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.
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