Assalamu alaykum, my name is Isabelle Prelle, also known as Soumeya in my spiritual journey. I have been a Shi’a Muslim for over 32 years. I am a wife, mother of four, and grandmother of two. My faith has guided me to advocate for Muslim women’s rights, particularly the right to wear the headscarf, and to defend the rights of Muslim citizens in Belgium.
Before converting, I was raised in a Christian family with a mix of traditional faith and critical reflection. My parents, aware of the manipulations of religion for male power, were skeptical of Christian institutions, while my grandmother instilled devout Christian practices. Growing up, I often questioned the meaning of life, God’s existence, and religious truths.
During adolescence, exposure to Muslim families in my neighborhood opened my eyes to values such as hospitality, respect for elders, solidarity, and social justice. Reading works by Mohammad Baqir Sadr convinced me of God’s existence and inspired me to delve deeper into the study of religion. Comparative studies of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam led me to Islam. Within Islam, Shi’ism resonated most, particularly for its approach to women’s rights, rational principles, and guidance through the family of the Prophet, which offered a pure and ethical path to live harmoniously.
Becoming a Muslim and visibly wearing the headscarf presented challenges. I faced discrimination in education and employment because of my faith, highlighting the social injustice and Islamophobia in Belgium. However, Shi’a Islam affirmed my rights as a woman, including the choice to work, manage personal wealth, and follow models of strong female figures like Fatima al-Zahra and Zainab (peace be upon them), who were actively involved in society and justice.
These experiences led me to become active in advocacy and public service. I have been involved in multiple associations supporting Muslim women, interfaith dialogue, and awareness of global injustices, including issues in Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Syria, and Yemen. From 2008 to 2014, I served as vice president of the Council of Muslims in Belgium, advocating for equal rights, mosque recognition, and training for imams and chaplains in prisons and hospitals.
Through my faith, I have dedicated my life to reclaiming the rights and dignity of Muslim women, promoting justice, and defending the visibility and recognition of Muslims in society. Shi’a Islam has been both a spiritual foundation and a framework for social activism, guiding me to live ethically, educate others, and stand against injustice.
Nov 6 2025
Conversion Story of “Isabelle Prelle”
Assalamu alaykum, my name is Isabelle Prelle, also known as Soumeya in my spiritual journey. I have been a Shi’a Muslim for over 32 years. I am a wife, mother of four, and grandmother of two. My faith has guided me to advocate for Muslim women’s rights, particularly the right to wear the headscarf, and to defend the rights of Muslim citizens in Belgium.
Before converting, I was raised in a Christian family with a mix of traditional faith and critical reflection. My parents, aware of the manipulations of religion for male power, were skeptical of Christian institutions, while my grandmother instilled devout Christian practices. Growing up, I often questioned the meaning of life, God’s existence, and religious truths.
During adolescence, exposure to Muslim families in my neighborhood opened my eyes to values such as hospitality, respect for elders, solidarity, and social justice. Reading works by Mohammad Baqir Sadr convinced me of God’s existence and inspired me to delve deeper into the study of religion. Comparative studies of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam led me to Islam. Within Islam, Shi’ism resonated most, particularly for its approach to women’s rights, rational principles, and guidance through the family of the Prophet, which offered a pure and ethical path to live harmoniously.
Becoming a Muslim and visibly wearing the headscarf presented challenges. I faced discrimination in education and employment because of my faith, highlighting the social injustice and Islamophobia in Belgium. However, Shi’a Islam affirmed my rights as a woman, including the choice to work, manage personal wealth, and follow models of strong female figures like Fatima al-Zahra and Zainab (peace be upon them), who were actively involved in society and justice.
These experiences led me to become active in advocacy and public service. I have been involved in multiple associations supporting Muslim women, interfaith dialogue, and awareness of global injustices, including issues in Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Syria, and Yemen. From 2008 to 2014, I served as vice president of the Council of Muslims in Belgium, advocating for equal rights, mosque recognition, and training for imams and chaplains in prisons and hospitals.
Through my faith, I have dedicated my life to reclaiming the rights and dignity of Muslim women, promoting justice, and defending the visibility and recognition of Muslims in society. Shi’a Islam has been both a spiritual foundation and a framework for social activism, guiding me to live ethically, educate others, and stand against injustice.
By english • Chronicles of the converted to Shia • 0 • Tags: conversion story, converted to Islam, Converted to Shia, Ex-Christian, Isabelle Prelle, Mostabserin, Reborn, Soumeya