According to rahyafte (the missionaries and converts website):
An Exclusive Interview with Suzanne, New Muslim from Britain by Bentolhoda Mofakhami
Rahyafte NGO (related to Edoardo Agnelli Islamic Association) appreciates you for accepting the interview. Please introduce yourself.
My name is Suzanne. I am a 31-year-old woman born in a small country town in England. I was raised in a loving family with one younger sister. I have worked for the same company since I was 16 and have worked hard to secure a job that I am proud of. I went to University at 19 to become a teacher however left in my second year to pursue a career in my company.
Please tell us, how did you get familiar with Islam?
Due to progression at work, I was given the opportunity to move to a larger town just north of London for a year in 2013. On my first day at work, I soon realised that I had hundreds of people who worked for me who were from all races, religions and cultural backgrounds. I also realised that if I was going to fit in and be able to lead them I needed to do some research. This is how I discovered Islam.
I made friends quickly and I started to ask them about their faith but no one challenged my questions quite like my Muslim friends. I found that the Muslims that I worked with were extremely proud of their faith and were a close community of people.They would invite me into deeper conversation about Christianity, which embarrassingly enough I couldn’t talk about. In fact, they could talk to me more about MY religion than I could. The closer we became as friends the more I asked questions and there would regularly be a friendly debate about why Islam was the truth. With each day I would research what they were telling me and would search the internet for flaws in their argument. With every counter argument I came up with they had an answer. It amazed me how nothing fazed them, they were confident that Islam was the truth and even if they couldn’t give a full answer at the time they would come back the next day with a thorough explanation.
What drived you to convert to Islam? What specifically attracted you to Islam?
After a few months of religious debates everything started to make sense. Like a sponge, I absorbed everything I could and the conversations would go on for hours. Each time it felt as though another piece of the puzzle was found. I started to understand why my love for God had always been so strong but my practice of Christianity was so weak. Islam was the truth and I was no longer trying to deny it. Taking my Shahada was the only thing left to do.
I was very much connected to Allah for as long as I could remember. I would talk to him from a fairly young age and that never changed as I grew up. However I did not understand the stories in the Bible and how this was relevant to my life. When I started to learn about Islam, things started to make sense. I had countless moments that felt like it made sense, emotionally, scientifically and fitted into my 21st century life. The Quran was relevant to me.
What was your family’s reaction after you became a Muslim? Did you have any problem with people who knew you? What is your husband religion?
I had already had a lot of conversations over the previous year with my parents about Islam and they were ‘okay’ about my new interest but I knew they were worried I would regret my decision to revert. My parents were certainly not difficult in my transition but a few pointed words like “there will never be halal meat served in this house” were muttered by my Mum. I spoke to them about Islam as often as I could get away with and it was amusing to hear the same ridiculous questions and misconceptions I had asked when I was first learning. And like me with more knowledge my parents started to accept what I had decided and that I had become a softer more loving daughter because of it. After two years, they stand by me and my decision and are stronger than ever.
I have lost many friends as we no longer have the same interests, however, I also have a lot of people who I know will stay by my side through any trial that life brings. My husband is a British born Kashmiri Muslim and we help guide each other to the deen everyday.
How do you see the spread of Islam in your country?
I know many young female reverts that have had their lives transformed by Islam. I believe that with the greater acceptance of Islam in Britain that it will continue to spread and thrive. I receive more questions from non Muslims that are keen to understand Islam better and as this happens, I believe, the integration and spread of Islam will have a positive affect on Britain.
What is the most beautiful Ayah of the Quran in your opinion? And why?
Ayatul Kursi – this is one of the first Ayahs that I learnt about and so I hold it close to my heart. The power that it holds keep me feeling safe and protected by Allah.
What’s your opinion about hijab? Did wearing hijab have any effect on your private life? Do you think it is only dedicated to women?
I couldn’t wait to start wearing hijab, I felt a need to cover and would practice at home with scarves even before I took my Shahada. When I started wearing hijab full time the journey was sometimes hard. I found I couldn’t go everywhere that I used to. People would stare at me everywhere I went. Some family and friends thought I was crazy wanting to cover and believed that hiding my beauty was wrong. I didn’t feel beautiful anymore. However, I continued to put it on everyday and as I started to see the benefits of hijab the more I fell in love with it. I feel like a queen when I walk out in my crown. I would encourage all sisters to wear hijab and feel how empowering it is to be covered.
I believe that hijab for men is to be polite, honourable and protective in looking after their Muslim sisters.
What was your feeling when you prayed for the first time? Isn’t it hard for you to pray 5 times a day?
I learnt to pray ready for my first Ramadan. Although I may have not performed my Salaat perfectly I felt a connection to Allah like no other. I would cry to Allah many times in prayer which made me feel calm and at peace like nothing ever had before. Praying 5 times a day was very difficult as it took me out of my normal daily routine and I believe that you need to try hard to keep to your obligation in a busy lifestyle. However, it is not impossible and it is just a test in our dedication to Allah.
If you want to say some words about the beauty of Islam, the peace, the calmness you have found in this religion, what do you say?
The day I took my Shahada was the greatest day of my life. I truly believe that my life began on that day. No bad day ever happened before then. Allah forgave me so I could forgive myself. Being a Muslim makes me proud everyday. It is my identity, people know I am Muslim before they know my name. Life now makes perfect sense. All I hope for is that my parents and sister follow me to Islam and I inspire them to the truth just like my brothers and sisters have inspired me.
InshaAllah. Thank you very much for your attention. May Allah bless you and keep you strong and firm on this true path. Ameen
DUA: Allah please accept this from us. You are All-Hearing and All-Knowing. You are The Most Forgiving.You are The Most Relenting and repeatedly Merciful. Allah grant us The Taufiq to read all the 5 prayers with sincerity.
(Taken from:To Be Earnest In Prayers By Amina Elahi)
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