An actor very close to a lot of people’s hearts and who I knew personally died suddenly. After that, I truly understood the meaning of death.  After he died, I began to ask: Why? Why was I brought to this life? What are my duties? We, in Egypt, refer to God in much of our casual talk. We say things like “in sha’ Allah” - God willing, or “Rabina Yisahil” - God make it easy. Well, I thought, this God, Who we are always referring to, what does He want from us, why did He create us?

Describe your journey to learning about Islam?

I had a million questions. And I thought the only way to answer them would be to study it thoroughly. My mind has to understand and make rational decisions, it can’t be just my heart deciding for me. So I started learning Shariah - Islamic Law.  I learned the ABC’s, how to pray, how to do wudu (ablution), what the Prophet Mohamed (SAW) did during his life, things that were very basic.

I came across things I really didn’t want to do, like hijab, for example. I kept questioning it and kept asking myself why would God want us suffocated like that? Is hair really the only thing that seduces people? I kept asking friends and religious leaders many, many questions about hijab. I was very against hijab for many years. I kept researching and studying for a total of seven years.

During my research, it hit me. When I go buy a new TV or stereo, before I even plug it in, I always have to read the manual. I have to, or else I risk ruining my brand new expensive product. Humans are always especially conscious with things that are expensive. Well, when God created us, He also gave us a manual, the Qur’an. I now refer to the Qur’an for any questions I have about how life works.

When you revolve your life around God, your brain’s wiring changes. Everything else in your mind gets erased. You start liking things you didn’t used to like, like prayer and fasting and giving to charity.