. It was at this stage of emptiness that I met my husband who demanded that we should be married in accordance with the Islamic Shari’a, and I had to declare that there is no God but Allah and that Muhammad is His messenger in front of a Sheikh. But I did not feel that I became a true Muslim.

After our marriage, we came to Lebanon to visit his family; I noticed that some women wore veils while the others did not. But the veiled women caught my attention more than the others. I felt as if I was asked by an inner call to wear a veil. Back in Germany and after a thorough study of many Islamic books, I wore the veil and began to practice all Islamic rituals especially the prayers. Yet my motive was never to please my husband and his family, but rather, it was based on a firm belief in Islam.

Q: Would you describe your parents’ attitude towards your becoming a Muslim and towards wearing the veil in particular?

A: Their reaction was very harsh even before I wore the veil for I abandoned eating all non-Halal meat and drinking wine on social occasions. They could not understand my motives and felt personally offended.

Then when I wore the veil, they were practically shocked, especially my mother who threatened to stop talking to me if I did not back off. The following period was one of a conflict between my faith and my obligations towards my family. In the end, I took off the veil but remained committed to all the other Islamic teachings. Yet the innate call did not cease, and I had to live the same struggle all over for about a year. At the end of it I met a group of German Muslim women who wore veils. I admired their boldness and felt that I should do the same. But this time when my mother knew about it, she had to accept, for there was nothing that could make me change my mind.

Q: How do you see the impact of Islam on your personality?

A: On the personal level, I began to feel a blessed peace of mind and a feeling of relief and security.

This change was due to many reasons, the most important of which are:

First: My knowledge that there is a God Who created this universe and Who runs it in the most perfect manner.Secondly: I had a reason to live and die for and not just to spend my life trying to enjoy materialistic pleasures in this world like most of the individuals in Western societies.

There is also a big difference on the level of human relationships. Muslims are more human, respectful and caring in their relations with others, especially with their relatives and neighbors. They believe that all Muslims are equal and brothers and that they should help each other at the time of need.

Q: In the light of your experience, can you suggest any new propositions regarding the methods of calling especially in the West?

A: I believe that these methods should include translating important Islamic books and publishing Islamic magazines that should be spread among those who have not learned about Islam except what the Western media says. Moreover, I think that the best way to call for Islam is by providing a good example. The people in the West look at what you do and not what you say.

Q: What about the potentials for the Islamic Call in Germany?

A: There are many ways one could call for Islam in Germany whether through the media or by holding seminars and exhibitions. We could also publish Islamic magazines that would reveal the truth of Islam and counteract the Western attack.

Q: How would you describe the general state of Muslims on the international stage?

A: Muslims are still subject to pressure and economic and political oppression in an effort to block out their development for the international society as a whole is aware of the strength and importance of Islam. But if Muslims do not seek to fight back both in theory and practice, Islam will not affect the peoples of Europe.

Q: How do you evaluate the role of Muslim women in the light of what you have learnt about the position of women in Islam?

A: Islam did not deny women their right to have a role in society and the right to learn and work. Moreover, Muslim women have been able to practice their role in an effective manner, and they were able to assert themselves in the society and demand respect and appreciation. But there are a lot of women who choose to honor social traditions that are sometimes contradictory with the Islamic principles, and this calls for an awareness campaign. In this respect, I value the work of certain woman callers who hold seminars to teach women their rights and their role in Islam and to keep them away from imitating Western women even if they were going astray.

Q: Any final word you would like to convey through «Noor Al-Islam»?

A: I would like to urge all Muslims to love one another and unite, for this is their major source of strength in the face of their enemies, and this strength would force the West to respect them and stop considering them as inferior. Unity is strength, and division is but weakness.

The GERMAN SISTER

“HALIMA KRAUSEN ’’:

« I learned about Islam and embraced it when I was a very young girl, and without talking to any Muslim. »

Sister Halima was born in a very religious German family; her grandfather was a priest, and her uncle was a monk.

She learned about Islam and embraced it when she was only 13 years old, without even talking to any Muslim.

Halima is still interested in studying the Arabic language and teaching it. She is also devoted to studying Islamic sciences and calling for Islam.

The story of her embracing of lslam is unique and impressive. It also shows the impact Islam has on the pure souls when we go back to our innate nature and denounce blind imitation. That is why we decided to republish this interview courtesy of the« Q News » Magazine in London.

Q: What made you decide at the age of just 13 to become a Muslim?

A: The process was mostly connected withTawheed , which is also taught inChristianity but it is connected with Jesus and the trinity. I did not think much about the trinity as a child but I thought and felt that there is one God Who created all human beings and that He must have revealed Himself to them in one form or another. Starting from the point that He is the Creator of all human beings, and that He is Just and Loving, it meant that He would give them all equal opportunities and not be connected with one people, the people of Israel, or one person only, Jesus Christ. My reading of other religions at an early age only strengthened this belief. I found in every religion truth and wisdom, and there were things I could not handle, which I thought I would be able to in the course of time. Islamic teaching, I later found out, confirmed all the previous revelations, highlighting the truth inherent in every religion. Islam also confirmed the concept ofTawheed without any compromise as my idea of love, justice and responsibility.

Q: Did you know any Muslims at that time?

A: I came into contact with Islam without Muslims. I got in touch with them after I had discovered Islam. There were not many Muslims then, mostly students at the university. Having accepted Islam, I wanted to know how to read the Quran; so I got someone to write the alphabet for me. The immigrant workers who came later had no more ideas about Islam than myself. But I got books written by orientalists, travelers, and novelists. They were like second hand information.

Q: Since most orientalists tend to be negative about Islam, how did you see Islam?

A: I must have had some vision, some guidance. Everything I found to be negative, I put it into« deep freeze » , at the back of my mind, to sort out when I found more information.

Q: How did your parents react to their 13-year-old daughter embracing another faith?

A: When my mother read my diary, my parents tried to use the law to get me away from Islam. But they were told once you get 13 or 14, you are free to choose your own religion. So they asked the pastor and people like that to convert me - a challenge I accepted with pleasure. I liked discussions. It made me read more deeply into it. My parents must have been disappointed because it was not the result they desired.

Q: How did Muslims react to you - a young girl embracing Islam?

A: The immigrant workers accepted me straight away. As they did not have their families with them, they saw me as a little sister who needed protection. Though they were not themselves practicing Muslims, I felt very safe. They took great care to keep me out of the way of the« funny » people they met or anyone« unreliable » . I used to leave my Islamic books with them because my parents thought they had done their duty if they kept me away from these books.

Q: How did you gain knowledge about Islam without practicing Muslims around you?

A: I tried to find out as much as possible, partly in reaction to what the pastor was telling me and partly because I was keen to learn myself. I wanted to read the Quran and make sense out of it. I memorized the letters of the Arabic alphabet, but I had nothing to read. A teacher of mine brought me a pocket-size Quran from Turkey. I got stuck because I did not know the vowel signs. Thanks to a transliteration of Surat Al-Fatiha in the Book, I was able to reconstruct the vowel sounds and learn to read. I memorized Surat Al-Fatiha, and the smaller Surahs at the end. Nobody ever checked me until I was 18 when I went to the mosque and heard the Imam and discovered my mistakes. I visited the library to read Arabic Grammar. At 17, I got a dictionary from which I learnt the roots of words which have a lot to do with the philosophy of the Arabic Language - that was in the late sixties. Praying too was learnt out of books; some said one thing and others another.

Q: How did you know that what you were learning was right?

A: For a long time I was not really sure what I was doing was right, but Allah accepts whenever you try your best. I knew I was making mistakes; there was nothing wrong with that since my intention was right. I got in touch with Muslims but not scholars. They were students from all over the world who knew more about Islam and practiced more than immigrant workers. As their knowledge was not much besides being mixed with their own ideas from home, I had different impressions of Islam. I had left home to do some office work training. Then I started to go to the mosque. They did not know very much only that which they had learnt at home, but they knew more than the immigrant workers. They practiced more than them, even if they practiced all kinds of things. But they also had their own ideas from back home. So I had all these different impressions of Islam. I had access to a library with genuine books in English, including Yusuf Ali’s translation of the Quran.

I also took part in discussions on Islam, because for three years I was the only one - a woman; often it was the Iman and me behind.

Whenever I did anything there was a general discussion: Should a woman do this or that? Should a woman drive a car or live away from her parents?

Q: Did any one say to you: «Look, you just cannot do that» even when you knew you were right?

A: Yes, but I did not really oppose it straight away except in discussions. I preferred to wait, for I was unsure about confronting somebody who might know better. In the beginning I had a complex, because I thought that Arabs had the advantage of having Arabic as their mother tongue, and they could understand The Quran. But soon I learned that this was not right. Even when I discerned I could do some of the things they said I could not, I did not waste my energy confronting them but waited until I got a little surer about my position.

Q: What is the best way of reading the Quran?

A: The Quran is an eternal revelation, not time bound. It reveals itself to everybody who tries to get close to it. The further you develop the more you understand it. You are not supposed to put it away on the top shelf. That is why it is unlike the Bible. The Quran is not just something you memorize for prayer, but something that has to be read regularly and something you try to get close to. It is like reading a letter that you got today. You open the letter and see what the person is telling you.

Sometimes it is something you feel very strange about, and you do not understand it straight away. Sometimes you have a problem, and you open it, and the solution is there. Even with other books this happens. Before I had any access to The Quran, I would go to the library, and in a book I had read many times before, I would find a passage from The Quran telling me what to do. For example, when I had to eat my mother’s food while I was living at home, I was really desperate. I had no pocket money - not enough to buy my meals. I found that verse in the Quran where it says certain food is forbidden except if you are forced to eat it against your will and you do not eat too much of it; then it is not a sin. I found a solution! When my mother was not looking I would slip the meat to the dog.

Q: How can women find out what the truth is when men with qualifications quote Hadiths which seem to put women down?

A: One of the basic things that the Prophet (upon whom be peace) said - one of the neglectedHadiths - was what most Muslims know in theory and some do not even know that, is that,« acquiring knowledge is a religious duty for every Muslim, man and woman » . If men have more knowledge, or seem to have more knowledge, women need to get more knowledge. The misery in the Islamic world is because the Muslims, especially the women have not followed thatHadith . It is not a matter of waiting for a teacher or until I have time to study.

When I was teaching Arabic I used to tell my students to read three verses in the Quran every day. Some would say three?! No, that is not enough. But if you do that every day for one year, you can imagine how many verses you will read. Reading the translation and looking up the words in the dictionary, you would acquire a lot of knowledge, grammar and vocabulary.

THE AMERICAN MUSLIM SISTER

CINDY DAHER

I could not deny the logic, simplicity, and truth of the absolute Oneness of Allah and the teachings of Islam.

Cindy married a Lebanese Muslim thirteen years ago, but not for any reason that has to do with Islamic principles. Later on, she was fortunate to meet somebody who enlightened her and opened her heart for the guidance of Islam. She became totally convinced after 6 years of debating and discussing.

Then this conviction grew even stronger when it changed to a strong belief and solid commitment that made her husband become committed himself, a phenomenon that has become common among many American Muslim women.

Noor Al-Islam interviewed Cindy while she was visiting her husband’s relatives in Lebanon to tell us the story of her conversion to Islam as well as her wishes and inspirations as a Muslim who carries the mission to call for Islam in her heart and soul. She and her Muslim sisters remain an example and an evidence of what a Muslim is and should be especially to those women who have nothing left from their Islam except what is written in their identity cards.

Q: Tell us about your childhood and your first religious life?

A: I would like at first to welcomeNoor Al-Islam , which I have read some issues of in Detroit, where I live, and came to value its role in promoting and spreading Islam.

I was born in the South American city of Shreveport, Louisiana. My parents divorced when I was four years old. A couple of years later my mother remarried a wonderful man, and a devout Christian (the son of a Baptist minister). I was taught to believe in the basic doctrines of Christianity including the trinity,« the divinity of Jesus » ,« original sin » , and« atonement » , and that the Bible was God’s infallible word. I attended church regularly, was baptized, and took part in the communion. I was taught that without exception, these beliefs brought eternal salvation. To question these« mysteries of God » was a sin, and to doubt these« gospel truths » would bring about my eternal damnation in Hell. Faith was to accept and believe in the unbelievable, so do not ask unanswerable questions.

Q: How were you introduced to Islam in such an environment?

A: I married a Muslim thirteen years ago, and although I had many Muslim friends, I was not in contact with very many faithful Muslim believers. Most of the Muslims I knew neither had the conviction to propagate Islam, nor had the detailed knowledge of the faults of Christian belief to show me the right path. Eight years ago, a new neighbor, who had been raised as a Baptist before converting to Islam and was married to a Muslim man, befriended me.Alhamdulillah , she was knowledgeable, loved Allah and was concerned enough to introduce me to Islam.

Some of my convert friends are extraordinary in that they felt uneasy with Christianity or with Western materialistic values and actively searched for the truth until they found Islam.

I, on the other hand, was not in the beginning searching for anything, and I feel that it was only the Blessings of Allah,Subhanahu wa ta’allah that this knowledgeable and faithful woman came into my life. She provided me with books on comparison religion and the basics of Islam, and to my astonishment, all of my questions, objections, and debates were rebutted or answered beautifully and reasonably.

Q: How did you then become convinced that Islam was the true path?

A: After rereading the Bible, I found that this« infallible word of God » had errors. How could that be - if it actually was the word of God? My only conclusion was that it had been tampered with and corrupted. I also searched for that most important doctrine of Christianity which is a triune god. The prophets of the Bible, including Jesus (A.S.) emphatically stressed that the Lord - our God is ONE. I also looked at the history of Christianity, the church, and the Bible and found much evidence of pagan influence and assimilation.

The All-Merciful, All-Powerful, and All-Just God needed and demanded the punishment of the innocent and sinless Jesus (A.S.) so that he could forgive us of our sins and wrongdoings. If a human judge or leader were to do this, I would consider him corrupt, oppressive, or may be even crazy!

After being convinced of the faults of Christian beliefs, she then guided me to the understanding that Jesus (A.S.) was a created human messenger and was himself submissive to Allah and under His control.

Then, we studied, compared, and read English translation of The Quran, and she taught me some of the history of Islam and struggles of Prophet Muhammad (Peace and blessings of Allah be upon him and his pious and pure progeny) and the early Muslims.

I could not deny the truth, simplicity, and logic of the absolute Oneness of Allah (Tawheed ) and said theShahadeh (declaration of faith) with total conviction and love.

I thank Allah for sending this dear friend to me, and I always ask Allah to bless this wonderful woman in this life and especially in the next life for all of her compassion towards me and for leading me to the right path of Islam.

Q: When you declared your Islam and followed the teachings of Islam, did you find any difficulties or trouble from your husband, family, and relatives?

A: When I declared that I was a Muslim, I asked my husband if he would feel embarrassed to be seen with me in public (in America) since I needed to wear the modest dress orhijab . I was so relieved when he said:« Do what you must, but I will be very proud and happy with you if you want to be mahajjebe » . My husband,Alhamdulillah , had become much more knowledgeable and a very good and practicing Muslim.

My Christian family was not pleased by my becoming Muslim but still refused to discuss the issues. I told them:« If I am wrong and Islam is wrong « Astaghfirullah » do you want me to be angry with you on the Judgment Day when God will punish the disbelievers of the truth? Or if the situation is reversed« and it is » I do not want you to blame me for your punishment (for associating others with God). Let’s discuss and search for the truth» . I wrote a poem to try to reach them, and on other occasions, I have tried different means to try to open their minds to the truth. They always refused to consider any other possibility than Christianity, and it hurts me that they are lost, but,Inshallah , I will keep trying to reach them.

Q: Do you remember some of the incidents that you encountered with your relatives?

A: I went once to Louisiana to visit my grandparents, and three of my uncles dropped by. One of them said:« Ha Ha, what is this? You are a Mohammadan, and your husband will have a harem with lots of wives! »

I replied:« Uncle, how many times have you been married? » He said:« Three times » . I asked the next, and he said:« I am now on my fifth » . He then proceeded to curse all of his ex-wives. The third uncle said that he was free now but had also been divorced four times.

I then said:« My husband has no other wives. The situations that you describe sounds to me like sequential polygamy with very little responsibility. Also Islam does not require or promote polygamy but has instead put limits on the practice. A man is not allowed to marry more than four wives and must treat all his wives exactly equally. If he cannot be perfectly just, he must limit himself to one » .

I continued:« I know of no cases, among the many Muslims that I have met, of a man who has three or four wives. I have heard of a couple of cases of two wives, but I have not personally met any. Also, divorce is still a rare occurrence among Muslims. And lastly, if I did become ill or disabled, and my husband felt the need of having another wife, I am secure that he would continue to take care of my needs and my children’s needs. I would not be tossed aside like yesterday’s garbage » . My uncles were speechless.

Q: How do you describe the American’s view of lslam?

A: Americans, in general, are very ignorant about Islam. There is much anti-Islamic propagandas, lies, and stereotyping. Occasionally, we, Muslim women (as we are easily identifiable), are verbally abused. But for the most part, we are not bothered. Sometimes, especially when Americans find we speak their language, they become very curious, and it opens the way for dialogue and interesting questions and even understanding.

Q: What about your current activities for the cause of the Call?

A: I am very fortunate to live in Dearborn, Michigan, with its large population of Muslims. We now have many opportunities for learning and practicing Islam. Being a Muslim is so very precious in the society I live in. All of my beliefs, intentions, thoughts, and actions are centered on the One Almighty Allah. Every deed has a real purpose and a real consequence.

Subhanallah, I now have many good faithful believers as friends including a large and rapidly growing group of convert Muslims. We have formed a supportive organization called United Muslim Women Association or (U.M.W.A.) through which we actively strengthen each other as Muslim women, friends, wives, and mothers. We have similar backgrounds, English is our primary language, and we share a special understanding of the problems and difficulties that we may encounter.

For example, some converts may face severe isolation from former friends and families. Most of us are trying to raise good Muslim children in a Western, anti-Islamic culture. We all need to strive continually and increase our knowledge.Alhamdulillah , we have a good-sized lending library of many of the available books on Islam printed in English. We print a newsletter and are concerned with da’wah work in our community at large. We also try to reach out and find other new or potential converts. We try to make contacts with other English speaking groups. We go to various Islamic Centers and Mosques situated in our area, and some of the Sheikhs come and speak to our group personally. We have access to a growing body of Islamic resources.

Q: Are there significant problems that face the new converts or the new generations of Muslims?

A: Converts (because they had been misled before and therefore are cautious) search, scrutinize, and actively seek knowledge of the truth. We, in general, do not take our religion for granted and are extremely aware of the value of our fight of Islam.

My major concern for the future is that our youth need more Islamic schools to buffer them from the negative and evil influences of a materialistic and hostile society. For example, I have had confrontations with my 10-year-old daughter’s school principal for the last two years over her obligatory fasting for the Month ofRamadan . He told me:« Your daughter has lost one month of her life and education because of following man made rules written for different place and time » .

Our children attend after school Arabic and religion lessons, but they desperately need all day schools to defend them from un-Islamic ideology.

There are also a growing number of 3rd and 4th generation immigrant children who do not know enough Arabic to gain a concrete understanding of their religion without social assistance. There are many obstacles to opening Islamic schools in America, but we must somehow find a way.

Q: How did you find the Muslim women in Lebanon?

A: In fact, I have mixed feelings about the Muslim women in Lebanon and in the other Arab countries as well: I am happy, on the one hand, for the Islamic revival that is adopted by many women who became committed to their religion and to call for it, especially after the previous era that was dominated by the Western cultural attack. But on the other hand, I feel very sorry and even resentful for the fall of many Muslim women who blindly imitate the Western traditions of moral decline.

I felt particularly ashamed of the women I saw dressing indecent clothes and acting in an indecent manner.

I call on these women, from an experienced point of view, to go back to the arms of their religion, and they will really be happy and proud.