Nau Mai Haere Mai, Asalaam Alaikum, kia ora

 My Conversion Story.
Tena kotou tena kotou, tena katoa te whanau
Kia ora
Introduction.
My name is Nathan, but I am known as Abdul Karim or Ak.
I became a father in 2000. I now have six children.
I have been married to my beautiful wife since 2007. 

I have been Muslim since 2010, Date Alhumdulillah.
Daee since 2013.
Amir of South East Dawah since 2013.
Amir and President of Spinvic/Amin since 2017. 

I was born and raised Christian. I went to Catholic schools (back then, most schools were religious), but my mother wasn't the best Christian! 

]
I had a fight (fall out) with mum at a young age (I was a naughty boy, haha), so I went to live with Dad.
My father is an Atheist. He raised me with good morals but no faith! However, I still had the foundation for belief, although I did not practice it. 

I remember still retaining those morals my father taught me, and I also kept the values my mother showed and raised me with. 

I would never use Jesus name in vain. It was a strict belief of mine. I swore like a sailor but never cursed Jesus ever. I would always tell my friends off for doing this also. 

I was accepting and welcoming to all!
Had many friends, boys and girls from different schools and different groups, nationalities and religions. 

Life before Islam.
My life was standard, and I was a father and married.
Like many of you, I was on the HAMSTER WHEEL of life. Get money, spend money, get wasted, sober up. Then back to earn money, then spend money and so on!.....
I had no sense of purpose, no direction, no ambition, just family work and party, but it was always party before family or work.
My first encounter with a Muslim.
I had a Turkish Muslim friend with whom I went to high school. We hung out a lot, he did not practice regularly. But he did read and sometimes prayed. 

A few years later, we were flatmates with my brother and me. I remember he convinced us 'sucuk' was a donkey, lol.

Anyway, whenever we were getting on it( liquids and others), before going out, he would rev us up with the story from Battle of Badr... lol. Astaghfirullah.

This intrigued me, and l would ask questions about Muhammad PBUH. He told me a lot. 

My Conversion.
My reversion came from a mixture of things. First, my close friends, one Turkish bro, who is now practising and another close friend embraced Islam, including my brother. My brother does not practice but inshallah one day.

I watched an 8 hr DVD (the Arrivals) with my wife, at the end we agreed it was the truth!
It answered all the questions we both had about our current faiths; she was Catholic and Christian - both non-practising.

We embraced the concept that we don't need another person to absolve our sin.
*Allah swt would not murder his only son.
*We do not worship a man.
*And more importantly, we have a direct connection with Allah swt.
My wife said she would take Shahada right now; I said, "I'm not ready," knowing I would need to change my whole life. 

I knew that I would have to stop everything I thought and believed I loved doing, then she said to me, "if your going hell Im coming with you!!!"When I realised I was being selfish, so we called my bro up, and he came over in a flash, then boom.... took Shahada.
Allah swt gave my wife hidayah (guidance) at that moment, but it came the following year for me. Alhumdulillah.

We went on a family trip to Aotearoa, New Zealand. We saw how much we had missed during that time with our children. With both of us working all the time!!!
My hidayah came when I lost my job on that trip. When we returned home to (Australia), my eldest daughter came to live with us( she was 12 at that time).
Then my wife's grandfather had a stroke, and finally, my father-in-law had a heart attack, this all happened in the same month!!!
I knew this was my hidayah, and I never looked back. Alhumdulillah.

What do I love about Islam?
The promise of Jannah.
Acceptance, loving each other for Allah swt sake.
Constantly wanting to seek Allah swt rewards, in doing good deeds, some easier than others!
Meeting so many new people and keeping ties with them, no matter where we travel. 

How has Islam improved me as a person?
In every way, I have improved.
I am more likable than I was.
I feel l am of a better character than what I had.
I am more generous than I was.
I am more caring toward my family.
My love for my wife has no limits. I have a positive outlook on the good and bad things in my life.
I am aware of eternal bliss.
My list can go on for days, lol. 

Does my family like my changes?
Alhumdulillah, my mother accepted Islam, 1 yr before she passed.
My dad is an Atheist, and he has distanced himself from my family (his loss) and me.
My brothers all think I'm nuts or extreme, haha, but I know better.
I make dua to Allah swt to help guide them to Islam one day.
My in-laws are great; my wife's mother, cousin, and niece gave all accepted, Islam.
They all took their Shahada with me, Alhumdulilah. 

As a Maori Polynesian Muslim,  what challenges have I faced?
My identity, in some ways, I never grew up with my culture or my language.
My extended family are judgemental of me due to Islam because I disagree with our history of beliefs (it's all shirk).
But they tolerate me, I guess, you could say, haha. 

Navigating my path as a Muslim,
I have seen brothers I associate with come from an Islamic background, where Islam is a part of their culture, expressed in that nationality.
I have seen through this expression a sense of belonging for them all, which I never really have had. 

I have had to insert myself in with their gatherings etc. Reverts, I'm sure you all know what I'm talking about!!!
That is why our new Pacifica community is so important here in Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands.
We need to strengthen our bonds and build our community to have that belonging. 

I am proud to say I'm 100% down for making this happen!!!
I appreciate you all reading this. I hope it was not too long for you, haha.
Arohanui mai, Ka kite ano e te whanau.
Kia ora.

 My Conversion Story
Introduction
Assalamualaikum I am Andrea Cruickshank.
Born and bred in Hastings New Zealand.
I worked as a caregiver for the elderly for many years, I am currently retired.
I have one daughter.

Life before Islam
I was raised by a single mother, I am the youngest of 5 siblings.   We were raised in a conservative Trinitarian Christian church, I also attended the church school in Napier.

I consider myself a deep logical thinker. I questioned the Pastor “why is there one God in the Old  testament and three in the New testament”? He stood over me at the height of 6ft and shrieked at me “you will believe or go straight to hell.”

I could not comprehend Jesus and the Holy Ghost. It wasn't logical, whereas the commandments are so straight forward and specific.  I continued to go to church and the church school to please my mum, my heart was not in it.  I also went to mainstream school. 

When I was 21 I did an OE overseas experience, I completely went off the rails living the fast lane and partied hard. When I returned to New Zealand I worked in a rest home for the elderly and I continued partying.  I was in a serious car accident the day after my friend's wedding. I slowed  down the partying scene because of my health.

I met my daughter's father and gave birth at 27. My mother would take my daughter to church, she volunteered me to help out there, so I ran some Sunday school classes and just helped out,  which was a good social outlet, my views on the Trinity were still the same.
My daughter was abused at the church school, she acted out and physiologically crashed and burned because of it. She met Ryan who became a close friend to her, he would take her to church and she settled down with his support. 

Ryan was interested in Islam my daughter approached a couple of Maori revert brothers to talk to Ryan, so they met up and spoke to him and answered all his questions, Ryan also met the Sheikh and 10 days later he converted and took his Shahada. My daughter converted after some time in August 2010  after further research and finding the answers to her questions.

My first encounter with a Muslim
My first encounter was meeting the Maori brothers that came to talk to Ryan. I attended Jummah with my daughter and talked to the Sheikh. He gave me a dvd to watch which was by Billal Phillips called, God's true religion. Watching the dvd was a light bulb moment, I decided to look into Islam more seriously, I googled for more information as I had alot of questions on womans rights.

My Conversion
I converted in December 2010 at a community picnic. I said to sis Asma the Sheikh's wife “I'm ready” she replied “for what’? She giggled and said “you have to tell me”, I said “you know.”
I said the shahada in front of the sisters and they all embraced me and welcomed me and threw around Muslim names, I chose Khaltha. After saying my shahada I felt tingly and lighter like a load had been lifted, I no longer felt guilty for not being able to accept the Trinity, it was a huge burden gone and a relief.  

What do I love about Islam?
Purpose and structure.  

How has Islam improved me as a person?
Age 17 I was diagnosed with clinical depression and it was a daily battle, after finding Islam I have the odd one or 2 days where Im down, but I believe the purpose and structure of it has helped my mental health. I am still me and I am a lot happier.

My family likes my changes
My mum was an Adventist till the day she died, she accepted my conversion begrudgingly as she could see I was happier. I didn't wear my hijab in front of mum out of respect. When she passed I always wear it.
My sisters are happy for me they know I'm still the same old me, but a happier version.

As a Pakeha New Zealander what challenges have I faced?
Racism is really bad people yelling "F off to your own country", If it's not direct racism theirs the undertones of it, it has been a challenge to hold my tongue. People treat me like an idiot as they assume I'm a foreigner until I open my mouth and speak, then they hear I'm clearly not.
I was born with a disability so I have dealt with prejudice. 

Since March 15 the Christchurch terrorist attack, racism is no longer tolerated in New Zealand and even the gang members won't tolerate it, if they see it they will intervene. I have found people are more warmer and empathetic since then. 

My Conversion Story

🌿Introduction

Assalam Alaikum 

I am Hassan Malakai Aiava.

I am of Samoan and Argentinian descent.

🌿Life before Islam

I was raised Methodist, I Converted to Catholicism to get married to my then-wife, after 2 children and a few years later, the marriage dissolved. 

My children's ages are 21 and 14.

🌿My first encounter with a Muslim

I had a Muslim friend when I was 8 years old, unfortunately, he died.

His family left a lasting impression on me. They were very welcoming generous, humble and kind.

🌿My Conversion

I was running a gym and many of the members were Afgan and Lebanese Muslim.

After observing them and being amongst them and questioning them, I became interested in Islam.

One day at the gym I randomly announced to them that I wanted to become Muslim, they were shocked and wasn't sure if I was serious, they

questioned me to see if I was for real.

I said my Shahada at the Mosque in front of 50 strangers, they all welcomed and embraced me.

🌿What do I love about Islam?

The knowledge, I have learned about Islam, the prayers in Arabic and I understand Christianity more as a Muslim. 

I love that I have peace of mind and that I can read and think for myself.

I love the daily rituals.

🌿How has Islam improved me as a person?

I am more attentive to people who are less fortunate. A strong point I learned was being able to give more freely.

I have learned how to respect women, Muslim and non-Muslims through the teachings, boundaries and practices we observed.

🌿My family likes my changes

My parents and family are supportive of me, as long as I am at peace.

🌿As a Samoan, Argentinian Muslim what challenges have I faced?

The challenges have been learning the protocols in prayer, having the confidence to pronounce and say the Arabic words properly, as it can be quite daunting. 

Alhumdulilah my community support me.

𝑴𝒀 𝑯𝑰𝑱𝑨𝑨𝑩 𝑱𝑶𝑼𝑹𝑵𝑬𝒀

Asalaamu'Alaykum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakaatuhu 

It's been 24 years since my reversion to Islam Alhamdulilah and my transition to wearing hijaab was an experience I wanted to share. Perhaps it will help inspire, encourage and empower others in their decision to embrace hijaab Insha'Allah because I know for many reverts the thought of observing hijaab in a country where Islam isn't prevalent and Muslims are a minority can be very daunting and in some cases extremely challenging.

My decision to fulfil my obligation to Allah and wear hijaab was made the day I took shahadah, it was clear to me as a Muslim woman that it was my duty to cover in accordance with the Islamic values of safe-guarding women's modesty and beauty which I deeply loved and readily accepted.

I was given my very first hijaab as a gift from a dear Nigerian brother who had helped me with my journey to embracing Islam. I had no idea of how to wear it and hijaab tutorials were non existent at that time. I had not yet been introduced to other Muslimah who could assist me.......but being an introvert meant I was in no hurry to meet with other Sisters just yet . 

For over a year I wore a simple square hijaab because it was the easiest method of wearing hijaab and seemed to be the most popular style of hijaab among Muslimah in my community. I gradually went onto wearing khimar which was so practical for me as a Mother and after 2 and a half years I was compelled to wear niqaab, perhaps it was due to the influence of other Muslimah I associated with who were niqaabi or the fact that I had a boost of self-confidence or my level of Imaan had heightened. Regardless of why?.......my transition from wearing hijaab to niqaab was an easy process and a choice I had no regrets making.

In all honesty my experience for the past 2 decades with wearing hijaab or niqaab has always been positive the only challenges I encountered have come from the disapproval of family members and others who don't understand why Muslim women cover.

I vividly remember 2 incidences that occurred while wearing niqaab, a woman had approached my husband (now ex husband) whilst we were out grocery shopping and spoke to him saying: "You know your wife is not required to wear the burqa here in New Zealand, this is not Saudi Arabia!"
my husband smiled and responded telling her that she should speak to me in which she did.
I expressed to her that wearing the full-face veil had not been imposed on me by my husband or any other person but rather it was a personal choice and commitment and an act of my devotion to God. I further went onto politely say that I was of Māori heritage and a convert to Islam, shocked by my response she quickly walked off without uttering another word.

Another incident involved my dear Mother who was not aware of my decision to wear niqaab and whilst shopping with her one day the whole ordeal was an unpleasant experience for her due to the attitude of people and their repulsion towards the niqaab. My Mother would reprimand anyone who would dare stare at me because culturally it wasn't acceptable. But I was constantly reminding her that it was ok and I am not offended or upset by the stares, but she refused to allow the ignorance of others be ignored. I was grateful to see the love and support my Mum was showing but I could also see the stress it caused her everytime we were out in public together.

My Mum and Dad have always been supportive parents throughout my life as a Muslimah despite their disdain for Islam but they could see the positive impact and transformation it made in my life and that of my children Alhamdulilah.

As a result of events that happened I  contemplated removing niqaab but it was a decision I would carry out 2 years later. 

Remember Sisters hijaab is a Muslim woman's badge of honor it demonstrates her love for Allah and commitment to Allah and aligns herself with what Allah has mandated which is to protect women. 

It is also important that you understand why Muslim women are required to wear hijaab before making the decision for yourself Insha'Allah.

Make sure that your intention to wear hijaab is purely for the sake of Allah.

Seek Allahs guidance and counsel; it is important to make du'a in order for Allah to facilitate and make your transition easy.

Seek moral support and advice from a friend, family member or other Muslimah who have made the transition to wearing hijaab. 

Finally, wearing the hijaab doesn't prevent you from doing the things you love, by wearing the hijaab you are proudly affirming to the world your identity as a Muslimah!

May Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala make our hearts firm and steadfast on our religion, and grant us the  patience and strength needed in our spiritual struggles Ameen!

 My Conversion Story.
Introduction
My name is Rochelle, and I'm a 29-year-old Muslim living in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne. I have always lived in Melbourne, and my family currently live on the Mornington peninsula. 

I have a beautiful niece and nephew who I adore!
I work in the community aged care field, managing a group of case managers. I have a lot of fun at work.

My mum is Maori and moved to Australia in her twenties.
I enjoy spending time with friends and have a beautiful group of brothers and sisters to connect with and navigate this beautiful religion.

Life before Islam.
I always felt like something was missing. Kind of like an existential crisis.. since I was a kid! Haha!
I filled the hole in my heart with drinking, toxic people and to be honest; I wasn't a super fantastic person. 

My first encounter with a Muslim.
I grew up in a white neighbourhood on the peninsula. Maybe three people of colour at my high school, and I had no idea what Islam was about. I really can't remember my first encounter with a Muslim, but the Muslim community I am connected with now are lovely!

My Conversion.
I took shahada during lockdown 2020. I looked into Islam for around two years and needed to be 100% before reverting. I took it over zoom with an Aunty from Egypt! It felt like a lonely time, and I had to try hard to seek out Muslim people to connect with. I built a strong community of people online to guide me, and now an even more robust community of people, they keep my deen strong. 

What do I love about Islam?
I am absolutely in love with Islam. There is no other religion that makes more sense to me. I've never felt more welcome in a group of people. I love that it's purely based on being a good person. Everything is prescribed precisely, and it's comforting. Serving Allah (SWT) is my life now.
How has Islam improved me as a person?
I didn't like who I was before I converted, if I'm honest. I wasn't really in my intention to people and held a lot of hurts. Being a nurse, I always felt compassionate, but being a Muslim has genuinely opened my eyes to how I needed to improve. May Allah make it easy for all of us. 

My family likes my changes.
My mum is hilarious. She asked, "what is that" (hijab)... and that's all she's asked. My family are very tolerant and accepting of anything.

As a Maori Polynesian Muslim, what challenges I have faced?
I wouldn't say I have faced any challenges based on my ethnicity. We did not grow up with a lot of money, and I was disadvantaged during my youth. Pushing hard through that to become educated and more culturally aware was important. May Allah make all of our struggles easier and bless the people who face those challenges now.