Revert To Islam: An Interview With Stephanie Roy By Imaan Ali

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.

Imaan: Salaam alykum sister Stephanie

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

LoveGodDiversity@gmail.com

www.LoveGodDiversity.blogspot.com

www.facebook.com/LoveGodDiversity

 

©  EsinIslam.Com

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