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True life: Converting to Islam
I get a lot of stares, but overall there are no problems.
Just over 10 years ago, Theresa changed her religion from Catholic to Muslim. Theresa is originally from Athlone. She now lives in Algeria with her husband and four children. SpunOut.ie talks to her about why she changed and what it’s like to be a Muslim woman in today’s society.
SpunOut.ie: So Theresa, what made you change your religion?
Theresa: Well, first of all nothing made me change my religion .Yes I was around Muslims and was hearing a lot about Islam but changing my religion was like something [that] came over me one day, like a feeling that I was drawn to and could not escape from. I knew that it was from Allah so I knew that it was time for me to make my Shahabad (word to be said when accepting Islam as your religion), and then once I said those words it was like an emptiness had been filled and everything fell into place.
SpunOut.ie: What was it like being a Christian?
Theresa: Well for me, it meant nothing. I was bored with the whole church thing. Nothing made sense; it was a motion we went through, but only on a Sunday.
SpunOut.ie: What is the main difference between being a Muslim and a Catholic?
Theresa: The main difference for me in being a Muslim is [that] I feel that everything makes sense and that you have a map of your life to help you be a better human being.
SpunOut.ie: How did your family take it?
Theresa: Well, that’s a long story; they didn’t take to it very well. They believed that I was brainwashed and [that] if I had not met my husband I would never have known about Islam and would not be Muslim. But, I will say [that] as the years have passed they have seen that it was my choice and nothing to do with my husband. I think they have accepted it now, but that is something that would have to be asked to them.
SpunOut.ie: You have been back in Ireland many times since you changed religion, how have you been treated?
Theresa: Yes I have been back, in total three times and yes it is weird for people to see me dress the way I do. I get a lot of stares, but overall no problems. I believe that Irish people don’t judge first; they look at everything and then they decide.
SpunOut.ie: Is it difficult being a Muslim in Ireland?
Theresa: If I had to live in Ireland, yes I believe it would be difficult, as when I visited my home town I found only one place for praying in and it didn’t even have a place for women. I didn’t see many Muslim women there either, but I believe that in Dublin there are a lot. So if I moved back I would have to go where there was [a lot of Muslims] so as we could speak and learn from each other. This is very important in Islam.
SpunOut.ie: There seems to be alot of negativity towards Muslim people throughout the world. Why do you think this is?
Theresa: It’s because people don’t look beyond the clothes we wear. They think we are terrorists because we pray and believe in Allah, but you need to look deeper than that. The media doesn’t help either.
SpunOut.ie: We often hear that Muslim women are treated like 'second class citizens'. How do you feel about that?
Theresa: This is not true; the woman is very important in Islam, especially in the family and the home. We believe that paradise is at the feet of the mother, so she must be respected at all times and if she dies not pleased with you, then you will not be allowed to enter paradise until she forgives you. We have the right to work and learn. Also, the money of a woman is her money and her husband can’t touch it unless she gives permission. In the time of the prophet SAWS, the men used to come to the wives of the prophet to get answers for their questions, so from this you can see that women are respected and this (second class citizen) is a load of rubbish. Also, if women are treated so badly why are the majority of people who become Muslim women? That is something for people to think about.
SpunOut.ie: Are you happy?
Theresa: Yes, I am happy and would not change.
SpunOut.ie: Anything else you would like to say that we didn't ask?
Theresa: Yes. Don’t judge us all for the mistakes that other make. Look into it deeper, try to understand what drives it; and then make your decisions.
