Oh, to Be Born Muslim Yet Miss the Beauty of Islam
This is a tale of how I recently fell in love with all my senses, and it felt right—like it was long overdue. Did I shed a tear? Yes, more than once. To experience this kind of love that brings tears to your eyes is truly magnificent. I hope you get to experience this moment of ecstasy when you fall in love with your Creator.
So, where do I start?
Life in the U.S. vs. an Islamic Society
Living in the U.S., we are deprived of hearing the adhan (call to prayer) five times a day. We don’t have a masjid every few miles, and clean bathrooms with appropriate facilities for wudu are rare. Safety often feels like a concern.
Life wasn’t like this in Doha, Qatar. It was calm, peaceful, clean, and safe. From the moment I landed in Qatar, I—a woman—was treated with the utmost respect and dignity.
Falling in Love with Faith in Doha
If I’m being honest, I didn’t fall in love with Islam in Qatar (oops). I fell in love in Istanbul, Turkey—but I’ll save that story for another day. For now, let’s talk about the love I felt in Doha.
It was almost time for Dhuhr prayer, so instead of continuing with my plans, I decided to take a quick ride to the nearest masjid. The women’s entrance, far past the men’s entrance, was just as gorgeous.
As I stepped inside, the ladies greeted me warmly and asked if I had wudu. When I replied no, they guided me to the bathroom. This wasn’t just any bathroom—it was a huge, pristine wudu area. Mind you, I don’t have much experience visiting masjids, so I was genuinely awestruck.
After performing a quick ablution, one of the women handed me a skirt and a larger scarf. The moment my head touched the floor in sujood, I felt like I had been reminded of the very purpose of my life.
Experiencing the Beauty of Islam in Doha
That same night, I visited the Doha Islamic Museum, where I was reminded of the architectural beauty of my religion. Some people pay thousands of dollars to display such intricate Islamic art in their homes or offices, yet we—born Muslims—don’t take enough pride in this heritage.
During my time in Doha, I also bought my first abaya. I can’t emphasize enough how elegant and classy I felt wearing it. It made me realize that I could embrace a "soft life" while still being a strong, empowered woman—without dressing in ways that compromise my values.
A Society That Embodies Islamic Values
Wherever you go in Doha, the food is halal, and you feel safe—even in spaces filled with men. This is what a true Islamic society looks like: one where respect, safety, and modesty are ingrained in every aspect of life.
The next day, I visited Doha’s largest mosque. Our tour guide, Osama—a Swedish revert—shared his story of embracing Islam. The way he explained the beauty of Islam and his journey brought me to tears again.
A Reminder of What We Already Have
Osama explained how practices like yoga, adopted by the Western world for peace, are embedded in Islam. Salah (prayer) itself is a gift prescribed to us five times a day because Allah knows we need it to manage life’s challenges.
He reminded us that this dunya (world) is temporary, and everything in it is fleeting. We are mere travelers in this world, carrying a load of baggage, while our real life begins in the akhirah (hereafter).
A Moment of Reflection
Take a moment to reflect. Why were you created with such perfection? What can you do today to strengthen your relationship with your Creator?
The only certainty in this life is death. Yet, through faith, we can find peace and purpose. May Allah make this dunya easy for you, guide you to His light, and help you find solace in His presence. Until next time, Peace
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