From Darkness to Light: My Journey to Islam

From Darkness to Light: My Journey to Islam

I want to take you back in time, before I ever thought about faith, before I knew where life was going to lead me.

Years ago, I had a dream — to travel to another country, to learn a new language, to experience culture and traditions different from my own. My heart was set on England. When the opportunity came, Alhamdulillah, I packed my bags and went, filled with excitement. I couldn’t wait for sightseeing, exploring, and soaking in the beauty of a new place.

When I arrived, I got exactly what I wished for… and more than I could have ever imagined.

Discovering More Than Just a Country

I started my new job and met people from many different nationalities and backgrounds. It felt like I had traveled to several countries without leaving England. Some of my new colleagues were from Muslim-majority countries, some not — but many still followed Islam.

At that time, I knew very little about Islam. What I did know, or thought I knew, came from what I’d heard and seen in the media — and sadly, it was mostly negative. Without real knowledge, I repeated those ideas, sometimes making remarks that now I wish I could take back.

But Allah had already set a different plan for me.

When Hearts Start to Soften

Over time, I became friends with some Muslims. I was still reserved about their faith, but without realizing it, I was getting closer to understanding it. My heart began to soften. I came to a place of respect — but conversion? That was unthinkable.

I was convinced I was already on the right path. But so were they. And I started asking myself: Can both of us really be right? Or is there only one truth?

That question wouldn’t leave me.

Searching for the Truth

I began reading — the Bible, the Qur’an, books, articles. I listened to lectures, podcasts, attended discussions. The more I learned, the more Islam started to make sense. My conviction grew… but only to 99%.

That missing 1% became a wall. I told myself: I can’t say the shahada unless my heart is completely sure.

I stayed in that in-between space for a long time, asking Allah to guide me, but feeling like there was no answer. Eventually, I gave up. I told myself maybe Allah didn’t want me on the right path. I stopped searching.

When Calamity Strikes

Then one day, my life changed. A personal calamity hit. I found myself on my knees, desperate, praying like never before, asking Allah for guidance. My heart needed an answer more than ever.

So I started searching again. This time with even more determination. I read day and night. I prioritized reading the Qur’an and the Bible over everything else, even my studies. Somehow, Alhamdulillah, I passed my exams — but more importantly, I passed the biggest test of my life.

The Moment Everything Changed

One day, I was reading the Bible when it happened. It was like a veil had been lifted from my eyes. The truth was suddenly clear. Not 99% — but 200%. My heart overflowed with certainty.

That was the day I embraced Islam. Alhamdulillah, I was guided to the truth, blessed with the most beautiful gift anyone can receive.

From Darkness to Light

It was the end of my research journey, but the start of something even more beautiful — life with Islam. A fresh start. The feeling of being lifted from darkness into light.

In Arabic, “light” is Noor. Islam is the light in our lives, and we can share that light with others by spreading its message, giving hope, and offering a little joy to those who need it.

So this is my reminder — to myself and to you: Be the light.