(A German Woman who Embraced Islam in America – Part One)
There was once a Christian woman of German origin living in America, and working as a court secretary. She came across some books on Christianity and Judaism. After studying these books, she arrived at the conclusion that Islam is actually the true religion. She thus read the kalimah and entered the fold of Islam. Following her conversion, she reached out to local Muslims, seeking their guidance on the teachings of Islam.
One of the key aspects of Islam she learnt about was the importance of observing hijaab and purdah. Without any hesitation, she had a burqah sewn that very evening. The next morning, she wore it to the office, leaving her colleagues bewildered by the sudden appearance of a veiled woman. When they asked who she was, she revealed her identity and explained that she had embraced Islam.
They then asked her if it was necessary for Muslim women to cover themselves with a burqah, to which she replied in the affirmative. However, they raised an objection saying that many Muslim women in America do not observe purdah, but rather dress like the Christians. Therefore, had it been necessary in Islam, all those women would have observed it. This woman who had just accepted Islam gave a response of unwavering faith and firm imaan. She responded saying, “If a woman, despite being a Muslim, does not wish to obey her Nabi (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), what can I do (about it)? (As far as I am concerned,) I will remain on the path of the Nabi (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) whom I have come to believe in.”
However, her employers were not supportive of her decision to observe hijaab at work and informed her that she would have to choose between her job and wearing the hijaab. With unwavering conviction, she responded, “You are not the ones who provide sustenance. The Being Who provides sustenance is Allah.” She subsequently resigned from her high-paying position and took up a simple job; cleaning homes and washing dishes for others, and receiving a much lower income.
Sometime later, she embarked on the blessed journey of hajj. In Makkah Mukarramah she was warmly hosted by a kind and hospitable family, who knew the English language. As she sat before the Ka’bah Musharrafah, she would humbly address Allah Ta‘ala saying, “I am (originally) a German Christian woman. Where am I and where is Your house (i.e. how lowly am I and how great is Your house). It is solely due to Your mercy and benevolence that I, a woman raised in a Christian household, now stand before You.” In this manner, she would continue crying with much love and respect.
Upon visiting Madeenah Munawwarah, she stood before Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), tears streaming down her face, and made a pledge, saying, “I am a member of your Ummah, and I am taking along with me the pain and concern of your effort (i.e. the effort of propagating Deen) and I will spread it in the world.”
(Mithaali Khawaateen pg. 274)
(to be continued)
Lessons:
1. The story of this woman’s transformation is a reminder that true fulfilment and happiness cannot be found in the pursuit of material wealth and status, often referred to as “the American dream”. In reality, this pursuit leads to a life of emptiness and discontent. It is only when we prioritize Deen, develop a deep connection with Allah Ta‘ala, and live a life of His obedience that we can truly experience peace, contentment, and fulfilment.
2. This German woman’s firm commitment to donning her hijaab, despite being new in Islam, should serve as a great inspiration to every Muslimah; that true freedom and empowerment come from submitting to Allah Ta‘ala’s command, not from conforming to the norms of this modern-day world.
3. Often, societal pressures make us believe that a woman’s material security and stability depend upon her academic and professional achievements. Hence, if she does not have these qualifications or a secure job, how will she survive? As a result of this, many Deeni compromises are unfortunately made, especially with regards to a woman’s shame and chastity, in order to achieve this supposed material prosperity. The conviction that this new-Muslimah had on Allah Ta‘ala being Razzaaq (the Provider) was such that she was even willing to give up her high-paying job in order to uphold a single injunction of Deen.