Conversion Story of “Margaretha Adriana Van Es”

My name is Margaretha Adriana Van Es, and I am from Bilthoven, a small town in the Netherlands. I grew up in a Christian family with a mix of Calvinist Protestant and Catholic backgrounds, though we were not particularly practicing. I had a happy childhood, surrounded by nature, friends, and a supportive family who instilled in me core values shared across religions—charity, love, and compassion. I attended a Catholic school, where I also learned to appreciate philosophical and religious questions, which sparked a lifelong interest in exploring faith.

From an early age, I was drawn to studying different religions and cultures, reading about Buddhism and other “oriental” religions even before high school. Philosophy classes in school deepened my curiosity and helped me think critically about God, existence, and the meaning of life. For a long time, I struggled with the concept of God as a personal figure and instead developed a sense of admiration for the universe as a whole, seeing a system and balance in life that was comforting and inspiring.

As a teenager, I began to accept that I could believe in God without adhering to an anthropomorphic image or organized religion. I sought a balanced way of living, enjoying life while sharing my blessings with others. I experimented with vegetarianism, altruism, and spiritual reflection, searching for a lifestyle that combined personal fulfillment with ethical responsibility.

When I discovered Islam, it felt like I had found answers to the questions I had been pondering for years. Philosophy, theology, and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.W) and Ahlul Bayt (A.S.) resonated deeply with me. I saw in them authentic role models and a complete way of life that balanced spiritual, ethical, and social dimensions. It felt too coherent and perfect to be a human invention.

My path to Islam was gradual. At first, I explored Sunni and Shia teachings, but I felt a particular connection with Shi’a Islam, which provided philosophical depth and guidance from the family of the Prophet. I spent months studying carefully, ensuring there were no contradictions with my beliefs before officially taking the shahada.

I was initially nervous about how my family and friends would react. In 2008, Islam had a very negative image in the Netherlands. Despite this, my parents were supportive, asking questions but respecting my choice. They even helped accommodate my observances during Ramadan, making the transition smoother. My friends also understood and accepted, which strengthened my relationships with them.

Converting to Islam transformed my life in many ways. My daily routines, friendships, travel, and lifestyle all shifted, but the core values my parents had taught me—compassion, sharing, ethical living—remained central. Islam gave me a framework to live these values more fully and with spiritual guidance.

Moving to Norway after marrying my husband opened new opportunities to engage with Islamic communities, including youth organizations and mosque activities. Today, I continue to practice and learn, balancing family life, academic work, and community involvement. Raising my daughter allows me to integrate Pakistani, Norwegian, and Dutch influences into her Islamic upbringing, sharing teachings of the Prophet (S.A.W.W) and Ahlul Bayt (A.S.) while nurturing a multicultural, faith-centered family environment.

Alhamdulillah, I have never regretted becoming Muslim. Islam provided the spiritual clarity, balance, and ethical framework I had been searching for, and it continues to guide me in my personal and communal life.