Abbey Hafez, an American woman from Michigan, once led a life deeply rooted in Christianity. Her spiritual journey took an unexpected and life-altering turn when she came across a heart-wrenching video: a Palestinian mother, cradling her lifeless child, softly uttering, “Inna lillahiwainnailayhiraji’un” – “We belong to God, and to Him is our return.” This quiet act of surrender amidst unbearable grief stirred something profound within Abbey.
“As a devout Christian, my faith was strong – unwavering, even,” Abbey shared.
“But in that moment, I asked myself: if I were holding my own son in my arms, lifeless… would I have the strength to surrender him to God with such grace? The answer shattered me. That mother’s resilience revealed a depth of faith I didn’t know existed – and I longed to understand it.”
It was this piercing realisation that ignited her quest for truth. She began reading the Qur’an, driven by the desire to uncover the source of such strength and peace.
Embracing a New Path
Abbey’s exploration led her to the teachings of Islam, where she found answers, comfort, and a powerful sense of purpose. Her journey deepened during a visit to Dubai, where her exposure to Muslim life – coupled with the gentle support of her Muslim husband – gave her both inspiration and belonging.
In November, Abbey embraced Islam, marking a turning point in her life. She began sharing her spiritual evolution on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, quickly gaining over 35 million views and touching the hearts of countless others searching for meaning.
A Ripple Effect of Faith
Abbey’s transformation is not an isolated story. Around the world, especially in the wake of tragedies in Palestine, many have been moved by the faith and steadfastness of the Palestinian people. In Melbourne, Australia, for instance, nearly 30 women embraced Islam after witnessing the dignity and devotion of Gaza’s residents during times of extreme hardship.
“Their unwavering faith amidst trials opened my heart to Islam,” Abbey reflected.
“It was as if a divine light pierced through my darkness and guided me to a path where my soul finally felt at peace.”
A New Dawn
Today, Abbey continues to document her journey, offering encouragement and support to others curious about Islam. Her story stands as a beacon for those who seek faith not only in comfort but also in calamity.
“From darkness to light,” Abbey mused, “my journey to Islam has been the most humbling, enlightening, and soul-anchoring chapter of my life. That one mother’s faith changed everything for me – she reminded me that true strength is surrender, and true peace comes from trust in the Divine.”