I knew I had to fully submit to the will of Allah

By: Awatea Mita   Source: IslamiCity May 15, 2002 45 Comments

Category: Faith & Spirituality, Featured Topics: Allah Views: 12259
12259

I am a native 'Maori' of New Zealand, or 'Aotearoa' as we call it, a small country in the South Pacific sea. I currently reside in Hawaii, USA. I took shahada on 2nd May 2002 realizing my heart's deepest desire which was to submit my life to Allah. I was finally able to make the necessary commitment bringing me closer to Allah and understanding Islam.

This was a point in my life I had been moving towards, but not always in a deliberate and conscious way. Previously, I hadn't felt confident in submitting to Allah because most of my life has been in a non-Muslim environment and mainly still is. In my hometown there are no other Muslims. But, by the grace of Allah, I was able to find the tools that would enable me to confidently affirm my faith and know that despite being alone in my beliefs, in the environment I live, that I was part of a wider, global Muslim community/family. Everyday I aim to further my knowledge and understanding of Islam and to study how to become a good and devout Muslim. This is only the beginning, praise be to Allah, I know I will extend myself to other areas of learning and find other Muslims to reach out to.

After much grief and turmoil in my life the normal methods of resolving these types of issues were failing me. I was desperate to change my circumstance but didn't know exactly how I was going to achieve this. I began reading the Quran, unsure as to whether or not it would help me. During this time a person who I thought was a friend noticed I was reading the Quran. She told me I would go to hell and that I should immediately burn it. I was dumbfounded. However, by the grace of Allah, their statement had the opposite effect of what they had intended. Instead, I strengthened my resolve to continue with it. I reached a point where reading the Quran was the only comfort I had. Though my circumstances hadn't changed much, through taking up regular reading of the Quran I changed very suddenly and miraculously. The path I was on no longer became an option for me. I knew I had to fully submit to the will of Allah.

While taking shahada I became overjoyed and this feeling has not left me. All my life I never had a sense of belonging. Now, I do. Prayer has brought me peace, tranquility, happiness and piece of mind. In prayer remembrance of Allah is the singularly greatest heartfelt experience I know. Everyday my prayers afford me the chance to relive these feelings again and again. This is despite the fact I am surrounded by non-believers and still have dilemma's to deal with. It is easy for me to be steadfast and trust in Allah. Although, some situations seem terrible, I know Allah is Merciful, All-Knowing, All-Aware and Wise.

"... Our Lord! Lay not on us a burden greater than we have strength to bear. Blot out our sins, and grant us forgiveness. Have mercy on us. Thou art our Protector; Help us against those who stand against faith." al-Qur'an 2:286.

In a separate comment the author, Sr. Awatea, wrote about IslamiCity: "This site is an invaluable service bringing people closer to God and understanding Islam. I took shahada through this website. I give thanks and praises to Allah for guiding me to this path where I was able to realize my heart's deepest desire which was to submit my life to Allah. This website is bringing people closer to God as I am an example of this ..."

  Category: Faith & Spirituality, Featured
  Topics: Allah
Views: 12259

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Older Comments:
AMIN SULAIMAN FROM MALAYSIA said:
God is Great that a Maori in distant South Pacific be touched by His message! Truly, "To every people there is a messenger (message)."
10:47
2002-07-08
NASIR FROM ITALY said:
It is not strange to hear that,we sould not be
more delighted! Islam is the only ,true way to the
Happiness.not strange!a peaceful religion which
orders us to worship tha Creator"Allah"glory be to
Him.not to worship another one but Him and this is the real happiness.
2002-06-01
NASIR FROM ITALY said:
It is not a surprise to me to hear such a story,
Islam is the only way to Happiness,to make sure of
that,we could ask the west about their "alleged"
happiness!
2002-06-01
ALIMUR RASHID FROM ENGLAND said:
allhamdulillah sister ! you have come to the light.
2002-05-29
ANMOL FROM QATAR said:
MashaAllah, MashaAllah, May Allah's peace and blessings be upon you, and may you grow stronger in your faith day by day! aameen!
2002-05-28
LEILA FROM CANADA said:
Masha'allah Awatea Mita
Indeed we thank Allah for bringing us together in this beautiful religion. I hope that Allah helps you to attain a better perception of islam and all the blessings that Allah has given us here and insh'allah the hereafter. Those who are unbelievers all we can say to them is may Allah guide them as well. Insha'allah.
Thank you for sharing your story with us (Jazakum lahukaran)
2002-05-28
INAN KHAN FROM GERMANY said:
Salamu Aleikum Sister Awatea, subhanallah!It was so nice to know that u embraced Islam under such circumstances. Allah guides on his path whom he wants to. And may Allah support u in every way in your live. I live in Germany and I just read ur article. And I want to tell it to all my muslim brothers and sisters in my enviroment, insha'allah and share the happiness having a new sister in our world muslim family!
Salamu Aleikum
Inan
2002-05-27
HAFIZ SARANG FROM SAUDI ARABIA said:
asalam ale quam,
dear sr, cong for reading shahda and converting to faith of allah subhanavtalla.
islam u will find is a true religion,which gives you lesson on how to lead this life to be rewarded
in the here after.all the hardship u will face in this world in islam will be rewarded in abundundat
in the life tocome.
allh hafiz
yours br hafiz
2002-05-27
BUKORY MATT FROM USA said:
Assalamualaikum brother and sister.I read about Awatea Mita took Shahada on this site, I feel so excited in my heart about the story was told...I'm going to sign up as a member of Islamicity soon Inshaallah. thanks...Wassalam.
2002-05-27
AZHAR MOHAMMED KHAN FROM USA said:
ALLAH-O-Akber

May allah reward u for the service which you are doing to the community and strengthen u.

Jazak Allah
-azhar
2002-05-25
RAFATH FROM USA said:
Assalaamualaikum and Mabrook to you on taking Shahada. May Islam be the guiding force in your life. May you always find peace and happiness and guide others with your beautiful examples.

Wa alaikum Assalaam
sister Rafath

2002-05-24
LINDA HABBAL FROM U.S.A. said:
Salam Sr Awatea,
I would like to welcome you back to your original religion. I am also a convert for now 19 years. You have streghten my faith. If you can practice under your circumstances, I should be stonger under mine. I have been feeling a little discouraged, but your words and energy have sparked a flame in my own faith. May Allah be with you and surround you with his mercy.---Sr. Linda
2002-05-24
AWATEA MITA FROM USA/NZ said:
Asalammu-ali-kum
I just wanted to share a quote I stated in a
personal reply responding to a comment
posted here as it does apply to everyone.

"That my experience has touched people from
many different countries who have written to
me is very humbling. This universal love of
Allah and being Muslim genuinely binds us all
as believers and that is such a beautiful
feeling. I am grateful because messages like
yours in my non-Muslim environment continue
to encourage and support me. For me, your
kind words are like a seed that grows inside
me generating warmth, determination and
affirmation that I am indeed on the right path.
The more I reflect on the responses I have
received the more I grow confident in Islam."

Thank you again one and all. Praise be to
Allah.
2002-05-24
KHALID MEHDI FROM HOLLAND said:
I hope by the grace of Allah, that you will be given the chance to fully practice youre faith in that difficult environment.
2002-05-24
LENI FROM INDONESIA said:
Subhanallah..I would like to congratulate Awatea Mita for entering a new and hopefully a better life..(amin..)I wish the best for you.You have found a new meaning in your life and it's called a great "hidayah" to have that feeling.not everyone can have this feeling, so what we can do is praise to Allah and hope we can always be shown the right way in our life and our after life..amin...I have been a moslem for all of my life, yet I have found the meaning of real life just months ago..I have been in the wrong path for these past years, but now I'm trying to straighten my life and try to be a good and faithful moslem,hoping that Allah will forgive my sins..
Good luck for the writer..may Allah always be with you and all of us..amin..
2002-05-23
IDIL ADAN FROM USA said:
Alhamdu Lilaah, I wish you a happiness and peaceful life. And may Allah guide you the straight path. Ameen for all of Muslims.
2002-05-23
ETERNITY FROM CANADA said:
Charindra Keerthipala, In Islam the first word that Allah (God Almighty) revealed to the prophet Mohammed is "Read", As Muslims, my friend, we are ordered to "Seek knowledge from the cradle to the grave" and "Seek knowledge if it is in China".

I am puzzeled that you were told otherwise, for THERE IS NO Truth in not seeking knowledge of other religions, as a matter of fact, how can that be? Allah Almighty says in His own words:

"..We have created you into nations and tribes so that you may know one another.."

It would be as a matter of fact opposition to God's will for us not learn and know one another!
And opposing God's words is not Islamic!
2002-05-22
SAUD FROM US said:
reading this article brought tears to my eyes. ALLAH-O-AKBAR
2002-05-22
AWATEA MITA FROM USA said:
Asalaamu-ali-kum
Dear Bros & Srs
I pray to Allah that this message finds
everyone in the best of health and spirit and in
the highest of iman.
Thank you for all the kind words of support
and encouragement.
Your acceptance will make a tremendous
difference in my ability to further study how to
become a good and devout Muslim and gain
a deeper understanding of Islam. In fact, in
order to be successful, I am dependent on it.
If, by sharing my story, insha'Allah, others are
drawn to Islam I am grateful to be one of
Allah's humble servants. All praise is due to
Allah.
For all Muslims who are living in non-Muslim
environments I know Allah continues to grant
us the courage to be steadfast and maintain
our conviction.
Reading your comments has made me
realise that reverts also play a special role in
replenishing faith and conviction and as a
source of inspiration. Praise be to Allah.
As a footnote, masha'Allah I am very much in
contact with Muslims in New Zealand now
and when I return I have decided to move to a
town where the Muslim community is strong. I
know this will strengthen my iman and I will
further my education enabling me to achieve
my goals as a Muslim. Praise be to Allah.

Your sister in Islam
Salaam
Awatea
2002-05-22
ADAM FROM SOMALIA said:
Assalaamu Alaykum;

May Allah guide us all, forgive me and forgive
muslims, the best way or idea that someone
can be on the right bath is to obey the first
comand of Allah when allah said in the first
revieled surah of the Quran read.

i woudl like to advice to my new srs or brs in
islam please do not follow by what most of the
Muslims are doing these days becouse islam
is in a valley and they are in onother valley! but
follow what islam is teaching you.

Alhamdi lillaahi
your brother
Adam
2002-05-22
SHAFIUL AZAM AHMED FROM BANGLADESH said:
Dear sister Awatea, what a moving story! You are a source of inspiration to us who were born into Muslim families. We did not have to strive, and therefore, take Islam for granted. May Allah grant mercy and happiness to you.
2002-05-21
CHARINDRA KEERTHIPALA FROM SRI LANKA said:
I'm a Buddhist and studing abt other religions. Can I pls know why in your religion, people are not allowed to study abt other religions??.Beacuse it gives the other muslims also a chance like what I have to get the best by comparing
2002-05-21
IFRAH MOHAMED FROM U.K. said:

What a great story.I would like to say 'Maashallah' to the brother who converted to this great religion.I am also happy to know that our great religion has reached to all corners of the globe.
2002-05-20
MOHAMMED HABIB ADAM FROM US said:

Dear Sister in Islam,
It is amazing to read stories like yours. I could not held my tears back even after I finished reading your story. May Allah widen your knowledge about Islam and grant you the ability to fully comprehend His majesty. Do you know that Sa'dinaa Umar, the third calif had embraced Islam in a way similar the way you did? It happend one day that he was wandering around looking for the Prophet to slay when it was related to him (Umar) that his own sister and the husband had embraced islam. He than decided to handle his sister and the husband before getting to Muhammad (S.A.W). When he got to the couple's home, they were learning to read the Qur'an then he reach out to grab the piece and the sister resisted. Eventually he succeeded in grabing the Qur'an and instead started reading the script, and before he had completed reading a few verses he requested to be led to the Prophet and hence proclaimed islam. And wonderfully enough, Umar conversion marked the very first time Muslims could pray in public.

It would not therefore be suprise at all that your islamization may pave the way for countless people to become Muslims too.

My humble advice is that, Islam means peace and we Muslims are obligated to promote nothing but peace. be mindful about some of our brothers, who in their endeavor to promote islam, commit acts that are unislamic.

Keep reading and searching for the truth and Allah may guide you on His path. May Allah bless you.
2002-05-20
ABDELAZIZ KHARBOUCH FROM USA said:
SOUBHANA ALLAH!what a great story.our great Religion is reaching all the corners of the globe with the Grace of Allah.you just accomplished the greatest thing in your life brother.CONGRATULATIONS to you from me and from all muslim brothers and sisters all over the world.Stay strong in your beliefs and Allah will give you the power to accomplish all that you wish to accomplish.if you have any questions at all about any subject of Islam please feel free to email me.thank you
2002-05-18
MOHAMMAD KHAN FROM USA said:
Assalamlikom,

Sister, I am so very happy and overjoyed and wish you the best always in sabil-il-Allah, the right path of Allah.

Althought I was born a Muslim, I too lost my direction and the Holy Quran greatly cleansed my heart and brought me back to my original and purest state, of submission.

InshaAllah, may your deen and imaan continue to flourish.

Walaikom-al-salaam,

Mohammad Khan
2002-05-18
MARY FROM UNITED STATES--CALIFORNIA said:
Masha'ala, Dear Sister Awatea, for coming to Islam and for sharing your journey with us. I. too. am a convert and I, too, never felt like I belonged ANYWHERE until I learned about Islam and declared my Shahadah. Now, I never feel alone because I know that Allah is with me and He will guide me. Please know that there are sisters all over this world who support you and are here if you need a friend. May Allah give you the strength to move forward in your world as a proud Muslim. Welcome to our Islamic family!
2002-05-17
DANIEL MONTENEGRO FROM USA said:
As salaamu aleykum sister:
I am profoundly happy to have read your story and knowing that islam will reach every single corner of the earth(and universe) to invite all to come into its fold. I came to islam about 11 years ago and mashAllah it has been quite a ride!. Learning this deen is an ongoing process and effort and if your niya(intentions) are pure and only for the sake of Allah, He will grant you all you wish for. As muslims Allah will send us tribulations, happinness, and all the necesary additives to make us grow strong in faith. Just be patient with yourself and others(I advice this to myself also) because muslims come from many lands and cultures. However, the message of islam is simple and we are able to practice it anywhere in the world because it is an universal religion. Keep up the good work you are doing and may Allah bless us all here and in the afterlife where inshAllah we will meet. Peace.
2002-05-16
MOHAMMAD JABBAR FROM NEW ZEALAND (AOTEAROA) said:
Assalamu-alaikum Sister Awatea,
All praise be to Allah for guiding you. May Allah make all your affair easy for you and fill your life with peace and tranquility. Sister, I am brother from home (New Zealand). If you ever come back home and need any help in anthing, it will be an honour to be of service to you ( for the sake of Allah).

We are here for you.
2002-05-16
ALI FROM ENGLAND said:
Alhumdolillah, sister. Keep steadfast in the face of adversity and Allah will reward you! Inshallah.
2002-05-16
MOHAMED FROM MAURITANIA said:
Sr. Awatea,
We love you in God the most merciful ... Please know that you have more than a billion brothers & sisters on this planet and more of them in the Life to come...
Wassalam
Mohamed
2002-05-16
SYED FROM NEW ZEALAND said:
Alsalamo alaikum sister.May Allah guide you to the correct path and keep you in safe.There are lot of maori people revert to islam.Insha Allah we will post their at our local site http://www.nzmuslim.net . May Allah reward islamicity webteam for their great work.Jazkum Allah Khairan . SYED AL BANGALI.
2002-05-16
AHMED H. EL-SHAER FROM USA BERKELEY. said:

Prais be to Allah Who guides people to the right path.
2002-05-16
HAZRET ADAM FROM NEW ZEALAND said:
I am delighted to read Sr. Awatea article and would like to correspond with her if she wishes, as I am a Muslim from New Zealand.

I shall be grateful if you could forward my email address to her.

2002-05-16
MOKHTAR FROM USA said:
congratulations,
let me start with the father of the messengers,
the prophet ibrahim(pbuh), he was a muslim nation by him self in the land of the unbelivers. i think you sould consider him as the perfect example after our prophet muhammed(pbuh), and i think if you remain steadfast on the way that god want us to be you will be a banner of others to convey the message in your area,
finaly sorry if u find some mistake in this comment, once again congratulations and be careful
your brother mokhatr
2002-05-16
CANDI (SAMIRA) CLARK FROM USA said:
Dearest sister, I was so happy to read your story--I am the only Muslim where i live, too. There are many good resources through the internet though, and I have made good online friends and found many helpful mentors in my new faith, I hope you will be able to find some of the same people. I would be happy to hear from you, myself, anytime, since we are both new sisters! Truly, God is greater, and I am so happy you found your way to Islam, too.
Peace and blessings be upon you always...
2002-05-15
ABDUL SHAKOOR KARIM FROM USA said:
Assalamoalaikum! Welcome to the fold of Islam. May Allah Bless you althrough your life and efforts you put in every day. It is only mercy of Allah (all glory to him) to guide a human being. Only efforts we all have to put in is to follow the commandments of Allah in the way showed by Mohammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him). Steadfastness is the key word. congratulations and wish you the best of every thing.

WaSalam
2002-05-15
EJAZ SAEED FROM PAKISTAN said:
Sr. Awatea Well come to the global community of Islam. The path you chose goes directly to AlJunnah( inshAllah). I am very happy for you and pray to Allah SWT that He gives you the strength to stay on straight path. Ameen
2002-05-15
SHEIK HASSAN FROM USA said:
Alhamdulillah - I am happy for you - may Allah
always guide you (and us all) to the TRUTH. Ameen.
2002-05-15
SAEED KHAN FROM USA said:
Alhamdulillah!
2002-05-15
K. A. YOOSUFANI M.D. FROM USA said:
Miss Mita, I pray to Allah SWT that He keep you steadfast and keep the light of faith burning in your heart, increasing in its vigil by the day.
Truly Allah SWT guides whoever strives sincerely
to find Him. The Holy Quran teaches muslims how to
supplicate to the Almighty: "Our Lord, let not our hearts deviate after You have guided us and grant us from Yourself mercy.Indeed, You are the
Bestower." 3:8 Also a few supplications from
3:190-194. Numerous supplications are to be found throughout the Holy Quran and in the books of Hadith. May Allah SWT guide you, miss Mita, and increase you in knowledge of Islam. May He SWT
guide someone through you.
2002-05-15
HAKEEM H. MUHAMMAD FROM PITTSBURGH,PA said:
i hakeen muhammad had to submit to the will allah
because of my past. now i love allah, i would not be in this life if it was not for the will of allah..
2002-05-15
NASSER MAHAMADEEN FROM USA said:
Salam Brother. I just want to tell you to be patien. You will be tested . I was, and I continue to be amazed at what Allah does for your when you ask for his guidance.
2002-05-15
NAHE FROM AUSTRALIA said:
i would like to post my congraltulations to sr.awatea and would like also to say that in time you would feel more peacefull through reading the quran and god insha-allah would delete all if any of the deedsthat you wish to be forgiven with one honest deed which the shahada. May God give you more knowledge and wiseness to be on the right path inshaa- allah .
2002-05-15
AISHA MUNIR FROM PAKISTAN said:
Salaam Alaikum,

I would like to congratulate you on becoming Muslim as well as all the others joining Islam. I have been studying Islam for the past 5 years and became Muslim on Feb. 2, 2001. I would like encourage you to keep your faith and when things seem to be in a lull, keep praying. Allah Ta'alaa always answers your prayers, but in His way. Sometimes what we want is not what we need and we have to remember that He knows best. I give you this advice because when things seem rough and tough we sometimes weaken our Iman and question things, but Allah is every merciful and beneficient and He understands us and still loves us at our weakest moment.

Also, I am an American who got married to a Pakistani (practicing) gentleman and then moved to Pakistan. One thing that I have learned is that when someone is in minority as a Muslim is in the U.S. they tend to try to express their identity more. I have noticed that although Pakistan is an Islamic majority population, about 95% of the people are NOT practicing here. So, in reference to your comment about you are the only Muslim in your community. There are both positives and negatives to this. I encourage you to strive for the path of Islam and see where it takes you. Maybe it will be far from your home. :)

Finally, remember that the things of this world are but temporary. Our sole purpose is to serve Allah....nothing more and nothing less.

I am so happy that you have joined this faith. I pray for Allah to make it easy for you.

Aisha
2002-05-15