On this page are some of the experiences that my family and I have had that could have weakened our Iman (faith) but has led us to be stronger.

Pregnancy

When a woman is expecting their first child, it should be a time of joy.  For most women, this is true.  There are those cases that test the endurance of the woman, her husband and the knowledge of the doctors.  Mine was such an experience.  I became pregnant with my first child in 1984.  I was not yet a Muslim.  I had the usual problems during the first few months of my pregnancy, morning sickness, fatigue, etc.  It was at seven and half months that the problems started.  Up until this time my husband had not been the best at doing his salats.  This is a situation many people who come from Muslim countries face.  Our way of life here is not helpful.  Well, one morning I woke up and I was feeling weak and shaky.  My husband called the doctor and he said to keep and eye on me.  After about an hour, I still wasn't feeling well so my husband called the doctor again.  We were told to go straight to the hospital.  It was there they found my heart rate was 125 which is very high and my blood pressure was slightly elevated.  They first suspected toxemia.  Little did we know that it was something far more serious.  I was taken back to labor and delivery as I was having contractions.  While I was there,  I suddenly felt as someone had shoved me under water.  I couldn't breathe.  The next thing I know I had an oxygen mask on my face and everyone was moving at lightning speed.  They took blood tests and discovered my blood oxygen level was only 30.  A normal reading is between 60 to 70.  I had a blood clot on the lung.  I spent the next fifteen days in the hospital as they treated this potentially fatal problem.  How does this relate to Islam?  It relates in the most fundamental of ways.  If it had not been for the fact that Allah (SWT) had been watching over me, I would have died.  I sincerely believe he guided the doctors in their treatment.  I had complications with both of my pregnancies and after my second we were told no more as I could very well die.  These experiences renewed my husband's faith and brought him closer to Allah.  He now does his salats regularly.  Ahamdulillah, for his guidance. 

Tragedy

In 1994, I reverted to Islam.  At the time, I did not realize it would be my new found faith that would sustain myself and my husband during a time of personal tragedy for him.  We received a call late one night informing us that my husband's father had died. This was in December of 1994.  I had just reverted to Islam a couple of months earlier.  My husband had not been back to see his family since 1978 due to financial and other problems.  Now, his father was gone.  He felt so much guilt at not seeing him before he died.  This put a tremendous strain on us.  It was only through our faith that we managed this terrible time.  Allah (SWT), through his grace and mercy provided the means that enabled my husband to see his mother and brother the following summer.  We are all given our personal trials or jihads and we can use these as stumbling blocks or as stepping stones.  

Coping with ADD

ADD:  Attention Deficit Disorder also know as ADHD Attention Hyperactivity Disorder.  This particular disorder has made quite a bit of headlines today.  The biggest reason is the controversy over Ritalin.  Both my children have it.  One is hyperactive.  We learned of my oldest son's diagnosis after he had been assaulted by a kid at school.  Yes, even in Idaho we have school violence.  I feel that this incident made a mild condition worse.  We had a son who was outgoing and friendly; who become morose and violent.  We ended up having to have our son hospitalized for a short time.  I feel that this was one of the most difficult trials that Allah gave us.  It is not easy dealing with a disorder of this type.  A parent has to rethink their approach to their children.  Medication helps the children but it is not a cure all.  It takes medication, counseling and a more concentrated parenting effort plus a strong belief in God.  We were fortunate through Allah's (SWT) guidance we found a doctor and a counselor that respected our values and our beliefs.  Again Allah was looking out for us.  Ahamdulillah, my oldest son has come through this a fine young man.  This is due to early intervention, treatment and the guidance of Allah.  If you have questions on this disorder please e-mail me.

Near Miss

In 1997, I had a near fatal car accident.  The details of the accident are not important but what followed is.  I spent six days in the hospital, a day and half in intensive care.  I totaled my car and came away from the accident with a broken knee and a mild head injury.  It is my firm belief that Allah had his angels protecting me that day as I should not have survived.  The one detail I wish to impart is that on my way home from work, I normally don't wear my seatbelt.  I believe that Allah prompted me on this particular day to put it on.  If this had not happened, I would have been thrown from the car and more than likely killed.  

All of these experiences could have driven us away from our beliefs but instead it has only strengthened our beliefs.  When I was L.D.S.  I had a hard time admitting to my faith because of my doubts.  This has not been the case with Islam.  I willingly discuss my beliefs with anyone and try to show through gentle guidance where people I encounter err in their perception of Islam. 

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