By Tia

I am an Australian convert to Islam. Growing up, I never followed any religion but was always taught to believe in God and to respect different religions. I did attend christian churches occasionally but I never felt contentment when I was there. I was eight years old when I first heard about Islam and for some reason my interest was peaked.

I am totally blind so I had to rely on my father to read books to me and eventually when I was 11, I was able to get a screen reader on my computer so I could research Islam as much as I wanted. I went to high school and didn’t think about islam for many years but in 2010 I had to have both eyes removed. I was so scared.  I started praying and when I pulled through, I knew 100% Allah was with me.

It took me another 3 years before I would take my shahadah (testimony of Islamic faith) but when the day came, I felt like I was complete and the unexplained emptiness I felt suddenly disappeared. My parents didn’t have a problem with me becoming Muslim but they were worried about me wearing the hijab because I already stand out because I use a white cane. I really wanted to wear the hijab but I didn’t want to worry my parents.  So for the first 6 months I wore it only sometimes. I went back to stay with my parents in that time and really missed my hijab. I came back to Brisbane and I knew I was ready to wear it full time. 18 months has passed and my hijab is my life! I feel naked without it.  I feel people are more admirable of me instead of scornful and I feel like I earn the respect of men because of the way I conduct myself and guard my modesty. Insha’Allah we are all guided to the straight path.

Jazak’Allah for reading.

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