20 December 2012
By Imaan Ali
"And
thus have We revealed it, being clear arguments, and
because Allah(swt) guides whom He intends".-
Quran 22:16
When I met her online for the first time few months
before Ramadan, we immediately connected and soon
developed a sisterly relation. She is one who had
already taken the first big step of believing in ONE
ALLAH. It was inspiring to listen to her words, views
and opinions. It was before the start of Ramadan that
she broke the news that she would revert to the
religion of Prophet Jesus, Moses and Mohammed (peace
be upon them all) called as ‘Submission', Islam in
Arabic. Since then she has been working tirelessly in
educating the masses in importance of wearing the
hijab and being a good Muslim. She is the symbol of
love, tolerance and progressiveness
She is from the French speaking part of Canada and
her name is Stephanie Roy, 24 years old, Muslimah
from New-Brunswick, Canada, currently residing in
Ottawa. She converted on July 28, 2012 from
Catholicism to Islam. She is an avid blogger and
Youtuber
www.youtube.com/user/translationgal
and the Editor-in-Chief of Open
Interpretations, a newsletter about Islam from a
progressive and sometimes interfaith perspective (www.scribd.com/Open_Interpretations).
I had a chance to interview her last week and listen
to her journey to Islam.
Stephanie: Walaikum assalam Imaan: How did your interest in Islam start and what attracted you to Islam? Stephanie: Step by step it seemed Islam made its way into my life. I have always been interested in world religions and then I started dating a Muslim man, my interest naturally turned to Islam. Imaan: What was the defining moment when you decided to revert to Islam? Stephanie: Three years ago, my ex dared me to fast Ramadan. I never say no to a dare and I never do things half way, so I fasted the thirty days and read the thirty juz' of the Qu'ran. I was being pressured from all sides to convert, not to convert, etc, so I told everyone involved that I would not convert to Islam for three years and that if I still found Islam appealing and wanted to do so, I would convert then. I converted almost exactly three years later! Imaan: What was the reaction of your parents/friends/relatives? Stephanie: Most of my non-Muslim relatives were reluctant; wondering what this change of religion entailed as far as personal changes. They were scared I would fall victim to the negative Muslim stereotypes. They were nonetheless supportive; most of my friends and family were supportive! Imaan: What challenges did you face at your work place or cultural or with any other people Stephanie: I faced a lot of workplace bullying, especially once I started wearing the veil. Many people saw in me a submissive Muslim woman and thought they could walk all over me. I am kind-hearted but strong and didn't let that stop me. Imaan: What level of support help did you get from the Muslim community or Muslims. Was it positive? Stephanie: While I did receive a lot of support, I also received a lot of pressure. The best Muslim communities were the ones which had a large number of converts who explained everything in details and never assumed you knew anything. They were patient and brought information in as it was requested rather than all at once. Imaan: What are your future plans or how do you see Muslim ummah in the future. Stephanie: I will continue to spread my love of Islam through Open Interpretation and my blog (www.LoveGodDiversity.blogspot.com)! God willing, the ummah can realize what an incredible wealth can be found in its people and gain from it rather than promote division. You can contact her or visit her at www.LoveGodDiversity.blogspot.com www.facebook.com/LoveGodDiversity Comments 💬 التعليقات |