I REVERTED TO ISLAM
Madame Fatima Mik Davidson
Madame Fatima Mik Davidson is the Minister of State for Social Development
and Local Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. In an interview
given by her to the renowned Arabic Magazine Men-bar-al-Islam of Cairo, Madame
Fatima Mik Davidson (formerly Mrs. Model Donafamik Davidson) talked about the
beginning of her encounter with Islam and how she ultimately turned Muslim. She
said:
"I totally deny the idea that I accepted Islam in 1975 by renouncing
Christianity. Really I am quite unable to understand and explain what the
matter was with me. Let me take you back to the 9th March, 1950, the day that
was fixed for me to enter Christian Monastery, When I woke up in the morning
of that day, I felt that voice - Allaahu-Akbar, Allahu-Akbar) was ringing in
my ears and it was thrilling my entire inner self. Lo! I had come back to
Islam.
'I did not quite know what it was, but the monastery I refused to enter.
After that I passed many years, seeking Allah's guidance, until at last I was
able to come across a copy of the translation of the Holy Qur'aan. Then I
readily put faith in it. I happened to meet a Muslim scholar, Maulana Siddiq
from Pakistan and an Indian scholar Shaikh Ansari. I had detailed talks with
them about nature and what I felt about it in my heart, so much so that these
great scholars exclaimed to me: Thank Allah you are a Muslim! You are now a
Muslim Lady. Read what you like, enter the Mosques and pray. We are prepared
to welcome you, whenever you feel disposed to learn anything."
Iman Is Bliss
"I felt happy. Ever since that day I have been feeling that my heart is
overflowing with the bliss of iman (Faith) and with love and high esteem for
the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallallaahu alayhi wasallam). Although the date of
my formally embracing Islam is sometime in the year 1975, I have been a Muslim
for the last 33 years, ever since the day I heard the great mysterious voice
and I refused to enter the monastery. My heart proclaimed: Allahu Akbar: God
is the Greatest).
"I was the first coloured girl to enter the Mosque, This encouraged many
Muslim girls to enter Mosques for prayer, particularly the Mosque of the
Anjuman Jami` Sanatal which was founded by the great scholar Dr. Shaikh Ansari
in the city of Francis in Trinidad. Its present Chairman is| Al-Hajj Shafiq
Muhammad.
"Prior to this, the residents over there thought that Islam was the
religion of the Indians who followed so many shades of religious tenets and
paths. They thought Qadianism and Ahmadism being more important.
"Later on a large number of the islanders, mostly of African origin,
embraced Islam, until the ratio of the Muslims rose to 13 percent of the total
population of the Republic, as againstl 31 percent Catholics, 27 percent
Protestants, 6 percent Hindus, and 23 percent others.'
Effect on her Duties
About the effect of her embracing Islam on her work in a state where Muslims
are not in the majority, she said:
"Islam demands of us efficient and sincere application to duty and I
practise the teachings of the Faith (Islam) with sincerity. I do not tell Lies
either in my (official) work or in my (personal) life. To the best of my
ability and with strong consciousness of my heart I shun everything that is
repugnant to Islam. As regard the impact of my conversion upon my work, it was
nothing but all blessing and good. Our former Prime Minister advised me to
visit Egypt, because it is the land of the renowned Jami'ah Al-Azhar and the
source of civilisation. He used to talk a great deal about Islam.
"When I requested my present Prime Minister to give me permission to
visit Egypt in connection with my assignment as Minister of State for Social
Development and Local Government, he agreed and also advised me to visit Al-Azhar
and the Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs about whose activities we heard so
much during our visits to the US and the UK.
"I took part in the parliamentary elections many a time and came out
successful in spite of being a Muslim. I have worked as Minister for Education
and Culture and also as a Minister in the Prime Minister's Cabinet, although I
am a Muslim.
"I would like to tell something important. The Republic of Trinidad and
Tobago allows official holidays on the occasions of Eid-ul-Fitr and
Eid-uI-Azha festivals. The Muslims have freedom to celebrate the month of
Ramadaan in their houses as well as in the mosques throughout the State."
She further said:
"I make an appeal to the Islamic World to close their ranks because
unity is strength, particularly under cover of the excellent religion of Islam
which has brought equality to mankind and which regulates our relations and
dealings. It is, therefore, imperative that the Islamic World should halt the
wars raging among its certain states. It is possible to resolve all
difficulties and disputes with mutual negotiations, consultation and
understanding.
"Almighty Allah has guided me to Islam and I pray Him to guide the
Muslims towards fraternity and peace so that they may in reality become in
this present age the best community that has been raised up for mankind."
Madame Fatima Mik Davidson
Minister of State for Social Development and Local Government,
Republic of Trinidad and Tobago
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