Experiencing Istanbul Through the Eyes of a Newer Muslim

My husband and I recently traveled to Istanbul, Turkey. As a newer Muslim, this trip held immense spiritual significance for me. From the moment I heard the Adhan (call to prayer) echo through the city for the first time, I felt an indescribable peace wash over me. The mosques, with their breathtaking architecture, became places of deep reflection, where I prayed side by side with other Muslims, feeling a shared sense of unity and faith. I thank God for this experience — one that I will forever hold dear to my heart.

Becoming Muslim wasn’t something that happened overnight. It was a gradual journey, one that started after the birth of my first child, Aliya, in November 2019. With her arrival, I felt an undeniable calling to dive deeper into faith. It wasn’t just for me—it was for her too. I wanted to be able to explain both family religions, Christianity and Islam, with honesty and knowledge. To guide her, I knew I had to understand Islam for myself.

Years before Aliya was born, I had my first real introduction to Islam through my husband and his family. Coming from a small town with little cultural diversity, I hadn’t encountered many people with different beliefs. So naturally, when I met my husband—the first Muslim I had ever known—I was curious. I wanted to understand what his family believed and how it differed from my own faith. Our conversations about religion were always filled with love, respect, and mutual understanding. At no point did they ask or expect me to change my faith; they simply shared their beliefs, and I shared mine.

When we got married, we made sure to honor both religions for both families. We had two intimate ceremonies: one with an imam and another with a pastor. My husband and his entire family accepted me as a Christian and loved me for who I was, never asking me to change that part of myself. While their openness helped me understand the basics of Islam, I knew my spiritual journey had to be my own. It wasn’t just about hearing from others; it was about discovering and exploring faith on my own terms. I felt a deep, internal pull—one that I now recognize as God guiding me towards a path that was meant for me.

I started my journey by reading the Quran, which I completed in just one month. My initial reactions? I was amazed. To read that Muslims believe in the Divine books—the Torah, Psalms, and Gospel—was a revelation to me. I was even more surprised to find the shared belief in major events, like the return of Jesus, the coming of the false messiah, and the Day of Judgment. And reading the familiar names of messengers of God—Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, and of course, the Virgin Mary and Jesus (peace be upon them all)—brought a sense of connectedness that resonated deeply.

With each page I turned, the thought "I think I’m Muslim" lingered in my mind. But alongside that, came waves of questions. What would my family think? My friends? My parents? It was a lot to process, but I felt drawn to the peace I experienced with every new piece of knowledge. The more I learned about Islam, the stronger my connection to God grew.

In April 2022, during the blessed month of Ramadan, I finally took my Shahada—the formal declaration of faith. While this step was deeply personal, it was one I guarded closely. In the beginning, I only shared my conversion with a few people. I wanted to protect my heart as I continued navigating this new path. Over time, I’ve slowly opened up to sharing my story, but only when the time and space felt right. This has been a journey of patience—a marathon, not a sprint. Yet through every step, I’ve trusted in God’s grace, remembering that He is the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. My journey is one that continues, and I strive each day to please only Him.

As I reflect on my journey, I realize that faith is deeply personal—it's not about the expectations of others but about listening to that quiet call in your heart. My path to Islam wasn't something I planned, but it was something I was led to, step by step. For anyone reading this, I hope my story reminds you to embrace your own spiritual journey, no matter where it takes you. Whether you're seeking deeper understanding, exploring new faiths, or simply striving to strengthen your relationship with God, know that the process takes time, patience, and trust in the guidance you're given.

We are all on different paths, but the ultimate goal is the same—to find peace, purpose, and a connection with the Divine. Trust that inner pull, and remember that your journey, like mine, is unique and meant to unfold in its own time.