 As-salamu alaykum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh. Alhamdulillah dear 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, is it Huht or Huht? But Mashallah, she is actually calling in on this Zoom call all the way from across the world from the city of Amman Jordan. Mashallah, and she's joined here by a friend that she's made. Sister Zaynab, who of course is part of our community here at MCC, they formed a relationship. Alhamdulillah, 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 Zaynab and 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. Oh gosh, where do I start? Yeah, so I mean, obviously I'm very young, I'm 17, I've not had a huge long time to explore everything, but I have 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 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, I actually went to a Waldorf school, I don't know if any of you know what that is. Yeah, but we learned 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. There's something that felt more right than other things. And going to 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 when I started researching, I started reading the Bible. And, yeah, just at some point, I remembered back to this class is 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. 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 that 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 in the air again. 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 am Muslim like and this is something that is really a part of my identity. And so, yeah, I started reading the Quran and trying to pray every day. And yeah, now I'm here, Alhamdulillah. Alhamdulillah, Meredith you got me like in tears. What a powerful story. You are clearly very wise for your years, you're Masha'Allah 17 but you speak so eloquently and so maturely you sound Masha'Allah so much older for that reason. But, you know, as you were speaking as reminded, you know, 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 Allah 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 in our previous conversation that for six months Masha'Allah you've been consistently is 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. That's actually recently it's become more complicated. They've they've always been very supportive of me supporting of me exploring like things. And so I was from the beginning just very open with them about that I was researching this and that like if I wanted to go to mosque or if I wanted to pray like I would just be very open with them. And then 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. 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 the 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 a smile. But I'm hoping that soon this is something 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 I'm inshallah like it will be better in the future. Inshallah, inshallah 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 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 inshallah. But Mashallah, you know you've had this you formulated this religion was Zaynab so how did that begin Zaynab how did you and Meredith connect and what have you guys been talking about. I think Brother Menir connected us like what last week Meredith 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, it did me 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's going to Jordan, which is amazing. And she'll have that opportunity as well but I hope you're enjoying it there. And then Brother Menir 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. No, I'm so glad you told me that because I was actually going to ask Meredith 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 and you just basically shared that backstory so because we've had much 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 it's a 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 Mashallah came from you so sisters that have you 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 Shahada with us. So, with that said I feel like everybody's probably who's going to be watching this going come on let's see the main event here. So I would like I said I could talk to you forever. 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. Because much you've studied Islam and you've been studying you've even been 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, mention 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 process. And then of course if you have any questions. After that you can feel free, but just another thing I didn't want to mention before because you mentioned your Catholic background. Much 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, you know, the components and also 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, and I think that I think they find a sense of familiarity and just, you know, comfort in 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 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 background to just feel like this is, you know, really, again, something familiar to them, Islam, of course his mother Mariam you I'm sure know how important they are there they're mentioned in the Quran an entire chapter on her story and his story. And 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 is to believe of course in 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 hell. And so all of these and then and then destination, you know, 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 if you had any questions prior to the shahada 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. Well, I will absolutely make my information available to you and of course you have Zaynab's contact so we can, you know, find a lot or answer any of those questions afterwards. But as long as you are clear on those matters that inshallah we can go ahead and proceed. So, again, the Shahada is one line. So I will repeat it and we can just go word by word. And then Zaynab, because you're here as well and Brother Salman if you're watching and anyone else inshallah it's really good and I remind myself to, you know, kind of remember as we bring someone or help someone come into the faith that we are 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. We will begin now. Ash hadu. Ash hadu. An la ilaha. An la ilaha. Il Allah. Il Allah. Wa ash hadu. Wa ash hadu. Anna. Anna. Muhammadan. Muhammadan. Rasul Allah. Rasul Allah. Ash hadu. Ash hadu. An la ilaha. An la ilaha. Il Allah. Il Allah. Wa ash hadu. Wa ash hadu. Anna. Anna. Muhammadan. Muhammadan. Rasul Allah. Rasul Allah. Welcome to the faith that you already had Meredith Masha Allah because again you are more Muslim than maybe those who've been in this faith for longer. So just by your sincerity and your practice may Allah increase you and preserve you. Welcome Masha Allah our dear sister. Sister Zaynab did you have anything to say or share? I don't know if you heard me. Oh did you know I did it? Oh okay we need to do that again. Yes. So the meaning of course of the words that you just recited Meredith are for those again who are watching you are testifying that you believe right I testify that there is no God other than God the one God right and that that Muhammad is the final messenger of God. And so that is in a nutshell what you just repeated three times but 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 Masha Allah. Again welcome, may Allah protect you and increase you. You even Masha Allah you're so young so I doubt that you have 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 Masha Allah 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 lives and they'll have actual new Shahada birthdays that they celebrate so Shahada anniversaries or whatever they call it but it's really a very momentous time for you. Your doze are very powerful so we ask that you please keep us in our community in your doze because Masha Allah 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. In this time right it's like 2022 or 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 Quranic courses on Quran or hadith or anything like that? I am not but Insha Allah I will find some here in English. Insha Allah. But yes that's another thing I would love to actually connect with you on because I do know people who have context that could be very useful for you in case you would like to explore more studies while you're there. But Masha Allah again we're so happy. Typically if you were with us you would have a line of people waiting to hug you and embrace you. So we're extending some virtual hugs to you. Love but we're really happy to have you part of our community. I don't know what state your family is in. Are you in California or are you somewhere else? Is your family somewhere else? We're actually in Nevada 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 return to California. And Insha Allah we pray and I ask all of those who are going to be watching this to keep you in their door and also your family. Because you know this is certainly we want to make sure that when you come back Insha Allah that we can provide resources and be helpful for 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 Insha Allah so Insha Allah everyone make the offer to Sister Meredith and her family and her to be safe Insha Allah. 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 Sister Meredith. Yeah, Jessica for doing this with me and I hope you all Insha Allah have a good rest of your day that you have ahead of you. Thank you and much I get I just am so impressed by your Arabic your accent is perfect much beautiful it's like really really very pure so Insha Allah 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. Insha Allah we will be in touch. Sister Zaynab, please. I wanted to just say Meredith thank you for becoming my friend and allowing me to have this opportunity of starting my day with such a beautiful event and being a part of this. Absolutely Masha Allah when brother Manir 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 sister Zaynab said the rest of our day with this so thank you. Thank you for also being your brother some man for facilitating the recording and sister Meredith Insha Allah for again inviting us to be witness to this mail of protective increase you, and we'll be in.