Converts' Stories: Zahida's Testimony

Zahida's Testimony (from her homepage)

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 (S.W.T.). 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 (S.W.T), 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 gods 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 Jilbab, Al-humdulillah. Allah (S.W.T.) 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 Jilbab part. They always ask: Why do you have to cover your hair? Do you have to wear the Jilbab 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 (S.W.T.) 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. Inshalla this will happen. It's always a pleasure to talk and meet with other Muslims so please feel free to e-mail me.

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.