Jeddah: The Maulana Hifzur Rahman Seoharvi Academy (Women’s Wing) organized a function for more than 200 new women reverts, who shared their experiences.
Fakeha Zinjani, who conducted the event, said that despite Islam being the most targeted religion and labeled as a misogynistic religion, more people, especially women, are coming into its fold by choice after deep study.
The program began with the recitation of the Holy Qur’an by Sarah Altaf, followed by Anam Rizvi’s welcome speech. “These women are the chosen people of Allah and it is an honor to welcome them and be with them,” she said.
Alima Shakoor, formerly Taesha Edwards, from the United States, in her welcome speech narrated her own story, which moved everyone to tears.
“The moment when the truth dawns upon you, the moment you realize you have found your purpose in life, that feeling is inexplicable and the most beautiful feeling in the world, only the most lucky ones get to experience it,” she said.
The guests of honor were Janet Shaw from the United States, Tehseen (Tulsi) from Rajasthan, Ayesha (Swati) from Delhi, Fatima (Lillith) from Armenia, Fatima (Beenu) from Lucknow and Alfiya (Aarthi) from Mumbai.
The chief guest of the program was Mrs. Chaudhry Shahbaz Hussain.
Ayesha said that the first thing that inspired her was Salah, especially how everyone goes in sujood at the sound of Allah-o-Akbar.
Janet Shaw said that the Qur’an has answers to all her questions. “My mind was at peace when I started reading Qur’an and understanding it,” she said.
Alfiya was in tears while narrating her story and said that Islam is the greatest gift she has ever received.
It was Assalam-o-Alaikum that inspired Beenu and the fact that every time Muslims meet each other they give dua and the receiver prays in turn by saying Walikum Assalam.
The stories touched the chords of many hearts in the audience. The new Muslim women were presented with gifts that were sponsored by some companies and philanthropists.
Rukhsana Zain did dua for the Ummah. Farhana Behjat, president of the academy, in her vote of thanks, remarked that Islam is the religion of peace and compassion.