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My name is Sabina Kanani,<\/strong> and I am originally from Mombasa, Kenya. I have very fond memories of my early childhood there. I attended school in Mombasa until around Standard Four before immigrating to the UK. That first flight, from Africa to the UK, was my first ever. I completed my primary and secondary education in Birmingham and have lived there ever since.<\/p>\n I grew up in a close-knit family. I had four brothers and one sister, whom I unfortunately lost three years ago. I was the second youngest and quite mischievous, but I shared a loving relationship with my family.<\/p>\n After leaving school, I trained as a dental nurse and worked in that field for a few years. Later, after getting married, I shifted careers and became a mental health practitioner, working with the Birmingham & Solihull Mental Health Trust for 25 years. My passion for counseling stems from my own personal experiences\u2014I wanted to provide the support and guidance that I once lacked. I felt called to help people process their emotional and psychological challenges through talking therapies.<\/p>\n I was born into a Hindu family and was raised in a deeply religious environment, particularly influenced by my mother. From an early age, however, I had bigger questions about life and spirituality\u2014questions that Hinduism didn\u2019t seem to answer. I was often told simply to believe without questioning. Even as a child in Mombasa, I remember being drawn to the adhan being recited at a nearby mosque. Though I did not understand Arabic, the sound resonated deeply with me.<\/p>\n During my teenage years in Birmingham, I spoke with people of other faiths, including Jehovah\u2019s Witnesses and Christian missionaries, seeking understanding of their beliefs and practices. I was searching for something more\u2014something that would bring fulfillment.<\/p>\n My first real exposure to Islam was through a Khoja Shi\u2019a neighbor in Mombasa, though I knew little about their practices. My family, Hindu as they were, respected the Islamic traditions they witnessed, such as Ashura processions, and would even offer coconuts in acknowledgment of these religious observances.<\/p>\n My personal journey toward Islam took a decisive turn when I met my future husband. We knew each other from school but had been apart for six years. When he reconnected with me at work, he made it clear that our different religions posed a challenge. Despite this, we maintained contact, and over time, it became evident that marriage between us was inevitable. My family, protective and traditional, resisted strongly\u2014they placed me under \u201chouse arrest\u201d for ten months, restricting my movement and preventing me from working.<\/p>\n During this period, I spent much of my time in prayer, reflection, and study. I read Know Your Islam and even observed fasting during Ramadan in private. I prayed earnestly: if Islam was the right path, guide me and help me succeed; if it was not, I would return fully to Hinduism.<\/p>\n Ultimately, I chose to leave home to pursue my relationship. Marriage introduced me directly to Shi\u2019a Islam, as my husband was a Khoja Shi\u2019a. Through marriage, I embraced the faith fully. Over time, I engaged deeply with Shi\u2019a teachings, majalis, courses, and training. My understanding and practice have continued to grow, and I remain committed to ongoing learning, both within Shi\u2019aism and in comparative interfaith studies.<\/p>\n Adjusting to a new religion meant adopting a new identity, from my name to my dress, to my interactions and community roles. I became a wife, daughter-in-law, sister-in-law, and later a mother of two sons\u2014all while maintaining religious obligations and integrating into the Shi\u2019a community. The Khoja Shi\u2019a community has been particularly supportive, offering rich access to education, lectures, and a thriving network, which has facilitated my spiritual and personal growth.<\/p>\n The hijab, initially worn out of expectation and tradition, became a conscious spiritual choice after my ziyarat to Imam Husayn\u2019s shrine in 2011. Experiencing the harams firsthand transformed abstract teachings into a living reality, and I chose to wear it full-time.<\/p>\n My journey also highlighted the challenges faced by converts and reverts. While my marriage and prior identity facilitated community acceptance, I recognize the difficulties many face when joining a new faith, including emotional and social pressures. This has inspired me to support future initiatives for converts and reverts, ensuring they have guidance and community support.<\/p>\n Ultimately, my journey has taught me that the most important exploration is inward. Rather than seeking fulfillment solely in the external world\u2014through careers, material success, or social validation\u2014the inner spiritual journey is essential. Prayer, reflection, and sincere questioning allowed me to connect with Allah and discover a life of purpose, faith, and meaning.<\/p>\n \ud83d\udc47\ud83d\udc47\ud83d\udc47Watch Video:<\/strong><\/span>\ud83d\udc47\ud83d\udc47\ud83d\udc47<\/p>\n