allah changed my life

How one teen remembered Allah and turned her life around

How one teen remembered Allah

As most people do, I turned to Allah and Islam during the hard times of my life. It's a sad fact of life. When times are happy and life is good, no one feels obliged to turn towards his or her Deen (religion). It's all about living the moment.

After I had turned towards Allah, I approached a friend in a very casual manner, trying to encourage her to also turn towards Islam. Her reply chilled my blood. "Right now, my life is good, I'm happy and I don't need any change."

I thought to myself, better bite your tongue. I wanted to shake her and say, "Would you really want some tragic event to happen before waking up to Islam?" Obviously no one in his or her right mind would want to do so, but subconsciously, I feel everyone does.

I was no exception to that. I was on the brink of depression, as a result of a series of events that happened. Now looking back at it, it wasn't much, but being a teenager who had lost her sense of identity and purpose in life, it was the monster of all crises.

I had been separated from my best friends, snatched up away from my life and replaced in a place I had once called home. It was hard, and I was suffering. I used to find comfort, lying awake at night and staring at the stars, amazed at the fact that these were the same stars I stared at when I lived on the other side of the world.

My family, Alhamdu lillah (All Praise be to Allah), had all changed towards Islam in the past years. No one forced me to wear Hijab, and I didn't simply because I thought I wasn't ready. They did, however, expect me to dress modestly and most importantly offer my daily prayers.

My aunt used to take me to these classes held nearby, and I went when I could. I was in pain and I didn't quite understand why. And it happened so that the particular topic at that class I had attended was on why pain and suffering happens. The teacher said that we are put through hard times as a test, to see how we cope with it. To see if we will turn towards Siratul Mustaqeem (the Straight Path), or away from it.

It was that day that I learned that every bit of pain we endure, both emotional and physical, alleviates us from our punishments in the hereafter. It was then that I started truly understanding the ways of Allah, how everything that happens has a purpose and that I was supposed to learn from that.

It's been almost two and a half years since that period of my life. It took me a year and a half to actually start changing. I knew Islam, but I did not practice it the way a Muslim is supposed to. I thought I was happy, but deep down inside I knew that I was not.

I was a hypocrite, and as much as I tried denying it, I could not. It sank in and I accepted it and prayed that I find the right way. My conscience was not dead, but I had muted it. Before, I used to get the urge to start Hijab, yet I used to fight it. I performed Umra and I prayed continuously that the next time my conscience spoke to me, I would not only listen to it, but I would amplify it so that I could not ignore it.

Last Ramadan, late one night, Hijab got on my conscience and would not go away. I told myself that I was not ready, that there were many strings attached that I may not be able to fulfill, but with the right words from supportive friends I told myself that if I didn't start now, I would never start. And I believed that 200%. So I no longer had any excuse for not doing Hijab. So Alhamdu lillah, I finally put on my Hijab on December 31st, 1999 at the age of 18, and have been wearing it ever since.

After a month or so, I realized that Hijab was not as big a deal as I had thought. It was not difficult in the least. To this day there has never been a moment that I regretted Hijab, and for that I am so grateful, Alhamdu lillah. I immediately found many friends who also wear Hijab. These friends and my family were the greatest strength for my new found Iman (faith).

I occupied myself with more Masjid-oriented activities and attended more classes to increase my knowledge of our religion. I am grateful that I put my foot down and decided to start Hijab then, because had I not, who knows how long it would have taken for me to start.
How do I remember Allah and His magnificent ways?

When I step outside and marvel at the beauty of nature. When I stop to play with a baby and see how perplexing, yet perfect, the precious cycle of life is. When I go out and people stop to say As-Salaam-Wa-Alaikum to me. When I study the Quran and the Hadith of our beautiful Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) and how perfectly and completely it incorporates our lives and faith. When I pass by my fellow sisters in Islam adorned proudly and confidently in their Hijabs. Everything reminds me of Allah, and I can feel my love for Him, our Prophet, and our religion grow by the day.

Comments

This article is very well written. I feel the same now im 12 years old and i feel like im moving away from allah(SWT) i dont kno y but im going to take ur advice and go the right way enshallah i haven't wore the hijab yet but as soon as i understand islam i will put it on! enshallah

Location

Toronto ON

Salam, mahahallah this article was very well written, and i think this sister did a good job telling her feelings to the reader and something to say is if u do hijab by force behind ur parents back ur going to talk it off, and allhamdulilah like this teen did u can convince yourself to where hijab, when u are ready, and i do not wear hijab yet, but inshallah i will.

Location

Massachusetts

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Muslims_Sisters_Dawa/As salamu alaykum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatu to all sisters in Islam new and old. This group is for all those sisters who wish to learn more about our religion, clearing doubts, exchanging ideas and perceptions. This group is for for WOMEN ONLY and it follows the basic of Ahl As Sunnah wa Al Jama', the main body of the islamic community, according to the teaching of the Sahabah. Non muslim interested in Islam are also welcome.

Location

Italy

I really liked your article and I'm sure you're not the only one in the same position. Alhamdulillah, I started wearing my Hijab when I was in grade 3. I think many people are able to relate to your experiences as a young teen.....keep it up sis!

Location

Canada

aask, sister pl keep on inspiring us with more of your experiences...kausar

Location

california

Bismillah!! i no longer feel as awckward as b4 about wearing my hijab...i have gone astray but am changing my ways...i am hoping and praying that Allah(PBUH) forgives us all...

Location

Florida,U.S.

assalamualaikum.. yes, ur story is great and touching anyway..well,many ppl out there face a lot of problems jz because dey are muslim and practising islam.. but here in malaysia,it turn out 2 b so different where hijab is a compulsory in schools but many refused 2 do so..we are free 2 practise whatever belief but sadly.there r many who are not taking advantage of this freedom..so. lets pray 2 Allah that sumday the hidayah will shine through their heart...ameen..

Location

malaysia

salamz wr wbwow ur story was so great sister, its as if im reading about my life. i felt that i went throught the same thing. alhamduiallah allah open our hearts.... may allah continue opening our fellow muslims hearts and minds.salamz

Location

Austraila

wow!! u have really inspired me sister of islam and I hope we will all meet each other in heaven inshallah. I used to not like to cover because my dad forced me, but my Mom was understandable. But now I look up to her and I really think it's great. waalikom salam

Location

Maine

Subhan'allah...my dear sister it is just as if you wrote my story. May Allah guide you always, and REMEBER THERE IS NO POWER OR ABILITY EXCEPT BY THE LEAVE OF ALLAH!

Location

lONDON

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