As I reflect on my journey, I am reminded of the profound impact that Islam has had on my life. It’s hard to believe that it’s been almost ten years since I took my first steps towards embracing this beautiful faith.
I remember the fear and uncertainty that gripped me as a 100-level student, totally dependent on my parents for livelihood. I had to combine my prayers at night, secretly learning the Quran indoors, and removing my jelbab whenever I went out to school. I even lied to my dad, telling him that I wanted to learn tailoring, just so I could observe my first Ramadan without his knowledge.
Despite the challenges and fears, I didn’t allow them to stop me from learning. The more I discovered about Islam, the stronger my conviction became. I trusted my affairs to Allah and relied on Him for guidance.
Summoning the courage to inform my parents about my newfound faith was one of the most daunting tasks I faced. But I knew that I had to be honest with them, no matter the consequences. When I finally told my dad, he invited me over for a dialogue. He was concerned that I might backslide and that my eternity was at stake.
Our conversation was more of me sharing the beauty of Islam with him. He listened intently, and eventually, he shut me up, saying that I was preaching to him. Despite his initial reservations, he wished me well and has been supporting me ever since.
My mum, unfortunately, passed away as a Christian after I got married and was pregnant with my first child. But I continue to pray for my dad’s guidance and well-being, especially now that he’s at an advanced age.
Looking back, I realize that my journey wasn’t easy, but it was worth it. I faced challenges from friends, relatives, and even course representatives. But I didn’t argue, fight, or show weakness. Instead, I shared the beauty of Islam with them, and my conviction only grew stronger.
Today, I stand as a testament to the power of faith and conviction. I teach children hadith in my school, share basic Islamic studies, and tell them about the beauty of Islam. My journey is far from over, but I’m grateful for the progress I’ve made so far.
As I celebrate my tenth year as a Muslim, I pray that Allah continues to guide me and grant me piety and steadfastness. I also pray that He makes it easy for others to accept Islam and that we can all be on the same path, united in our love for this beautiful faith.
La hawla wa la quwwata illa biLlah.
Here is the article:
A Decalom of Conviction: My Journey to Embracing Islam
Today’s date is Sunday, February 23, 2025. Ten years ago, I, Umm Zayd, embarked on a life-changing journey. On March 4, 2015, as a 100-level student, I took my first steps towards embracing Islam. At the time, I was completely dependent on my parents for livelihood. The fear of the unknown gripped me, and I had to keep my newfound faith a secret.
I would combine my prayers at night, as I didn’t want anyone to know. I secretly started learning the Quran indoors and would take off my jelbab whenever I went out to school. I even lied to my dad, telling him that I wanted to learn tailing, just so I could observe my first Ramadan without his knowledge. My goal was to monetize the skill later and fund my academics and feeding in case I was disowned when I finally gathered the courage to inform my parents.
Despite the fear and uncertainty, I didn’t allow them to stop me from learning. The more I discovered about Islam, the stronger my conviction became. I wasn’t God, and I trusted my affairs to Him, relying on Him for guidance.
I eventually summoned the courage to message my dad, and he invited me over for a dialogue. He didn’t want me to backslide and believed my eternity was at stake. He feared that I might have been brainwashed by rich Alhajis in Ilorin, as the University of Ilorin was my school. He even begged me not to undergo an abortion in case the freedom I had just gained as an undergraduate led me to a Muslim guy.
I accepted his invite the following holiday, and our conversation was more about me sharing the beauty of Islam with him. He had to shut me up when the conversation seemed like I was preaching to him. Despite his initial reservations, he wished me well, and he has been supporting me ever since.
My mom passed away as a Christian after I got married and was pregnant with my first child. But I continue to pray for my dad’s guidance and well-being, especially now that he’s at an advanced age.
Brother Bashir’s story was an inspiration to me, and I found comfort in knowing that I wasn’t alone in my journey. The clips from ACADIP also reassured me that I had made the right decision.
Today, I stand as a proud Muslim, teaching children hadith in my school, sharing basic Islamic studies, and telling them about the beauty of Islam. My journey hasn’t been easy, but it has been worth it. I have faced challenges from friends, relatives, and even course representatives, but I didn’t argue, fight, or show weakness. Instead, I shared the beauty of Islam with them, and my conviction only grew stronger.
Although marriage, childbirth, and relocation disrupted my plans, I continued to pursue my Islamic education. I finished my Ibtidayih (primary school) studies in 2022 and started my Idaadiyah course afterwards. I had to stop attending physical madrasah after relocating to another state, but I have since started online classes.
My family is still Christian, but the love and support that I feared losing are still intact and growing daily. I believe that if I had been harsh, stubborn, or argumentative, things might not be the way they are today.
Alhamdulillah, I am grateful for the journey that I have been on, and I pray that Allah continues to guide me and grant me piety and steadfastness. I also pray that He makes it easy for others to accept Islam and that we can all be on the same path, united in our love for this beautiful faith.
La hawdla wa la quwwata illa biLLah.
English 