My Revert Story (Part 2) & Reflections on Maryam AS

#JourneyToIslam #MaryaminIslam #WomenInIslam #IslamAndChristianity #QuranicStories #RevertStory Discovering Maryam in Islam: A Journey from Catholicism to the Quran In an interview on radio, Lillah shares her journey from a Catholic perspective on Mary to an Islamic understanding of Maryam, mother of Isa (Jesus, peace be upon him). Moving from the familiar nativity scenes of chidhood to the unique Quranic portrayal of Maryam, she describes her exploration of Maryam’s role within Islam and her eventual embrace of the faith. Here’s a glimpse of her story. An Unexpected Encounter with the Quran Lillah recounts an early, seemingly random experience with a translation of the Quran in a family member’s home. She felt an inexplicable “pull” to pick it up and read, despite her unfamiliarity with the book. Opening it at random, she came across verses detailing the birth of Isa in a way that differed from the Christian nativity story: here, Maryam was alone, under a palm tree, facing her moment with strength and faith. “This portrayal of Maryam immediately struck a chord with me,” Lillah says. Unlike the traditional nativity scenes with onlookers, this image of Maryam conveyed solitude, deep reliance on Allah SWT, and strength, which she found profoundly moving. Understanding Mary in a New Light Coming from a Catholic background where Mary is revered but briefly mentioned biblically, Lillah was surprised by the depth of detail given to Maryam in the Quran. Unlike the Catholic view, which includes Mary’s elevation as the “Mother of God,” the Islamic perspective presents Maryam as an individual of faith, strength, and unwavering monotheism. “In Islam, Maryam is celebrated for her resilience and piety. She is not an object of worship but rather a model of devotion to Allah SWT,” she reflects. This distinct representation made a lasting impact, offering a view of Maryam that emphasized humility and dedication to Allah, rather than divinity. A Quran with Family History Interestingly, the Quran that introduced her to Maryam’s story had a unique history in the family of her in-laws. Decades earlier, her relative’s mother had received it as a gift from Muslim men in a POW camp in Zimbabwe, making it both an heirloom and a link to another era of spiritual discovery. Lillah recalls how, in her late twenties, she read the text, still somewhat resistant to the message. Yet, as she read, she began to recognize a consistent call to monotheism and felt herself soon pulled towards Islam. Reflecting on Surah Ali Imran Through reading Surah Ali Imran, she found herself rethinking traditional beliefs about Maryam and Isa. The Quran’s portrayal offered clarity and focused on the monotheistic message. Lillah describes how these verses confirmed Maryam and Isa’s role without attributing divinity to them, reinforcing her understanding of Islamic monotheism and presenting the Quran as an unembellished, logical flow of belief. Transitioning to Faith Although this journey took time, Lillah eventually accepted the message of Islam, making the formal decision to enter the faith in August 2009 during Ramadan. At an Islamic event themed around Maryam, she felt compelled to complete her journey by taking the Shahada (testimony of faith) at a nearby masjid. Her transition was also symbolic: her first Quran teacher was named Maryam, echoing her early connection with the story. She later began studying the Quran more deeply, continuing her journey of learning and spiritual growth. Maryam as a Role Model Today, Lillah views Maryam as one of the greatest role models for women, embodying strength, purity, and devotion to Allah. This understanding, she shares, offers invaluable lessons for believers seeking righteousness and patience. “Maryam’s life is an embodiment of Taqwa (piety) and Tawakkul (trust in Allah),” Lillah concludes. For her, Maryam’s example resonates deeply, reminding believers of all backgrounds of the value in complete trust in Allah’s Wisdom. This account of Lillah’s journey highlights Maryam’s timeless legacy and the power of faith as seen through her story in the Quran. A story bridging from the Catholic affection towards Mary to the awe inspiring example of Lady Maryam in Islamic text.  (Peace be upon her) #FaithJourney #IslamicInspiration #WomenOfFaith #ConvertToIslam #IslamicHeritage #MaryamInQuran #FaithAndResilience #IslamAndChristianity #QuranicGuidance