I am a native 'Maori' of New Zealand, or 'Aotearoa' as we call it, a small country in the South Pacific sea. I currently reside in Hawaii, USA. I took shahada on 2nd May 2002 realizing my heart's deepest desire which was to submit my life to Allah. I was finally able to make the necessary commitment bringing me closer to Allah and understanding Islam.

This was a point in my life I had been moving towards, but not always in a deliberate and conscious way. Previously, I hadn't felt confident in submitting to Allah because most of my life has been in a non-Muslim environment and mainly still is. In my hometown there are no other Muslims. But, by the grace of Allah, I was able to find the tools that would enable me to confidently affirm my faith and know that despite being alone in my beliefs, in the environment I live, that I was part of a wider, global Muslim community/family. Everyday I aim to further my knowledge and understanding of Islam and to study how to become a good and devout Muslim. This is only the beginning, praise be to Allah, I know I will extend myself to other areas of learning and find other Muslims to reach out to.

After much grief and turmoil in my life the normal methods of resolving these types of issues were failing me. I was desperate to change my circumstance but didn't know exactly how I was going to achieve this. I began reading the Quran, unsure as to whether or not it would help me. During this time a person who I thought was a friend noticed I was reading the Quran. She told me I would go to hell and that I should immediately burn it. I was dumbfounded. However, by the grace of Allah, their statement had the opposite effect of what they had intended. Instead, I strengthened my resolve to continue with it. I reached a point where reading the Quran was the only comfort I had. Though my circumstances hadn't changed much, through taking up regular reading of the Quran I changed very suddenly and miraculously. The path I was on no longer became an option for me. I knew I had to fully submit to the will of Allah.

While taking shahada I became overjoyed and this feeling has not left me. All my life I never had a sense of belonging. Now, I do. Prayer has brought me peace, tranquility, happiness and piece of mind. In prayer remembrance of Allah is the singularly greatest heartfelt experience I know. Everyday my prayers afford me the chance to relive these feelings again and again. This is despite the fact I am surrounded by non-believers and still have dilemma's to deal with. It is easy for me to be steadfast and trust in Allah. Although, some situations seem terrible, I know Allah is Merciful, All-Knowing, All-Aware and Wise.

"... Our Lord! Lay not on us a burden greater than we have strength to bear. Blot out our sins, and grant us forgiveness. Have mercy on us. Thou art our Protector; Help us against those who stand against faith." al-Qur'an 2:286.
source:http://www.islamicity.com/