Chief Manesi Kaboloto from Temani Village in Blantyre Rural later moved to Lilongwe. Around 1991, she had never heard about Islam and did not even know that Islam existed. While living there, she began noticing Muslim women wearing hijabs and found their dressing very interesting. She often spoke to her husband about it, but he did not explain who they were. In her neighborhood, she also saw Muslims dressed neatly going for prayers, which made her very curious.
She later asked one Muslim woman about their beliefs and dressing. The woman explained that they were Muslims and that Islam is a religion, while Chewa is only a tribe. At first, the chief thought their religion might be Chewa because she did not understand Islam. This was the first time she heard clearly about Islam, and she became interested, although she was afraid to tell her husband. After returning to Blantyre, she continued attending church. Later, after her husband passed away, she remained in his home and then returned to her village, where she was given leadership responsibilities.
In her village, she still had questions about Islam, but some people shared negative rumors that made her confused and discouraged her interest. She continued practicing Christianity. However, in 2025, two brothers from iERA came to her village seeking permission to hold Islamic classes. As the chief, she welcomed them and allowed the classes to take place, encouraging villagers to attend even though many were not sure at first.
The classes began with teachings about the oneness of Allah and that Muhammad is a prophet, and Jesus is also a prophet, not God. This confused some villagers, including the chief, because it was different from what they believed before. Later lessons taught how the Prophet prayed, and people began to understand more. Over time, many villagers accepted Islam. During Ramadan, the chief finally took her shahadah, and her whole family embraced Islam.
