Hosai Mojaddidi – Meredith’s Shahadah (Declaration of Faith)
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That was Elijah was Salam o Allah should have an MBA will mursaleen
say that our marina where have you been on Muhammad sallallahu alayhi
wa sallam while he was trying to sell them for Steven cathedra
Assalamu alaykum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh and hamdulillah your
brothers and sisters, what an amazing and incredible opportunity
before us here we are joined by sister Meredith and I don't want
to mispronounce your last name as it heute or who to vote. A Masha
Allah she is actually calling in on the Zoom call all the way from
across the world, from the city of a men in Jordan, Mashallah. And
she's joined here by a friend that she's made sisters. And of course,
as part of our community here at MCC, they formed a relationship.
And Hamdulillah I was requested a few days ago, to be here to
facilitate the shahada of our dear sister Meredith Mashallah. So I'm
really excited to be with her and sister, Xena, but all of you
today, and I want to hear more from Sister Meredith. So Meredith,
we had a little bit of a conversation before this. But
please tell us and those who are going to be watching this video,
what brought you to this point? How did this all come about where
you found yourself? Wanting to become a Muslim? If you can give
us your more background? About you? And maybe your religious
background? If you had any at all? Love to hear more from you?
Bismillah?
Yeah, thank you. Um, oh, gosh, where do I start? Um, yeah. So I
mean, obviously, I'm very young, because I've not, I'm 17 I've not
had, you know, a huge, long time, to, you know, explore everything.
But I've always been very interested in religions. My
parents, I was baptized, because my grandparents are Catholic. And
that was something that they wanted. But I never practiced with
my parents. They're not religious people. They are somewhat
spiritual, but not, they don't really subscribe to any really
religion specifically. So I always, it was always something
that I felt like very connected to, and I always wanted to learn
about new religions. So and I went to a school actually went to a
Waldorf school, I don't know if any of you know that is. Yeah, but
we learned about a lot about just different religions around the
world.
And I remember there was one teacher there who was Muslim, and
she taught the unit in middle school on Islam.
And I remember just that that was something that really hit me when
she was talking about the history and the beliefs as just something
that felt more right than other things. And going into high
school, I wanted to know more about religions. And at this
point, I wasn't really sure. Like, if I really believed in God,
I felt spiritual, but not like, I wasn't sure if any religions were
like, real or something, you know.
So I started researching, I started reading the Bible.
And yeah, just at some point, I remembered back to this class as
learning about Islam was like, maybe that's something I should
look into. But when I did, I was like, Oh, wow, like, this is not
something I had expected to resonate so much. But as I looked
more into it, it just like, it really felt like the truth.
And I like I've always like, like, felt that there was something like
there. But like, I never knew how to like, connect with God, or
really feel like God was there. But I remember I wanted to learn
how to pray because I was learning about that. And I thought that it
was interesting. And when I did, I was like, Oh my gosh, this is
actually like, I feel something here. This is like, really, like
some connection. And that was, I think, when I knew like, this is
something that I really need to like, devote more time to and I
need to try to incorporate into my life. So I started praying, I
think my story is more of like a roundabout than other people's,
you know, they discovered Islam, and then they converted and then
they started praying, but I actually started praying like
first because that was the thing that I felt like I had always been
looking for, like that sense of groundedness and peace.
And so as I started doing that, I started learning how to like
actually pray and the words and the arrogance.
And I mean, just at some point, it was like, like, I was saying it
and I really believed in it.
And, yeah, it was kind of a gradual thing, but it just became
something that at some point was like I was like, Oh, this is
really like I really
any Muslim like and this is something that is really a part of
my identity.
And so yeah, I started reading the Quran and and trying to pray every
day and yeah and now I'm here Hamdulillah
he got me like in tears, what a powerful story. You are clearly
very wise for your years you're mashallah 17 But you speak so
eloquently and so maturely you sound Mashallah. So much while
older, for that reason, but, you know, as you were speaking, I was
reminded in learning a long time ago that that age of middle school
is actually when a lot of conversions happen, because it is
the age of awakening, you know, a lot of people start thinking very
deeply. So I think it's just so beautiful that the seed was sort
of planted for you in your middle school class. And then Subhanallah
a lot, just, you know, was incrementally right, like with
different events and experiences, drawing you closer and closer. And
now, here you are, and the fact that you've been praying you
mentioned earlier with litho in our previous conversation that for
six months, mashallah you've been praying consistently, it's just
such a, it's just so incredible. Wow.
Really powerful, powerful testament, how is your family
responded? Because you're so young, how have they received this
news? Or do they know?
Yeah, that's actually recently, it's become more complicated.
They've, they've always been very supportive of me supporting me
exploring like things.
And so I was from the beginning, just very open with them about
that I was researching this and, like, if I wanted to go to mosque,
or if I wanted to pray, like, I would just be very open with them.
And looking back, I'm not sure if that was the best strategy because
I've never been someone who ever, like lied to my parents, I just
like, I don't have the energy to do that.
So, but now thinking back, like maybe I wasn't, like, gradual
enough with them, I didn't they because I feel like maybe, like, I
didn't get a chance to like learn enough to like to teach them and
they were just maybe, like, kind of observing. And I think that at
some point, that was something that started to concern them.
Because they they're very open to different things, but they're also
they want me to be like that, which makes sense because, you
know, they want to be close to me. But actually recently, like I told
him, I wanted to wear a hijab and I think seeing me in the hijab was
just like too much for them
too much maybe like feeling like I was drifting away which is not
where I'm at because of course like family is like very very
important to me and very important in this one. But I'm hoping that
soon this is something that they can accept and that maybe this
study abroad distance I don't know will give us time to reflect and
to learn.
But yeah, it's a tricky dynamic right now but inshallah like it
will be better in the future inshallah inshallah Allah may
Allah open their hearts and like you said, it's very similar
experiences that other people who've come into the faith have
had because as you said, you know, the family feels as though your
the changes are so rapid that they're losing someone when with
time they learned that mashallah they just get a better version.
So, hopefully your parents will really appreciate all of the
wonderful changes that you're going to start to reflect because
of your, your increased spirituality and your new identity
in sha Allah when Allah when mashallah, you know, you've had
this you formulate this religion of Zainab. So how did that begins?
And I've had you and Meredith connect. And what have you guys
been talking about? nationala
Brotherman near connected us like what last week, Myrna thought two
weeks ago? Like very shortly before you left for Jordan, right?
Yeah, this is actually only a few weeks ago. It was a few weeks ago.
But yeah, did we via email, I think we emailed a little bit, and
then I shoot, I shot you like a text. And we've just kind of been
chatting from there, just about her journey. And then she told me
she was going to Jordan, which is amazing. And so I have the
opportunities as well, but I hope you're enjoying it there. And then
brother Minear. I think he asked me if you had taken your shahada
and I didn't know. And so then I asked you and then he was like,
why don't we try to do like a more like public one if that's
something you're interested in. So that's how we got to the point we
are right now. That's awesome. Now I'm so glad you told me that
because I was actually going to
Ask me, like what? What inspired you to reach out to MCC? Because
you're all the way in Jordan. And I wasn't sure like if, you know,
there was a backstory to there, you just basically shared that
backstory. So because we've had my show a lot of people from outside
of our community in Pleasanton want to do shahada with us? And
I'm always interested, like, what is it that you know, draws them to
our community, me, I kind of, you know, kind of know, because I have
a bias towards this community, mashallah beautiful community. But
I'm also just interested to know if there's something more so that
makes sense, so that you guys had this connection, and then my shot
came from you. So sisters interview, invited, Meredith Well,
I thank you for on behalf of our community, because this is such an
inspirational story. You're so young, as I said, and I know, a
lot of the community will really appreciate you sharing and wanting
to do your shadow with us. So with that said, I feel like everybody's
probably who's gonna be watching this going, come on, let's see the
main event here. So I like I said, I could talk to you forever
motional I feel like there's so many questions I have for you
personally. But I would love to now begin this beautiful process
of bringing you or, you know, formally into the faith. So
because Michelle, you've studied Islam, and you've been studying
and even praying, you know that the shahada is a very short and
pretty simple process where I will repeat the declaration of faith,
the shahada in Arabic, and then you can repeat after me, and then
we'll just, you know, mentioned the translation for, again, those
who are watching, so that they know exactly what the words are.
And that's it, that's pretty much the the process. And then, of
course, if you have any questions, after that, you can feel free. But
just another thing that I didn't want to mention before, because
you mentioned your Catholic background, Marshall, a lot of the
converts that I've personally facilitated shahada for, and have
also witnessed also come from a Catholic background, and I think
it's really, you know, there's something there because the, the
not only do, you know, a lot of the faith, or the, the, you know,
the, the components or the the aspects of their previous faith
match with what they find in Islam. But there are also other
things that they really appreciate, like the prayer like
the, you know, we have, we have, we use prayer beads, we have a lot
of similar ritual, you know, acts that I think they find a sense of
familiarity, and just, you know, comfort and so Inshallah, the
transition, as you continue on your journey, I think will be
facilitated for that. And, of course, you know, the centrality
of, of, or the, the, the emphasis that our faith has on all of the
prophets, and affirming all of the prophets that came before the
Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him really do help, especially with
those who come from a more Christian or Catholic background,
to just feel like this is, you know, really, again, something
familiar to them, essentially. So, of course, his mother, many of
you, I'm sure know, how important they are, they're, they're
mentioned in the Quran, an entire chapter on her story and his
story. So the all of these things, inshallah you've read through
these, I'm assuming, because again, you're so wise, but any
questions pertaining to, to those, you know, to the previous
messengers, or any of the articles of faith in Islam, you know, as
Muslims, we have very part of our creed, right is to believe, of
course, and the oneness of God. So, you know, that's, that's, I'm
sure, again, you know, that the messengers, the books, the angels,
heaven, and how, and so all of these and then and then
destination, you know, affair or, or fate. So these are things that
I just wanted to mention, just to make sure that you have a solid
understanding of these points. And and if you had any questions prior
to the Shatter, now would be the time. So did you have any
questions or anything that you might be interested to know before
we proceed?
I'm sure that I have like a million questions that I would
love to ask. I think I can reach out to you later about them. But
right now, I don't think there's anything specific that I feel like
I need to discuss, but thank you. Great, well, I will absolutely
make my information available to you. And of course, you have
Zeno's contact. So we can, you know, find out or answer any of
those questions afterwards, the 100 as long as you are clear on
those matters, and inshallah we can go ahead and proceed
Bismillah. So, again, the shahada is one line, so I will repeat it
and we can just go word by word. So we begin Bismillah R Rahman r
Rahim and then say them because you're here as well and brother
said, Man, if you're watching and anyone else in Charlotte's really
good, and I remind myself to you know, kind of remember as we bring
someone or help someone come into the
Ah, that we're also you know renewing our own testimony of
faith so it's really good to just kind of get into that mindset that
the words are not just for Sister Meredith but for all of us
watching as well. To really again renew our own faith inshallah. So
Bismillah we will begin now
Smilla Rahmanir Rahim ash hadoo
en la ilaha
IL Allah
what ash had ash haben Anna and Muhammadan
rasul Allah Russell
ash had
ash heavy and La ilaha
IL Allah
Allah what ash had what ash hadn't Anna and Muhammadan
rasul Allah Rasul Allah, Ash had
ash how Anla ILA
ilaha IL Allah
Allah what a shadow who is having Anna and Mohammedan what can be
done Rasul Allah, so, Allah
Allah Allahu Akbar, welcome to the faith that you already had
Meredith mashallah because again you are more Muslim than that
maybe those who have been in this faith for longer so just by your
sincerity in your practice male lion crease you preserve you
welcome, masha Allah Our dear sister, this is resented did you
have anything to say or share? I don't know if you heard me. I said
take Vir. Oh, did you know I did it? Oh, okay, we need to do that
again. Yes, they can really take cares about Allah Allahu Akbar. So
the meaning, of course of the words that you just recited,
Meredith are for those again who are watching. You're testifying
that you believe I testify that there is no God, other than God,
the One God, right? And that Muhammad is the final messenger of
God. And so that is, in a nutshell, what you just repeated
three times with this is of course, the declaration of faith
that we say every day as Muslims every day in our prayers, we're
constantly renewing our faith and so mashallah, again, welcome mail
as part of that protect you and increase you, you even Michelle,
you're so young. So I doubt that you've had too many sins prior to
this moment. But we always want to remind those who come into the
faith that you are now completely renewed, and you are in fact
sinless. Because mashallah, you it's a brand new day for you, this
is the beginning, right, and a lot of people who come into Islam,
they see this as kind of, you know, like, the beginning of
their, their, their lives, and they'll have actual, new shahada
birthdays that they are that they celebrate so shahada,
anniversaries, or whatever they call it, but it's really a very
momentous time for you, your DWIs are very powerful. So we ask that
you please keep us in our community in your guys because
mashallah, again, you're pure. You're in this pure state. And
yes, I really actually can't wait to continue correspondence with
you because your story is just so fascinating at 17 years old to
find yourself in a foreign country. And this time, right,
it's like 2022 ended up pandemic but you know, that Allah guided
your heart to travel all the way across the world and you're taking
Arabic. Are you also taking any Islamic Studies any Puranic
courses on Quran or Hadith or anything like that?
I am not the inshallah I will find some here in English.
But yes, that's another thing I would love to actually connect
with you on because I do know people who have contexts that
could be very useful for you, in case you would like to explore
more studies while you're there. But mashallah, again, we're so
happy. Typically, if you are with us, you'd have a line of people
waiting to hug you and embrace you. So we're extending some
Virtual hugs to you.
Love it. We're really happy to have you part of our community. I
don't know what state you your family is in Are you in California
or are you somewhere else is your family somewhere else? We're
actually in Novato. So we're, like about an hour away? Not too far.
Okay, awesome. Well, you are always welcome to this community.
I actually really look forward to meeting you in person when you
were
returned to California and inshallah we pray and I ask all of
those who are going to be watching this, to keep you in their diet
and also your family. Because you know, this is you know, certainly
we want to make sure that when you come back and sha Allah, that we
can provide resources and be helpful to you but there's so much
that we can also that we should wish for in terms of your family,
being open and more supportive and really embracing your new identity
inshallah. So, inshallah everyone make the offer sister Meredith and
her family and her to be safe and shot law. And yes, I just thank
you again, on behalf of everyone in our community for for allowing
us to witness this beautiful moment for you. And may Allah
increase you and protect you and preserve you. Thank you so much,
just remember to
Yeah, Jessica Lochhead for doing this with me and I hope you all
insha Allah have a good rest of your day and that you have ahead
of you. Thank you very much I get I just I'm so impressed by your
Arabic Your accent is perfect, as much as beautiful. It's like
really, really very pure. So Inshallah, I think you're going to
do very well in your studies. I hope you continue to succeed in
that and that again, I'll protect you and preserve you and thank you
what yaqi inshallah we will be in touch, sister, Xena, please. I
wanted to just say Meredith, thank you for becoming my friend and
allowing me to have this opportunity to starting my day
with such a beautiful event and being a part of this. Absolutely.
MashAllah was Brother Munir asked me I was like, Oh my gosh, you
know, because it's so early. I was like, of course what an honor. So
you really honored us to start off as sisters as I've said the rest
of our day with this thank you Cena for also being here. Whether
it's a man for facilitating the recording, and sister read
inshallah for again inviting us to be witness to this. May Allah
protect you and increase you and we will be in