Luminihsan "Chosen by Mercy: The Unexpected Journey to Islam" with Nuray Istiqbal

Summary

In this inspiring podcast episode, Sister Nuraibal shares her transformative journey to Islam, from initial curiosity sparked by the kindness of Muslim strangers to embracing Shahada despite doubts and challenges. Living as a Muslim in Thailand without a strong community, she found guidance through self-study, teachers, and attending celebrations in Indonesia. She discusses maintaining faith, navigating judgment, balancing personal growth, and strengthening family bonds. Drawing wisdom from the Quran, she emphasizes that only Allah’s judgment matters and that sincere effort attracts divine guidance. Her story highlights courage, resilience, and the limitless mercy of Allah, encouraging others to pursue spiritual transformation without despair.

Takeaways

• 😀 **Faith is sparked by kindness**: Sister Nuraibal's journey into Islam began when she encountered the hospitality and kindness of Muslims in Malaysia, which led her to explore the religion further.
• 😀 **Taking Shahada is a pivotal moment**: Sister Nuraibal shares how, despite initial doubts, a direct question about being ready to face death without Shahada led her to make the decision to embrace Islam.
• 😀 **Struggles with perfection**: As a revert, she initially faced challenges with the idea of perfection in her faith, but learned that only Allah is perfect, and striving for improvement is key.
• 😀 **Facing judgment from others**: Nuraibal discusses the judgment she faced from both Muslims and non-Muslims, but finds peace in knowing that only Allah can judge her intentions.
• 😀 **Islam brings a sense of purpose**: After converting, Sister Nuraibal found deeper meaning in her actions, understanding that kindness and humility are integral to pleasing Allah.
• 😀 **Islam strengthens family bonds**: Her practice of Islam has led to a deeper connection with her family, especially her parents, despite cultural and religious differences.
• 😀 **The journey of repentance**: Sister Nuraibal learned that constant repentance is part of the spiritual journey, and that acknowledging one's imperfections is essential to staying strong in faith.
• 😀 **Living with a purpose**: She emphasizes that, as a Muslim, her life's purpose is to please Allah, improve herself daily, and embody kindness and humility.
• 😀 **Balancing life with faith**: Although she initially struggled with balancing her faith and worldly life, she learned that staying grounded in Islam helped her deal with personal challenges and loneliness.
• 😀 **Hope and perseverance in faith**: Sister Nuraibal encourages others not to give up on Allah, as Allah will never give up on them, emphasizing the importance of continuous spiritual growth.
• 😀 **Islam as a source of transformation**: Through the Quran, Nuraibal found strength and guidance, particularly in verses that remind her that Allah is the ultimate judge, which brings peace amidst judgment from others.

Q & A

Who is the guest featured in the Luminessan Sanctuary podcast episode?

The guest is Sister Nuraibal, who shares her personal journey of embracing Islam, resilience, and repentance.

What prompted Sister Nuraibal to take Shahada and embrace Islam?

A friend asked her, 'If Allah takes your life tomorrow and you haven’t taken Shahada, you are not Muslim. Are you ready?' This question made her realize she wanted to declare her faith immediately.

What role did kindness and hospitality of Muslims play in her journey?

She was inspired by the respect, care, and hospitality of Muslim people she encountered, which made her curious about Islam and motivated her to study the religion.

What challenges did she face as a new Muslim revert?

Challenges included staying consistent with prayers, waking up for Fajr, avoiding certain foods like pork, and dealing with societal judgment and misconceptions about her faith.

How did Sister Nuraibal maintain her faith despite difficulties?

She reminded herself that only Allah is perfect and that faith can fluctuate. She kept striving to improve, repenting, and seeking guidance through the Quran and teachers.

What lesson about self-worth did she gain through Islam?

She realized that self-worth is inherent and strengthened by faith, knowing that personal growth and striving to be better are welcomed by Allah regardless of past mistakes.

Which Quranic insights significantly influenced her journey?

She learned that only Allah can judge her, which helped her feel lighter and focus on pleasing Allah. She also valued verses emphasizing willingness to change and Allah’s mercy.

How did embracing Islam affect her relationship with her family?

Although her parents are Buddhists, they noticed her positive transformation and became more open to her faith, appreciating the change in her character and behavior.

What advice does Sister Nuraibal give to those feeling distant from Allah?

She encourages people not to give up on Allah, emphasizing that Allah never gives up on us and that spiritual growth can start at any moment.

How has Islam changed her perspective on life purpose?

Islam gave her a clear purpose: to please Allah, become a better person, be kind and humble, respect her parents, and strive for spiritual growth leading to Jannah (Paradise).

How did her social life and friendships change after embracing Islam?

Some friends left while others stayed, but she realized that even when feeling lonely, she always has Allah, which brought her a sense of contentment and spiritual support.

What daily practices does she focus on to strengthen her faith?

She focuses on performing prayers on time, making du’a, studying the Quran, and constantly striving to improve herself while accepting that perfection belongs only to Allah.