My name is Bediaa Chenouili. I am turning 40 soon, God willing. I am a mother of two daughters and have been married for 13 years. Professionally, I studied psychology, but because I initially couldn’t find a job in that field, I trained in sign language and have now been working with deaf people for about seven years. I balance full-time work with being a full-time mother.
I was born into a Muslim family, so I have known Islam from birth. However, my journey has been one of transition within Islam, from a Sunni upbringing to Shi’a Islam. This transition began after high school, when I started questioning the narratives I had always been taught about Shi’a Muslims.
Growing up, I had heard many negative ideas about Shi’ism: that Shi’a Muslims self-flagellate, worship other than God, or hold beliefs contrary to Islam. These impressions were mostly based on images and stories without explanation, and no one ever helped me understand their true meaning. I knew from an early age that the body was sacred and harming it was forbidden in Islam, so many of these stories confused me and even frightened me.
My curiosity grew after finishing high school, with the advent of the internet. I explored Islamic forums and websites, engaging with both Sunni and Shi’a Muslims in discussion. I also discovered Sufi teachings, reading works by Jalaluddin Rumi and Al-Hallaj. The concept of approaching God through love, which Sufism emphasized, was revolutionary for me. It contrasted with the strict, rule-based approach I had encountered in Sunni practice and opened my mind to alternative perspectives within Islam.
From Sufism, I began to explore Shi’ism more deeply. I read historical accounts, such as al-Tabari’s history, and learned about Ashura. I was struck by the injustice faced by the Prophet’s family and the role they played in Islamic history—stories I had never been taught. This inspired me to seek more knowledge and question the Sunni narratives I had been given.
Even though my father is an imam and mosque director—a respected authority in our Sunni community—I began to share what I learned with him. Initially, there was resistance. For example, when I showed him the Shi’a prayer book Mafatih al-Jinan, he warned me to be careful. Gradually, step by step, my research and discussions helped me understand Islam in a new light, grounded in evidence and study rather than hearsay.
My conversion became official after the birth of our daughter, Zahra. During her aqiqah, we celebrated in a Hussainiyyah. When my father saw us combining prayers, he realized I had fully embraced Shi’ism. It was a difficult moment for him, challenging the traditional Sunni framework he had always known, but over time, he began to accept some aspects of our beliefs.
Shi’a Islam has since become central to my life. It emphasizes inquiry, knowledge, and personal responsibility. We are taught to verify information, reflect critically, and assume responsibility for our actions. I have learned to distinguish between individuals’ mistakes and the collective faith, understanding that the companions of the Prophet were human and accountable, and that Shi’a practice is not about blind adherence but conscious devotion.
Living as a Shi’a Muslim has not always been easy in Sunni-majority environments. Prejudices and misinformation exist, and I have had to navigate spaces carefully to protect myself. Yet, I openly embrace my identity as a Shi’a and strive to educate others about what Shi’ism truly represents. It is a faith of knowledge, dialogue, and reflection, rooted in love for God and the Prophet’s family.
Alhamdulillah, my journey has deepened my understanding of Islam and strengthened my spiritual life. It has also taught me patience, resilience, and the importance of seeking truth through knowledge and critical reflection. I am proud to pass this understanding to my daughters and to live a life guided by reason, devotion, and love.
👇👇👇Watch Video:👇👇👇
Dec 2 2025
Conversion Story of “Bediaa Chenouili”
My name is Bediaa Chenouili. I am turning 40 soon, God willing. I am a mother of two daughters and have been married for 13 years. Professionally, I studied psychology, but because I initially couldn’t find a job in that field, I trained in sign language and have now been working with deaf people for about seven years. I balance full-time work with being a full-time mother.
I was born into a Muslim family, so I have known Islam from birth. However, my journey has been one of transition within Islam, from a Sunni upbringing to Shi’a Islam. This transition began after high school, when I started questioning the narratives I had always been taught about Shi’a Muslims.
Growing up, I had heard many negative ideas about Shi’ism: that Shi’a Muslims self-flagellate, worship other than God, or hold beliefs contrary to Islam. These impressions were mostly based on images and stories without explanation, and no one ever helped me understand their true meaning. I knew from an early age that the body was sacred and harming it was forbidden in Islam, so many of these stories confused me and even frightened me.
My curiosity grew after finishing high school, with the advent of the internet. I explored Islamic forums and websites, engaging with both Sunni and Shi’a Muslims in discussion. I also discovered Sufi teachings, reading works by Jalaluddin Rumi and Al-Hallaj. The concept of approaching God through love, which Sufism emphasized, was revolutionary for me. It contrasted with the strict, rule-based approach I had encountered in Sunni practice and opened my mind to alternative perspectives within Islam.
From Sufism, I began to explore Shi’ism more deeply. I read historical accounts, such as al-Tabari’s history, and learned about Ashura. I was struck by the injustice faced by the Prophet’s family and the role they played in Islamic history—stories I had never been taught. This inspired me to seek more knowledge and question the Sunni narratives I had been given.
Even though my father is an imam and mosque director—a respected authority in our Sunni community—I began to share what I learned with him. Initially, there was resistance. For example, when I showed him the Shi’a prayer book Mafatih al-Jinan, he warned me to be careful. Gradually, step by step, my research and discussions helped me understand Islam in a new light, grounded in evidence and study rather than hearsay.
My conversion became official after the birth of our daughter, Zahra. During her aqiqah, we celebrated in a Hussainiyyah. When my father saw us combining prayers, he realized I had fully embraced Shi’ism. It was a difficult moment for him, challenging the traditional Sunni framework he had always known, but over time, he began to accept some aspects of our beliefs.
Shi’a Islam has since become central to my life. It emphasizes inquiry, knowledge, and personal responsibility. We are taught to verify information, reflect critically, and assume responsibility for our actions. I have learned to distinguish between individuals’ mistakes and the collective faith, understanding that the companions of the Prophet were human and accountable, and that Shi’a practice is not about blind adherence but conscious devotion.
Living as a Shi’a Muslim has not always been easy in Sunni-majority environments. Prejudices and misinformation exist, and I have had to navigate spaces carefully to protect myself. Yet, I openly embrace my identity as a Shi’a and strive to educate others about what Shi’ism truly represents. It is a faith of knowledge, dialogue, and reflection, rooted in love for God and the Prophet’s family.
Alhamdulillah, my journey has deepened my understanding of Islam and strengthened my spiritual life. It has also taught me patience, resilience, and the importance of seeking truth through knowledge and critical reflection. I am proud to pass this understanding to my daughters and to live a life guided by reason, devotion, and love.
👇👇👇Watch Video:👇👇👇
By english • Chronicles of the converted to Shia • 0 • Tags: Bediaa Chenouili, conversion story, converted to Islam, Converted to Shia, Mostabserin, Reborn, Story