Laila, who refused to reveal her full name, told Arab News that until she was in her 20s she knew very little about Islam.
She says this was because of two reasons. First, her parents, who are both Muslims, never took the time and effort to teach her about Islam. Secondly, she used to live in a non-Muslim country where Islam is not practiced widely.
“Growing up in a non-Muslim country I learned so little about my religion that I don’t recall ever hearing a Hadith,” she told Arab News.
“I did not know about the life of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). I only knew that he was the last Prophet. But when I came to Saudi Arabia and saw Islam being practiced everywhere, I realized that I knew so little about my religion, and so I began to learn about Islam as much as I could through Islamic books, and I also spoke to scholars.”
Laila says when she learned about the life of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and reflected on his teachings her faith got stronger.
“When you reflect on Islam, you will find that there is so much wisdom and kindness in it. When I applied the teachings of Islam to my lifestyle, my life improved in every aspect,” she said.
Samira says she learned about Islam from her parents and in school. However, she never tried to learn more.
Samira told Arab News that she used to be preoccupied with other things in her life, such as her work, friends, parties or shopping, and would never find time to learn more about Islam.
“I never used to read Islamic books, only beauty magazines. Even on television I would never watch Islamic channels, I would only watch movies and serials.”
Samira says her whole life changed for the best recently when while flicking through the television she came across an Islamic channel. Usually she would change the channel but this time she decided to watch. The presenter was telling the story of Prophet Musa or Moses (peace be upon him). The presenter was narrating the part in Prophet Musa’s story when he reached the sea with the Pharaoh and his guards after him and the Children of Israel.
“I had heard Prophet Musa’s story while growing up, but there was something the presenter said that shook me. He said we as Muslims all know the story of the Prophet Musa and how Allah commanded the sea to part, but have you ever tried to imagine actually being there and feeling how great Allah’s power is?” she said.
“It was an awakening moment for me. I felt the iman (faith) in my heart increase so much. And I felt humbled in front of God’s power.
“I have been facing problems in my life, and I used to be worried sick about who should I ask for help. But I feel so reassured when I remember that Allah is the Most Merciful, the Most Powerful, and Hearer of prayers. Why should I ask the slaves for help when I can ask the Most Powerful who created us and gave us everything we have. Even if I go to a wealthy man and ask for help, there is a limit to how much he can help me, and a limit to how much kindness he will show me. But there is no limit to Allah’s power or mercy.”
Samira says that she now regularly reads books on Islam and watches Islamic channels such as Al-Resalah and the Saudi Sunna, which airs Hadiths in Arabic and English.
Samira said she became very eager to do good deeds after she heard Hadiths about them. “I found a poor widow with three orphans whom I am fostering. I pray Allah accept my good deeds.”
