Stepping into the Unknown: The Journey of Becoming a Muslim
Why Islam
The Search for Meaning: Becoming a Muslim
I became a Muslim 7 years ago, back in December 2017. Before converting, I lived a fast and unstable life. I was in my early twenties and was emotionally unstable and insecure. My life felt empty and lacked a clear purpose. Before becoming a Muslim, I was deeply focused on the temporary aspects of life, such as going to college, having fun, and making an income. My primary concern was pleasing myself and others without genuine regard for my soul and spiritual needs. I longed to belong somewhere but never felt a sense of belonging, seeking happiness and acceptance in the wrong places. I was navigating life without direction or guidance, and the only stable elements in my life were school and work.
I was unhappy with the life I was living and with myself, but I didn’t know how to change that. That change came in the form of Allah’s guidance, leading me to embrace the unknown and becoming a Muslim. I was so focused on this temporary life and not on the hereafter that I did not even know I was spiritually deprived until I became a Muslim. Islam gave me the deeper meaning I was searching for. By stepping into the unknown, I could educate myself, seek answers, and make my own choices.
My Background:
I went to Catholic school growing up and was raised as a Christian, but I never felt a deep connection to the faith. I had questions that pastors never answered clearly, and some of the fundamental beliefs didn’t resonate with my heart or logic. Most of the people around me identified as Christians as well, yet they were living similar lives to mine.
This led me to continue identifying as a Christian without any real substance behind that label. The familiarity of being Christian—since it was all I had known since childhood—prevented me from engaging in self-reflection and re-examining the faith. It’s common for people to stay in their comfort zones, even if it means ignoring their inner voice and their natural inclination towards truth.
Symptoms
- I wasn’t healthy or at peace with myself. My actions, friendships, family relationships, environment, and lifestyle showed this.
- I felt lost but also comfortable because I was stuck in the same unhealthy cycle for a very long time. I kept making the same choices and staying with the same people, energy, and in the same environments. This led to the same results every time, making life very predictable.
- As time passed, it felt as if a piece of light was taken from my heart and replaced with darkness with each experience and loss I faced. Eventually, my heart felt mostly dark.
From Darkness to Light
When I became a Muslim, my life changed completely. This change took time and did not happen overnight. However, I immediately felt the weight of my previous life lift from my shoulders. The lasting effects of my past life took time to resolve, and I am still addressing them today. Becoming a Muslim significantly transformed my understanding of spirituality and my relationship with the hereafter.
Through Islam, I broke free from being enslaved to the world and to my desires and focused instead on serving the One who gave me life and will ultimately take it away. I found my true self and became a better version of myself.
Being Muslim does not stop at taking Shahada (the declaration of faith) or being raised Muslim, we must strive to grow in the religion through continuous learning and efforts.
P.S: I will write in detail about how I became a Muslim in a future post. What is your favorite aspect about Islam? Comment below!
Um Sumayyah
Loveeee love loved it. Allahuma Barik! May Allah grant you tawfiq and keep you firm in this religion Ameen.
Favorite part was how most people stay comfortable instead of having the courage to face their reality and make changes.
Day
Very moving post. I’m grateful you found Islam as you completely changed for the better as a person. Much respect!
edelynm2017
Love you, thank you sis.
Korianna
This was a beautiful piece , and I resonate with it so much. But, as for asking what is my favorite hing about Islam, I can’t pinpoint just one thing. Maybe because Islam isn’t just one thing, it’s a lifestyle, a mental and spiritual connection. Islam is a way to bring people together and to make people better. Alhamdulillah. May Allah SWT be pleased with us in this life and the next. Ameen.
edelynm2017
SubhanaAllah I had a feeling this would connect with you and your journey. MashaAllah, beautiful answer! Ameen
AISSATA
Salamualeikum, this is a very beautiful post and I can’t wait for the next one.
My favorite aspect about Islam is that it’s a lifestyle. And that keeps me grounded in all aspects of life Alhamdulilah.
edelynm2017
Wa Aalaikum Salam Waramtullahi Wabarakatuhu, JazakAllah khair my sis. I agree with you.
Samiha
Mashallah, I love this very very beautiful and inspiring and I’m glad you became Muslim ❤️❤️❤️
Umm Souleymane
Assalamu aleikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakaatuh. Beautiful and very inspiring Ma shaa Allah. I thank Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta’aala for having allowed our paths to cross. May He Subhanahu Wa Ta’aala grant us hidaayah and istiqamah. Aameen.
Favorite thing about islam? For me that would be the spirituality, strong sense of purpose and belonging, and the ‘instant’ yet life-long sisterhood.
edelynm2017
JazakAllah khair my sis. AlhamdulilAh for you. Ameen, ajmaeen.The instant yet life-long sisterhood is so real and something I never experienced until becoming a Muslim.