My Story
Assalamu Alaykum;
My name is Zahida. It wasn't always my
name, but I changed it because I've changed myself. I've been Muslim for
a few years, Al-humdulillah I am married and have two children. I was
born in America and raised in Illinois. My nationality is half-Czech on
my father's side and Italian, English, and Irish from my mother's. As
for my childhood, there wasn't much of it; my parents were divorced when
I was young. Later, I was sent to live with relatives. My life was far
from a happy one, (Al-humdulillah). I say Al-humdulillah for Allah knows
what's best for me. Perhaps my hardships helped me appreciate what I
have and better understand others.
My great-grandmother was very religious
as a Christian. She sent my brothers and sisters along with myself to
Church every Wednesday and Sunday. I felt I just didn't fit in; the
games were fun, but when it came to religion and the Bible, it just
never made, since, I always felt that Jesus was not god, which made it
more difficult, because they were saying Jesus is god and Jesus is god's
son. When they prayed they always prayed to Jesus, but what about Allah
the Almighty. I decided that when I get older, I would start going to
another Church. I went to a Catholic and a Baptist Church but still felt
lost. Everything they talked about was so unclear; like someone speaking
a foreign language I couldn't understand. So I gave up.
So many years later, I met my husband,
(Al-humdulillah). And with Allah's help, my husband started discussing
Islam with me. At first, I said: I will not become Muslim, because I
thought it was going to be the same as the rest. Then I found out that
Muslims believe that Jesus wasn't God or God's son. After that, I became
more interested and eager to learn more. So I started asking questions
and reading everything about Islam I could get my hands on. Al-humdulillah,
a year later, I accepted Islam. Six months later, I wore Hijab and three
months after that, I wore hijab, Al-humdulillah. Allah guided me to the
path of righteousness; I try to apply what I learn, because this is what
really counts.
I know some of you are probably
wondering about how my family responded to my change. Well, everyone
seems to accept it except for the Hijab and Hijab part, they always ask:
Why do you have to cover your hair? Do you have to wear the Hijab all
the time? My oldest sister does not accept Islam; she is Christian and
thinks that Islam is some sort of a cult. She is under the idea that we
pray to the sun and moon. My youngest sister doesn't know which religion
to choose. Of course I tell her about Islam, but she doesn't want our
other sister's opinion or mine, so she doesn't choose. I still pray that
Allah helps her find the straight path as He did for me and all of you,
Al-humdulillah. I wanted to do this web page to share with you what I
learned from reading and talking to others. I believe we should share
what we know with each other to better ourselves. Inshallah this will
happen. It's always a pleasure to talk and meet with other Muslims.
May Allah bless you with what you need
and keep us on the right path. Also, let's ask that Allah helps and has
mercy on our brothers and sisters all over the world. |