Islam Came into My Life Unexpectedly

Category: Americas, Faith & Spirituality, Featured, Life & Society Topics: Islam Views: 13243
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Islam came into my life unexpectedly, at a time I was feeling very discouraged. My parents were getting older and had developed serious health problems. My brother's disabilities from multiple sclerosis had increased to the point my parents and I were having difficulty caring for him. I was middle-aged, with no husband and children, trying to cope with the failing health of three people. I did not even have a good career to help, for although I had obtained a PhD I was by nature very shy and had never been able to promote myself successfully.

At this time I happened to get into a discussion about Islam and realized how little I really knew about it. The next time I had access to a computer I decided to search some sites about it. On one of the first sites I found, I saw a translation of the Shahada: "There is no God but Allah and Muhammad is his prophet." I was stunned. "But I have always believed that," I said aloud.

For although my parents are Christian, my father had always had a translation of the Qur'an in our home which I had sometimes looked at but not really studied. So I had grown up believing Muhammad (pbuh) was a true prophet of God. And I had never been comfortable with the Catholic division of God into three, but had known in my heart there was One God alone.

I now felt compelled to learn more about Islam. I sent for some literature from IslamiCity, and corresponded with a sister there. I began reading my translation of the Qur'an with the intent to learn. I ordered books about Islam and the history of Islam. The more I learned and accepted the better my life became. My inward rebellion and self-pity dissipated as I submitted to Allah. Peace entered my life. I quit considering myself a failure because I was not financially successful. My sister was moved to take my disabled brother to live in her city where he could receive better care. Although my parents' health continued frail, I was now better able to help them without the care of my brother as well.

The day I made my Shahada I was nervous, but also overwhelmed with gratitude to Allah for my guidance to the peace of Islam.

Sr. Lisa Moore took the Shahada (declaration of faith) in August 2003.  She resides in the United States.  May Allah (swt) always bless and guide her on the Straight Path (ameen).


  Category: Americas, Faith & Spirituality, Featured, Life & Society
  Topics: Islam
Views: 13243

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Older Comments:
GGAYI ABDULRAHMAN FROM UGANDA said:
Alhamdu lillah.Glory be to the almighty ALLAH for he showed you way to a complete and true religion.Thank you for sharing such wonderful information with the moslem community and I pray it wil be of help to several others. INSHA ALLAH.
2012-01-16

KATIA 4 JESUS said:
You need to come to the truth, which is only in Jesus-Christ, He is the only one who will give you true peace and real faith. Sister,I urge you to read the Bible that is the only word of God. God is a triune God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. If you do not believe in Jesus Christ your Lord and Savoir, you will not inherit Heaven. Truly, truly I am telling you come to Jesus,ask God to show you the real way of salvation and to open your eyes spiritually.

God bless
2003-11-22

BROTHER IN ISLAM FROM UAE said:
Asalamu alaikum wa rahamthullahi wa barakathuhu..

Welcome to ISLAM dear sister. ALHAMDULILLAH. ALLAH HAS BLESSED YOU WITH THE GIFT CALLED HIDAYAAH'. MAY ALLAH REST YOU IN PEACE & HELP YOU TO LEARN MORE & PRACTISE ISLAM. IF HE GUIDES, THERE IS NON TO MISGUIDE. IF HE MISGUIDES THERE IS NONE TO GUIDE, AS HE IS THE CREATOR. INSHA ALLAH WILL KEEP HELP YOU IN ALL ASPECTS OF DEEN...
AS HE IS ALL KNOWN & ALL WISE.
Brother in Islam - Ansari.
2003-09-20

FAHIZA KHOKHAR FROM ENGLAND said:
Subhanallah! allah guides whomever he wills. sister,i am very happy to hear your story towards islam. and may allah continue to guide you to the straight path and bring you closer to him. ameen.
2003-09-16

LIDS FROM INDONESIA said:
Assalamualaikum

Congratulation for you my sister, maybe you dont believe me when i always cry every time i read some one find the truth in Islam. Allahu Akbar !!
Insya Allah, you can bring peace to all people around you, still many people dont know about islam. I also still have some one i love that havent find the truth in islam. i keep praying to Allah to give him guideance.
Well, All the best for you
Wasalam
2003-08-29

YAHYA BERGUM FROM USA said:
Having been revealed in poetic Arabic, the Quran seems easy enough to memorize (in Arabic) according to the will of Allah. IslamiCity provides "transliterated Arabic" verses - which I have used for this purpose. (Jazak Allahu khair!) Regardless of one's first language, it is necessary for practitioners of Islam to memorize passages of the Quran (in Arabic) for prayer. As I understand it, this also serves to help protect the message in the Quran from being tampered with. I would suggest taking a look at what seems to be two favorites for memorization - "The Unity / The Purity" (Surah 112) and "Time" (Surah 103).

For someone whose family members are elderly or in poor health, I would recommend "The Unity" - as well as making studying Hadith and Tafsir related to it. It is my understanding that an individual who - in their dying moment - expresses that "the One" (for instance, as described in "The Unity") [art beyond comparison and create but was not created] will be enjoy a favorable reception in the hereafter. Of course, I thank you to study this for yourself.

"Time" (Surah 103) contains what has been said to be the most important advice the family of believers can practice. The title is also the name of the afternoon prayer ("Asr"). Speaking only for myself, with respect to time I consider myself immediately at loss - except for the mercy and blessings of Allah (subhanahu wa ta'ala) who is beyond comparison and who creates but was not created.

My mistakes are my own. Additionally, it would surely be wise for me to welcome corrections - offered for the sake of Allah (subhanahu wa ta'ala) who has no son or partner and is unequaled.

Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu.

--Yahya Bergum
2003-08-28

MOHAMMED FAHIM FROM NEW ZEALAND said:
Dear sister
Assalamualaikum WRB
It is a gift from the creator and he created the love of islam in your heart which convinced you to enter in the fold of islam .sister insha Allah you will never regret.at times Allah may test you.
As soon as anyone accepts islam Allah forgives the past sins.
KHUDA HAFIZ
Mohammed Fahim
2003-08-28

MOMTAAZ JUNG FROM UNITED KINGDOM said:
Whomsoever Allah guides, none can misguide. (Qur'an)

IslamiCity is doing a great job. Contrary to what people will have us believe, Islam spread by peaceful individual endeavour and example.

Muslims by birth should wake up and take note of people like Sister Lisa. May Allah guide us all, through example of ladies like her.
2003-08-28

K. A. YOOSUFANI FROM USA said:
Many congratulations to you, sister Lisa, for
Allah SWT has guided you to the Truth. Here are
some verse from Holy Quran (translated in English)
so as to reflect upon them.
1."There is no god but He: That is the witness of
Allah, His Angels and those endued with know-
ledge ....(Surah 3:v # 18)
2."The Religion before Allah is Islam(submission
to His Will)...."(S 3:v # 19).
3."If anyone desires a religion other than Islam
(submission to Allah), never will it be accepted
of him; and in the Hereafter he will be in the
ranks of those who have lost(all spiritual good)
(S 3:v # 85)
4."Yet there are men* who take (for worship)others
besides Allah as equal (with Allah): They love
them as they should love Allah. But those of
Faith are overflowing in their love for Allah..
(S 2:v #165) *Arabic word An-Naas=mankind
5."That they said(in boast)'we killed Christ Jesus
the son of Mary, the Apostle of God';-but they
killed him not, nor crusified him..."(S 4:v 157)
6."Among His Signs..."(S 30:v # 20-27)
7."Say:'O mankind! If you are in doubt as to my
religion,(behold!)I worship not what ye worship,
other than Allah! But I worship Allah- who will
take your souls (at death): ...(S 10:v #104)
8."O mankind!the Apostle has come to you in truth
from Allah: believe in him:It is best for you."
(S 4:v #170)
9."A Believer, a man from among the people of
Pharaoh, who had concealed his faith, said....
(S 40:v 28 through 45)
10."And say 'O my Lord I seek refuge with Thee
from the suggestions of the Evil Ones. And I
seek refuge with Thee O my Lord! lest they
should come near me.'" (S 23:v 97-98)
11.Ayatul Kursi (verse of Throne) (S 2:v #255)
12.Surah Ale-Imran 3:v 190 through 200-for
learning the concepts.
13.Surahs 56,57,58,59,69,70.
Advice: Take time to learn as much as you can.
Do not hurry. Don't feel shy to ask a muslim
lady if you need.
2003-08-28

AHMED NOOHU BIN ABDUL RAWOOF FROM HONG KONG said:
in the name of Allah dear sister in Islam Assalamualaikum WRWB.hope this will reach u in complete faith,health and happiness.i was very much pleased to read ur article.Alhamdulillah.May Almighty Allah's blessings be upon u.it is he who choose u to right path.u try to thank him as much as possible.from today u r my sister in Islam.if u don't mind can u give ur email address so that we can communicate in the future.May Almighty Allah help u to succeed in everything and come out of ur difficulties. do not forget to pray for us and for the muslim ummah if Allah permits we will meet again here and the hereafter.
Assalamualaikum WRWB
Your brother in Islam
Ahmed Noohu bin Abdul Rawoof
2003-08-27

HAJI ABDUL RAHMAN NOOR FROM KUCHING, SARAWAK, MALAYSIA said:
Alhamdulilah , Congratulation on your concersion to Islam , hope you can convince other members of your family especially your parent to accept Islam . Continue to take care of them
Wassalam
2003-08-27

TEXAN FROM USA said:
May Allah bless you, and ease your burdens.Ameen.
2003-08-26

AWA SEY-MANKA FROM THE GAMBIA, WEST AFRICA said:
alhamdullilah. May Allah guide and protect Sr. Lisa. Is it possible to have her email address please.
2003-08-26

BAYANO VALY FROM MOZAMBIQUE said:
Salaam,

Alhamdulillah! May Allah shower her with the wisdom to understand His Will - she'll need it. A word of advice: Take each step at a time. Having been born in a semi-Moslem family (Father is Moslem and mother not), I discovered, after years of jahiliyah, that first one has to acquire knowledge in order to perform his duties. And it's with knowledge that one's tasks become easier to perform. That said, please never try and do more than what you can, and unless you're sure you've grasped the basics steer clear.

Salaam
2003-08-26

AGUS SATOTO FROM INDONESIA said:
Assalamu'alaikum, my sister. It was quite heartening to read your story. Millions of your fellow Indonesian Muslims are not much better financially than you, probably. However, allow me to tell you that they are religiously rich and strong. They are aware that they are not blessed with 'bright brains' like you, but they realize that life has to go on ... Well, welcome into the Islam world. With your intellectual resources, I believe you have a better opportunity to contribute more to your family, neighborhood, and society. God bless you. Wassalamu'alaikum.
2003-08-26

SAMI FROM UK said:
You must remember life is a test and once you know that matrial things dont matter to you for the real life is in the here after.
2003-08-25

SIDRA FROM USA said:
I too converted to ISLAM. I took shahada on July 1st 2002 and its been the best, most blessed thing ever in my life...and I am more than grateful... my biggest challenge has not been islam, but rather muslims.. but thats yet another post..
2003-08-25

MUHAMMAD NOOR HAKIM FROM MALAYSIA said:
Dear Sister,

i'm glad to hear that u have been given the light by allah to accept islam as your truly faith.keep up the good work sister, may god bless u.
kuala lumpur
6.45 p.m.
2003-08-25

ALI FROM U K said:
please send me lisa moore e mail add to send her greeting and salam .
assalam
2003-08-25

KAMARUZAMAN TALIP FROM MALAYSIA said:
Alhamdu Lillah
2003-08-24

MOH'D H.ALI FROM ZANZIBAR TANZANIA E/AFRICA said:
BEST WISHES// TO SR LISA/
In fact the truth going on with nature dispite of the broad misconceptualization and misunderstandings.our duty to convince others.
thanks MOH'D ALI BOX 2629 ZANZIBAR TANZANIA.
255 747 474173
2003-08-24

AAQIB FROM KUWAIT said:
Glad to know that your realization about Islam, May Allah bless and give you good health and long life for you and your family.
2003-08-24

BHULLYAHKIDDHA-IBRAHIM FROM AUSTRALIA said:
peace be upon you sister
2003-08-22

HAJI MUSTAPHA AL-WAHABY FROM KOTA BHARU, KELANTAN,MALAYSIA said:
AlhamduliLLah,syukur.am one of your brother muslims from Malaysia indeed very happy to hear that now many sisters & brothers from other religion have found the truth that Allah is ONE,who,s the sole creater of this world.Am inviting you to Malaysia and my family would be very pleased to welcome and stay with us and learn more about Islam. Wassallam. Thank you.
2003-08-22

YAHYA BERGUM FROM USA said:
Lisa Moore, I praise Allah for your realization that you are Muslim. May Allah the Most Merciful lighten the burden your sister and you have chosen to carry - in caring for (three) ailing and disabled members of your immediate family. May Allah comfort your parents and brother as well. Ameen.

("Assalamualaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu")

--Yahya Bergum
2003-08-22

MUHAMAD NASIRUDDIN BIN YAHYA FROM MALAYSIA said:
Dear Sr Lisa,
You have found the right destination and path. If we turn to other than Allah, no peace will be experience as what you have thru your life. We must believe our wellbeing is planned by Allah, we have to experience it with the tre faith. Just believe that Allah is testing us with the difficulties in life whatever we work for the status that have been achieved.
2003-08-22

NAEEM NIRAN FROM MALAYSIA said:
Subhanallah. Praise be to God the All Mighty for giving you the hidayah. May Allah keep you on the straight path. I pray that you face the many challenges that will come your way as a result of your conversion with patience and remain strong in your conviction. Seek help and guidance from Allah thru prayer & dua (supplication). Ameen
2003-08-22

UMARU SODOR BAH FROM UNITED STATES said:
I would like to say, I am very proud of you Lisa Moore, and my Allah bless you and keep on showing you the right path. I have been a muslim all my life and it is a wonderful feeling. What I like about my religion is, everything is explained (what is expected of a women or a men)and if you are sincere to Allah and follow his guidance. You will never be lost.
2003-08-21

PAMELA. VAN DER SCHYFF [FAEZA FROM SOUTH AFRICA said:
Iwas born into a Roman Catholic family.All I can really say is that truth stands out clearly from falsehood.The ten comandments of the Torah,Gospel,and the Qur'an; Iam the lord thy God thou shalt have no Gods before.The cleansing of the body before prayer in Islam speaks for itself
2003-08-21

NORFAZILA FROM MALAYSIA said:
asalamualaikum,
after read an acricle from lisa moore,i would like to say my gratitude as she come as new relative in islam. thanks to allah for guide us to his way and may he protect us everywhere we go.take the difficultiness in this world as a test for us to be rewarded Allah's Jannah.
2003-08-21

HASANEE FROM TORONTO, CANADA said:
SubhanAllah,
also I would recommend all of you to visit this powerful website,http://jews-for-allah.org/.
This will galvanize our faith... "This day have I perfected your religion for you and completed My favour unto you, and have chosen for you as religion AL-ISLAM."(Qur'an 5:3)
2003-08-21

ARIFIN FROM INDONESIA said:
Thank God. Peace and love for her. May God always bless and guide her on the Straight Path. Ameen.
2003-08-21

KIAMBU ABDUL-MALIK AKHDARR FROM UNITED STATES OF AMERICA said:
Asalaamu-Alaikum Sister Lisa Moore. I liked your story and sympathized with you. May Allah,the Soverign Creator of creators,grant you even further blessings
2003-08-20

YASSIN FROM USA said:
May Allah keep her on Siratal Mustaquim! ALLAHOU AKBAR
2003-08-20

KHALIDA RAMZAN KHAN FROM SINGAPORE said:
Blessed Allah for giving you the light of faith. Alhamdullilallah and welcome sister.
May Allah always blessed you and your family. You can always email me if you need a friend. Please take care of yourself. Peace be with you.
2003-08-20

ASAN FROM SRI LANKA said:
May she find peace, understanding, friendship, love and wealth in her remaining days. May she be
forgiven for any wrong she had done before and may her day be filled with joy. Alhamdhu Lillaahi
2003-08-20

MD MIZANUR RAHMAN FROM BANGLADESH said:
asssalamualaikum. Allah the Almighty guides to the right path whom He wishes. our sister is one of the luckiest to be guided in the right path. primarily to know islam it is a must to understand the holy Quaran and Hadits of our prophet(pbh). to be a true muslim one must understand these and follow every detail of it. may Allah gives the opportunity to understand and follow his Book and our prophet in whatever we do. amin
2003-08-20

H.A. FROM USA said:
I admire her courage and her decision to follow the path laid out by Islam (the straight path) in the midst of 24-7-365 bashing of Islam and of Muslims by the Western Media and by Christian and Zionist fundamentlists (i.e.- Bush, J. Falweell and others). We ,Muslims, need to support these people more instead of hunting for MONEY in the west b/c many NEW Muslims are nowadays asked "What are you going to do with the religion that supports terrorism and violence?" by their ignorant neighbors and by the drunken general population and by the enemies of Islam.

Indiviual like Lisa Moore will enter paradise first before any rightly-guided or pious Muslims by birth. Paradies is NOT free, you have to earn it. So, get to work.

Think about the challanges Ms. Moore is facing today by converting to Islam. She has to re-structure her whole way of life. Think about the confrontation/problems she will be having with her relatives, famil, friends etc. etc. SO!!! who is going to HELP her? If you are TRUE Muslim, PLEASE STAND UP!!!
2003-08-20

M. FADHOL AROVAH-MARYADIE FROM INDONESIA said:
May Allah the Exalted strengthen Sr. Lisa Moore's faith and grant her real bliss in this worldly life and in the hereafter. Allahu Akbar!
2003-08-20

MUHAMMAD SHAKEEL FROM PAKISTAN said:
SubhanAllah, Congratulations Sister!
2003-08-20

MOHD FROM JORDAN said:
Islam is a religion of faith and soul comfort . It has many blesses and always met the soul and satisfied its needs . I admire Lisa's insight and willingness to learn that led her to the truth and all of all her determination to take the best of what allah wanted for us on this planet. May allah bless you with Islam and bless moslems with your embracing Islam .
Mohd
2003-08-20

TOTO HADIARTO FROM JAPAN said:
Assalamu'alaikum,
Subhanallah, I think that those who are sincere and serious in looking for the right Path will find the guidance of Allah. The best present in life is embracing and following Islam in every aspects of one's life. I pray that Allah forgive her sin in the past, and may Allah bless and guide her on the Straight Path. Amin.
2003-08-20