According to rahyafte (the missionaries and converts website): Kirsteen James is an Australian university professor and scholar who has lived in Germany and Scotland for years and has traveled to various countries as a university professor or for tourism. She has authored several international books and articles and due to her avid interest in research and study, she eventually embraced the Islamic faith, specifically choosing the Shia denomination. After her conversion, she adopted the name “Zeinab Saani” to better represent herself as a practicing Shia Muslim woman. Currently, for the past seven months, she has left her husband and three young children in Australia and come to Iran for religious studies. She is determined to return to her homeland with enriched knowledge, despite facing challenges along the way. She was interviewed by “Javan” through the association “Shahid Eduardo Anili” at the Quran Exhibition.
What prompted you to become a Shia Muslim?
From the time I was a child, I used to pray and converse with God. During my school years, I learned about Christianity, which introduced me to a certain level of spirituality. Upon entering university, I delved into Judaism and gained insights. A couple of years ago, I decided to explore Islam. I conducted online research about Islam and its sects, as well as the wars within Islam, to enrich my knowledge. To further specialize, I chose the topic of Shia Islam for my doctoral thesis. Through these investigations, I found myself drawn to the Islamic faith and the Shia denomination. Inshallah (God willing), I hope to remain steadfast in this divine path and religion.
As a recent convert to Islam, how do you perceive Islam and Shia Islam in the face of growing Islamophobia in the West? Contrary to all the negative media portrayals of Islam, what stood out and resonated with me the most about Shia Islam, among all the teachings of Islam, was its compassion. In Islam, there are role models like Prophet Muhammad and his Ahl al-Bayt (family), who despite facing challenges, were remarkably compassionate and amiable. In this period, I’ve learned that despite the difficulties and hardships in life, one must show kindness and love to others.
You’ve traveled extensively. Which countries have you visited?
I enjoy traveling, gaining experiences, and learning. I’ve been to various countries such as England, France, Germany, Scotland, Denmark, Sweden, Spain, the United States, as well as Eastern countries like Indonesia and India. These journeys, whether for residence, teaching, or tourism, have acquainted me with diverse cultures, traditions, and customs. These experiences have perhaps solidified my decision to embrace Islam more firmly.
You wear a chador (headscarf). Isn’t it challenging in this warm weather?
No, not at all. Wearing the headscarf is part of our religious beliefs and must be adhered to. The weather is hot in many other countries, particularly in Australia, where the heat is even more intense. Weather cannot be an excuse for not observing the hijab.
What advice do you have for women who abandon the hijab for such reasons or perceive it as an obstacle?
Unfortunately, I’ve observed that some Iranian women are influenced by Western culture. Addressing these women, I would say if they want to understand the reality and not fall for deceptive appearances, they must recognize their own worth first. Then, others will recognize their true value and precious existence.
What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned from the Quran? Trust in God. I learned from the Quran to find assurance in the path and direction I have chosen, and that this path will guide me toward a positive outcome. The Quran has also taught me to follow the role models we have and to understand how to live as a human being. It’s a book filled with valuable life lessons that have greatly amplified my confidence and trust.
Some say that everyone will become a
Muslim in the end times. As a university-educated convert who has researched and studied Shia Islam, what’s your perspective on this?
In my opinion, not everyone will become a Muslim; rather, they will be influenced by Islam. For instance, during my time in France, I lived among people who boasted of their freedom, yet racism was rampant. Nevertheless, due to the presence of immigrants in the country, many French people have been influenced by Islam and the character of Muslims.
In Western media, it’s often stated that Islam oppresses women. What’s your take on this?
Being a Western woman who grew up in Western society and culture, I can assure you that if Islam truly oppressed women and restricted them, I would never have converted to it. It would have been foolish to leave behind my academic and university positions, my social status, and my family in Australia to journey abroad and study religion. If Islam oppressed women, Iran wouldn’t have so many educated women. Iranian women play significant roles, are Muslims, and enjoy substantial freedoms. I believe that Western women don’t possess the same freedom as Muslim women; they experience more oppression and limitations. Western societies perpetuate an image of beauty and self-presentation for women, and they seek economic desires and sexual exploitation. In contrast, Islamic values recognize the worth of women, and they have never been oppressed in Islam’s history.
