TLDR;
The video is a personal testimony of a revert to Islam, detailing the speaker's journey from a semi-religious upbringing through atheism, exploration of various religions, and eventual conversion to Islam. It also covers her subsequent straying from the faith, involvement in harmful activities, and eventual return to Islam after a profound near-death experience.
- Raised in a mixed Jewish-Christian household, the speaker initially dismissed religion.
- Explored Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, and polytheism before becoming an atheist.
- A chance encounter led her to discover Islam, resulting in an emotional conversion.
- A difficult marriage to a strict Muslim led her away from the faith.
- Involvement in extreme sports and a negative social circle brought her to a personal low.
- A near-death experience prompted a return to Islam and a commitment to spreading its message.
Introduction [0:04]
The speaker introduces herself and explains that she will share her personal journey to Islam, including her background, the reasons behind her conversion, and her motivations for creating da'wah (invitation to Islam) videos. She aims to provide insights into her experiences and the path that led her to embrace Islam.
Early Life and Religious Exploration [0:57]
Originally from Russia, the speaker's family moved to America when she was nine. Raised in a semi-religious Jewish-Christian household, she initially had no interest in God or religion, viewing it as irrelevant to her life. However, in her teenage years, she experienced depression and a need to connect with something higher, leading her to explore various religions. She found flaws and contradictions in Christianity, Buddhism, and Hinduism, particularly disliking the concept of God in these religions.
Atheism and Dark Times [5:45]
After rejecting the aforementioned religions, the speaker became an atheist, believing religion to be nonsense. This decision led her into a dark period of her life, marked by drinking, partying, and criminal activities. Despite material gains, she felt miserable and her life was pointless. She still had a concept of God in her mind, but didn't know what it is.
Discovery of Islam and Initial Conversion [7:22]
The speaker's perception of Islam changed after overhearing a conversation about it. Previously, she associated Islam with terrorism and didn't consider it a religion. Intrigued, she researched Islam and began reading the Quran. The message resonated deeply with her, causing her to cry and feel an overwhelming sense of connection. She immediately recited the Shahada (declaration of faith) and became a Muslim.
Challenges After Conversion [10:46]
After converting to Islam, the speaker faced numerous challenges. Her family rejected her decision and kicked her out of the house. She later married a Muslim man from a strict family, which led to further restrictions and a sense of isolation. Overwhelmed by the sudden changes and lack of connection, she began to distance herself from Islam, blaming the religion for her unhappiness.
Straying from Islam and Shamanism [13:24]
The speaker strayed from Islam, ceasing her prayers and engaging in activities she had previously abandoned. She explored yoga and Shamanism, drawing on her Siberian heritage. She became involved in energy practices and even taught yoga, finding a sense of peace and community. However, she eventually left this path to focus on business.
Business Success and a Troubled Social Circle [15:59]
The speaker achieved success in business, particularly in Amazon brand development. However, she grew bored and sought more human interaction, leading her to work in car sales. She became involved with a group of people who were cruel to outsiders, engaging in criminal activities and drug use. This environment led her to feel increasingly lost and disconnected from any positive path.
Return to Islam [19:06]
The speaker began listening to Islamic lectures and music, which made her realize how far she had strayed from a good path. She felt increasingly alienated from her social circle and started questioning her life choices. Seeking guidance, she turned to the Quran and found answers to her long-standing questions.
Seeking Guidance from the Quran [21:41]
Confused about her future, the speaker decided to seek guidance from the Quran. She asked two questions: what would happen if she stayed with her current group, and what would happen if she left. The answers she found led her to believe that staying would lead to a negative outcome, while leaving would bring her closer to God.
Leaving California and Committing to Islam [24:00]
Convinced by the guidance she received from the Quran, the speaker packed her belongings and moved from California to Arizona. Her intention was to realign her life with Islamic principles, including covering, abstaining from partying and alcohol, and avoiding negative influences.
Islamophobia and the First Da'wah Video [24:42]
Upon arriving in Arizona, the speaker encountered Islamophobia from her roommates. Instead of reacting negatively, she channeled her frustration into writing a poem called "We Are Muslims," which became her first YouTube video. Despite limited formal education, she found herself expressing her thoughts and feelings through writing.
A Vision and a Near-Death Experience [26:45]
The speaker had a vision of the United States of America transforming into the Islamic States of America, which she interpreted as a sign to engage in da'wah. However, a friend cautioned her about the complexities and potential challenges. Shortly after, she experienced a near-death experience when her car's brakes failed on a highway.
The Promise and Commitment to Da'wah [29:18]
During the near-death experience, the speaker prayed to God, promising to dedicate her life to His cause if she was saved. Miraculously, the brakes suddenly worked, and she survived. This event solidified her commitment to da'wah and motivated her to create YouTube videos addressing misconceptions about Islam and inviting people to monotheism. Since then, that has become her goal.