For many years, Nanono Olivia, a 30-year-old born-again Christian, quietly admired Islam from a distance. Living in her village, she often observed the Muslim community and was deeply touched by the values they displayed in their daily lives.
What impressed Olivia most was the strong sense of brotherhood and sisterhood among Muslims. She admired how they greeted one another with peace, shared meals together, cared for each other, and upheld modesty through their dress. The way Muslim women carried themselves with dignity and respect particularly inspired her.
Despite her growing admiration for Islam, Olivia did not know how she could embrace the religion or where to begin her journey.
Everything changed when a team of iERA daees visited her village as part of their outreach efforts to share the message of Islam. During a sincere and thoughtful conversation, Olivia openly expressed her long-standing love and appreciation for Islam.
“I have loved Islam from the bottom of my heart,” she told the daees. “I admire the way Muslims love one another, their greetings, their unity, and the way Muslim ladies dress. But I never knew the proper way to become a Muslim.”
The daees listened attentively and explained the core message of Islam: the worship of One God alone, in the same way that all prophets called their people to worship.
They shared verses from the Qur’an, including Surah Al-Fath (48:28-29) and Surah Aal-Imran (3:19), explaining that Islam is the religion of submission to God and the continuation of the message brought by all the prophets.
As the discussion continued, Olivia’s heart found certainty in the message she had long admired. The explanations answered her questions and strengthened her conviction that Islam was the path she wanted to follow.
With full understanding and sincerity, Olivia made the life-changing decision to embrace Islam. Surrounded by the iERA daees, she recited the Shahada, bearing witness that there is no god worthy of worship except Allah and that Muhammad is His Messenger.
Filled with joy and gratitude, she chose the beautiful Islamic name Hajara, marking the beginning of a new chapter in her life.
The moment was emotional and inspiring for everyone present. What had begun as admiration had now become conviction. Olivia’s journey serves as a reminder that guidance often begins with sincere reflection, meaningful conversations, and an open heart seeking the truth.
Today, Hajara embarks on her new journey as a Muslim, eager to learn more about her faith, strengthen her relationship with Allah, and live according to the teachings she has come to love and embrace.
