"A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step" is a common saying that originated from a famous Chinese proverb. A person decides to take the first step in a direction he or she desires. However, the first step is the hardest to take as it often burns the bridges and shatters bonds. Fourteen revert sisters recounted the story of their first step toward Islam on a platform provided by Moulana Hifzur Rahman Seoharvi Academy in Jeddah over the weekend. After a successful event organized for revert brothers, Seoharvi Academy honored 14 revert sisters who found their peace in Islam. They took the first step, and as promised by Allah, "If he comes one span nearer to Me, I go one cubit nearer to him; and if he comes one cubit nearer to Me, I go a distance of two outstretched arms nearer to him; and if he comes to Me walking, I go to him running." The academy and the attendees embraced the new Muslims from India, Britain, the United States and the Philippines at a warm reception at Lasani restaurant in Jeddah. Umm Fakeha Zinjani, director of the academy, welcomed the guests and reverts. Abla Shahnaz commenced the evening with the recitation of Holy Qur'an. "Among many gifts, Islam is the greatest gift, when Islam is in the heart, life becomes purposeful," remarked Sarah Altaf, the host of the evening. "Islam has created the everlasting bond of sisterhood between us all," she said. "Reverting to Islam is a big step. It is a breakthrough that brings a lot of struggles; wrecking family bonds and a tough life," stated Fatima Faheem, a co-host and revert who accepted Islam eight years ago. She introduced the Seoharvi Academy and acknowledged the director for her efforts. "We are lucky to be in light after living in darkness," she expressed her content. Dr. Nur Haya (formerly Dr. Carol Baldesancho) told Saudi Gazette: "Every time I opened the Bible the following verse from Book of Jeremiah popped in front of me, "If you love me from all your heart, you can find me." She added: "I wondered why do I come across this verse every time I open Bible – have I not found God yet? I pondered over the blessings and realized that everything mentioned in the Bible is not in Israel, but in Saudi Arabia. I spoke with a Muslim nurse and asked her the questions that lingered on my mind and I felt happy and blessed on finding the real religion of Islam. I felt as if all my questions are answered. I cried when I opened the Qur'an for the first time." Guest of honor Fatima Ramesh, a class XI student, shared her journey, "My father initiated the quest as he studied Hindu philosophy. He did not accept the idea that the god we worship was killed by a man. However when he read the translation of Holy Qur'an, he believed in it and our family reverted." She talked about the misconception of women's status in Islam. "Muslim women are seen as introverted and locked up in kitchen, which is not true. We have economic significance and rights, and the restrictions are only for our safety," she said. "I was raised in a Christian family with just one Muslim uncle. Once he greeted me with 'Asalam-o-alaikum' and that phrase stuck with me," Sakina Paul, the chief guest of the evening said. "I questioned my mom ‘Why do we call Jesus our God?' but no one had the answer. I was 18 when I found my answer that he is not the One Who created Heaven and Earth. My husband was my source to Islam. I got to know who my Lord was after I became a Muslim. I felt this religion was for me as it accepted me regardless of my race, color, height or flaws." She advised revert sisters, "It is a hard path, but as long as you stay strong and believe in your soul, Allah will help you." Aisha, another revert, left the attendees in tears as she narrated her journey filled with hardships and struggles. Her husband was her pathway toward Islam, who stood by her side in the toughest situation. "We should hold on strongly to the tenets of Islam. Just keep spreading the message as guidance is from Allah," she stated. Dr. Helen presided over the ceremony by narrating the story of Ibn Al-Makhtoum — Verily, it is not the eyes that grow blind, but it is the hearts which are in the breasts that grow blind. "Allah will test you in different ways, just don't leave hope – don't fall back because of the pressure," she remarked and requested the Muslims to accept their revert sisters as their wives, daughters or mothers." Chaudhry Shahbaz, noted Kingdom-based businessman and former federal minister of Pakistan, Al-Shareef Group, NET Pet Company, Ajmal Perfumes, Atig Toys, Darussalam Publications, Ismail Surti, Al Esayi Electronic, Himalaya Cosmetic's Khwaja Nasir and several other sponsors distributed souvenirs and gifts to the new Muslims to encourage and appreciate them. Zinjani expressed gratitude to the guests and attendees for their presence despite the rainy weather. "The purpose of the gathering is encouragement of new Muslims and self-reflection." She narrated the story of Salman Farsi and called the reverts "Bint-e-Islam". "We have to bring Islam into action and not just in words. It is required to accept new Muslims and don't let them feel alone," she said. The blessed and graceful event concluded with a supplication by Abla Rukhsana Zain, who prayed for everyone to become good Muslims with the best of faith.
