SHAFAQNA-
Nour was born on 17.07.1999. Her Islamic name is Nour. She lives in Dresden, Germany. Before she accepted Islam, she never had a religion. She grew up in a family without religion. When she was at school, she got familiar with Islam and the Holy Quran. By meeting her current husband in 2015, she got interested in Islam and found love in it and finally in January 2017, she officially converted to Islam.
Sister Nour! Rahyafte team (related to Edoardo Agnelli Islamic Association) appreciates you for accepting the interview. Please tell us about the way you got familiar with Islam.
When I was 8/9 years old and in 2nd or 3rd grade, I had ethics lessons. One day we treated Islam. I was enthusiastic from the beginning. I liked the Quran, the mosques looked beautiful and the women had such great clothes. That wass how I wanted to live.
What motivated you to convert to Islam?
In 2015, I met my current husband. Believer Muslim. In the beginning I hated it when he talked about Islam. I did not want to hear that. But 1.5 years later, I felt love for Islam. I was very interested in Islam again and learned a lot. In January 2017, I officially converted to Islam with full conviction, Alhamdulillah.
What was your religion before converting to Islam?
I had no religion before Islam. I grew up in a family without religion and religion was never an issue for us.
What was your family’s reaction after you became a Msuslim? Did you have any problem with people who knew you?
I did not tell my parents at the beginning because I was very scared. About half a year later, I finally wanted to tell them because I had no strength to hide it. I wrote a long message for my mother. I told her that I am now a Muslim and that I finally found a missing puzzle piece. I didn’t receive any message from her for 2 days. But then I saw a message from her. I was shocked and sad at the same time. She wrote me that the whole family is disappointed and mad at me and that’s all my husband’s fault that I have accepted Islam and so on …
I have never had many friends. But I had 1 best friend. I lost her too. Bescause she was of the opinion that my husband has everything to blame. It hurt a lot. But I found better sisters in Islam, Alhamdulillah.
If your family had no religion, why were they mad at you? Why was it important for them?
I honestly do not know. She would have preferred that I become a Christian. There are many racist people here who are against Muslims. Maybe she was afraid that I would get hurt. But they could’ve talked to me and not reject me immediately.
How do you see the spread of Islam in your country?
There are more and more Germans who accept Islam. That makes all Muslims happy. There are also more and more Muslims coming from Muslim countries. Although I have to say, Germany is not for Muslims, unfortunately.
What is the most beautiful Surah of the Quran in your opinion? And why?
Al-Faatiha. Because that was the first surah I learned from the Quran. I also connect it with my conversion. Because the Sura states that we only worship Allah, ask him for help and he shows us the right way.
What’s your opinion about hijab? Did wearing hijab have any effect on your private life? Do you think it is only dedicated to women?
Hijab is a beautiful thing. Personally, I feel protected from the looks of men because they can not see much anymore. But foreign people or the family do not recognize that.
Everyone thinks they wear the hijab because the man wants that. On the contrary, you decide for yourself whether you like it or not. If you go out without hijab and you are looked at by men, it is your own fault.
Unfortunately, finding a job with Hijab is also very difficult. Many people do not accept it.
Hijab is not just for women. Men have rules too when it comes to dress like no ripped clothes, no sagging, no sleeveless shirts, no walking around with your shirts off and no tight clothes.
Was wearing hijab hard for you? How did you convince yourself to wear a hijab while you have not had it before and your community does not believe in hijab?
I was on vacation with my husband. In a larger city where many Muslims live. I had bought 1-2 weeks before a dress and a hijab. I wanted to wear it for the first time. I did that too.
It was very unfamiliar to me and I was wondering all the time, everyone staring at me, but it was not like that. Everyone accepted me and no one had the assumption that I had been wearing it for only a few minutes.
Later here in my city, I was very afraid to be rejected. I was rejected by some, but others accepted it.
Why did you change your name? And why did you choose the name ‘Nour’?
My name Nour, is already an Islamic name. But everyone knew me by that name. Among all Muslims I wanted to be called Nour. It is easy to remember. I also wanted a name related to Allah.
What was your feeling when you prayed for the first time? Wasn’t it hard for you to pray 5 times a day?
Yes, it was very hard. My heart was always throbbing, as if I had run a marathon. For me it was always very difficult to say the right sura at the right time. Getting the whole procedure in the head was very difficult.
But with every prayer feels more and more connected with Allah. And after prayer has a nice, quiet feeling everywhere (in the body, in the house, …)
If you want to say some words about the beauty of Islam, the peace, the calmness you have found in this religion what do you say?
For me, Islam gives peace in stressful situations. Islam gives me a lot of power when I’m down. It will help you very quickly, no matter in which situations.
A short text: “If Allah can take you from what you never thought to lose it, he can also give you something that you never thought you would possess”
Which feature in Islam attracted you?
Quran & Mosque
Who/ what influenced your conversion to Islam?
My man. But all for the good. Because he has taught me a lot and learned a lot with me. And still does it. I am very grateful to him.
As a convert, what way of inviting to Islam you believe is more effective on non-Muslims?
Non-Muslims should not judge Islam so quickly. You should get to know Muslims first. You should also visit the mosques, where many events take place, for example: cooking together, crafting and so on. Then they can decide for themselves whether they want to be with Muslims or not. Many also convert after such an experiences because they never thought that Islam was so warm and open.
How is the TV programs in your country? Is it good for family?
I say so, it’s okay for kids. There are extra children’s channels where is only children’s series. Of course the kids enjoy it. It is also okay for German adults. But there are many TV channels that do not have to be there. Because there is only senseless stuff.
For Muslims, it is not intended at all. Because a lot of bare skin is shown and other things. Children over 13 years also watch something like that. I think its not okay for these kids to watch these TV Shows, because the children are shown a wrong life. Unfortunately there is no extra TV station showing shows for teenagers.
Thank you very much for your attention. May Allah bless you and keep you strong and firm in this true path.
By Bentolhoda Mofakhami