All I wanted was to embrace Islam’ By Fouzia Khan

New Muslims share their story

JEDDAH – Thirteen women who embraced Islam were felicitated in a program held at Nirala restaurant, Jeddah, last week.

The program organized by Haji Mohammed Ayub Welfare Organization was chaired by Umm Fakeha Zinjani, president of the organization. Dr. Talat Shawdeen, an Indian doctor working at the Manarat Polyclinic, was the chief guest and Mariyam Ibraham (formerly Mariyama Abraham), an Indian nurse at the Manarat Polyclinic, was the guest of honor.

Mariyam shared her journey to Islam, which began when she came to Saudi Arabia few years back to work as a nurse in Hera hospital in Makkah.

“I was always conversing with doctors and patients, most of who were Muslims. I didn’t know what Islam was. When I saw people come on Haj and Umrah, and saw people fast during Ramadan, I became inquisitive,” Mariyam said.

“I started asking doctors and patients about Islam. I was then transfered to Jeddah’s Manarat Polyclinic. Most staff here were Muslim and they treated me well. A friend explained me about Islam and gave me a book to read.”

“Whenever I had any doubt, I cleared it with Dr. Talat,” she added.

“One night I woke up from sleep feeling tensed. I dreamt that someone told me to get up and read Surah An-Noor. I did Wudhu, which I learnt from reading books, and read the Surah. It had answers to much of the tension I was going through,” Mariyam recalled.

“The next morning I told Dr. Talal about the experience. She recited Surah Noor and translated its meaning to me. I cried a lot listening to it. Dr. Talat then left for vacation in August, 2008. During that time, I felt I had to embrace Islam. I couldn’t wait for her. I went and told another doctor about my intention. She told me to think over and whether my family would accept it. I told her I didn’t care about that. All I wanted was to embrace Islam.”

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