15: My journey as a Chinese Muslim

TRANSCRIPT FOR EP15:
Welcome to Woman Leadership show. I'm Janet and in this episode, I will be sharing with you my journey as a Chinese Muslim.

I converted 10 years ago with the same husband I got married. I would receive questions such as did I remarry or I married a Malay Muslim. My husband is also Chinese Muslim and he converted around the same time as me in the same year. 

I grew up in Buddhist /Taoist background and I used to go to church in younger days but I have been going with Budhhism/Taoism till I got to know more about Islam from a Malay Masseur who did massage for me after my confinement. 

I started to learn more about the religion, listen to audio and started lessons on quran reading . I tried fasting before my official conversion. 

Many people were surprised with my conversion including all my friends who have known me for many years and new people I met. I would share with them my journey how I found Islam. Some would not accept it and started to distance away from me. I found new friends in my religion and those who accepted me as who I am.

Our stories were published in the media and newspaper. It was a touching moments for us and also to share with others Muslim is a religion but not a race. There are many international muslims around the world such as Australian, European, American , Korean, Japan, Taiwan, China and so on. Just that in Singapore as there is very few minority as Chinese Muslims, we were being mistaken that we have conver to be Malay and have Malay name. 

Being a Muslim has changed my relationship with my mum. Because of my faith, I was more patient and understanding towards her. My inlaws side was very accepting of our conversion and though there would be still doubts about my conversion, I would try to answer their questions and letting everyone know that I am still me. I am still Chinese and have an Arabic name not Malay name. 

This is a big change for me with regards to dressing, food, prayers, fasting and some friends and ex colleagues would felt that those are too difficult. To me, whatever religion, it is about knowing why we are doing this. Once we know Why, we will be willing to do whatever it takes to have the life that we want. 

Learn to accept not everyone will accept my decision and that is okay. I do not need to please everyone by doing things that they think is right. This is my life and I have the right to .

I hope that through my sharing, it draws inspiration and personal reflection for you. I believe every woman can be a leader in your own way. I look forward to seeing you in my next episode where I will be sharing with you tips and ways to realize your full potential as a leader on Woman Leadership.