My name is Dr. Maryam Blackeagle. I come from a predominantly Native American background — my father was from the Miami Wea tribe, a descendant of Chief Little Turtle. My mother was a mix of Cherokee and Appalachian white heritage. I grew up immersed in Native traditions, learning to hunt, track, and appreciate nature. However, my life took a drastic turn when we moved to Southern California, far from the serenity of the woods.
Raised in a dysfunctional and abusive home, I ran away at 14, was emancipated at 15, and plunged into a life of hardship. I married my high school sweetheart and had a son at 16, but was soon left to raise him alone. Struggling between self-destruction and self-improvement, I enrolled in nursing school, striving to create a better life.
While living in California, I made friends from various cultures and religions. Some Muslim friends held an arrogant tone in religious conversations, which offended me. Determined to prove Islam wrong, I began researching it — but the more I read, the more I found truth and wisdom in its teachings. Quranic verses aligned with what Jesus taught in the Bible. I was forced to confront uncomfortable truths and reevaluate everything I believed.
My conversion to Islam was not joyful — it was painful and humbling. There was no community, no friends, and no celebration. Just me, my tears, and the realization that I could no longer deny the truth. It was a lonely journey, filled with shame, doubt, and struggle. But slowly, through self-purification and reflection, I found peace.
I faced rejection — even my father disowned me. For years, I practiced alone, created makeshift prayers, and observed Ramadan without guidance. Eventually, I met a kind Afghan man who, despite the language barrier, taught me how to pray. That moment was a turning point.
Later, I moved to Oklahoma and finally found a Shia Muslim community. From there, I studied deeply, earned a PhD in religion, and began lecturing around the U.S., particularly on women in Islam and the metaphysical dimensions of the Quran. Despite many setbacks, including a failed marriage and cultural challenges, I remained committed to the path of truth.
My journey hasn’t been easy. I’ve faced prejudice, Islamophobia, and isolation as a convert. I lost friends, family, and even faced discrimination while seeking work despite decades of experience as a nurse. Still, I gained something far greater — a relationship with God, purpose, and inner peace.
We need to do more to support converts. Often, after the initial excitement of conversion fades, they are left alone. Integration and belonging remain a challenge, especially for convert children who don’t share the same language or culture as the larger community. We must bridge these gaps or risk losing future generations.
Ultimately, Islam transformed my life from darkness to light. I may not lecture as often now, especially after the death of my eldest son, but I continue to believe that my story —and the lessons I’ve learned— serve a purpose. If we can show the beauty of Islam through actions, sincerity, and compassion, we can change hearts.
📽️ Watch Video:
http://al-mostabserin.com/english/2729
Jul 12 2025
Conversion Story by Dr. Maryam Blackeagle
My name is Dr. Maryam Blackeagle. I come from a predominantly Native American background — my father was from the Miami Wea tribe, a descendant of Chief Little Turtle. My mother was a mix of Cherokee and Appalachian white heritage. I grew up immersed in Native traditions, learning to hunt, track, and appreciate nature. However, my life took a drastic turn when we moved to Southern California, far from the serenity of the woods.
Raised in a dysfunctional and abusive home, I ran away at 14, was emancipated at 15, and plunged into a life of hardship. I married my high school sweetheart and had a son at 16, but was soon left to raise him alone. Struggling between self-destruction and self-improvement, I enrolled in nursing school, striving to create a better life.
While living in California, I made friends from various cultures and religions. Some Muslim friends held an arrogant tone in religious conversations, which offended me. Determined to prove Islam wrong, I began researching it — but the more I read, the more I found truth and wisdom in its teachings. Quranic verses aligned with what Jesus taught in the Bible. I was forced to confront uncomfortable truths and reevaluate everything I believed.
My conversion to Islam was not joyful — it was painful and humbling. There was no community, no friends, and no celebration. Just me, my tears, and the realization that I could no longer deny the truth. It was a lonely journey, filled with shame, doubt, and struggle. But slowly, through self-purification and reflection, I found peace.
I faced rejection — even my father disowned me. For years, I practiced alone, created makeshift prayers, and observed Ramadan without guidance. Eventually, I met a kind Afghan man who, despite the language barrier, taught me how to pray. That moment was a turning point.
Later, I moved to Oklahoma and finally found a Shia Muslim community. From there, I studied deeply, earned a PhD in religion, and began lecturing around the U.S., particularly on women in Islam and the metaphysical dimensions of the Quran. Despite many setbacks, including a failed marriage and cultural challenges, I remained committed to the path of truth.
My journey hasn’t been easy. I’ve faced prejudice, Islamophobia, and isolation as a convert. I lost friends, family, and even faced discrimination while seeking work despite decades of experience as a nurse. Still, I gained something far greater — a relationship with God, purpose, and inner peace.
We need to do more to support converts. Often, after the initial excitement of conversion fades, they are left alone. Integration and belonging remain a challenge, especially for convert children who don’t share the same language or culture as the larger community. We must bridge these gaps or risk losing future generations.
Ultimately, Islam transformed my life from darkness to light. I may not lecture as often now, especially after the death of my eldest son, but I continue to believe that my story —and the lessons I’ve learned— serve a purpose. If we can show the beauty of Islam through actions, sincerity, and compassion, we can change hearts.
📽️ Watch Video:
http://al-mostabserin.com/english/2729
By english • Chronicles of the converted to Shia • 0 • Tags: conversion story, converted to Islam, Converted to Shia, Dr. Maryam Blackeagle, Mostabserin, Story