🌐 Interview with New Muslim Revert from America 🌐📚 @rahyafte_en (Rahyafte Platform for New Muslims and Islamic Propagation) presents: An inspiring conversation with
Brandy Chase—now known as
Amina Zahira after embracing Islam. Born in Tucson, Arizona, Amina describes herself as "an idealistic, creative Muslim woman, seeking her path to paradise. Like a budding flower, I'm waiting for the right moment to blossom and share my colors with the world."
🌸 She lives in the UAE with her Lebanese husband and their two young children.
🇦🇪💠 Q: How did you find Islam?🔹 Amina: I was born Christian but left the faith by age 14, becoming an atheist. Yet, after some time, my spiritual search reignited, leading me to Islam by age 17—Alhamdulillah. A year later, I married a wonderful Lebanese man.
💠 Q: Which came first: your poetry or Islam?🔹 I began writing poetry at 8 and short stories by 12. By high school, I was into novels. I embraced Islam in my senior year, and my writing evolved with it. Pre-Islam, my characters reflected Western norms, often involving
haram actions. Now, I weigh each storyline against Islamic values, aiming for depth without compromising faith.
💠 Q: What impact has Islam had on your art?🔹 My focus has shifted. Before, I expressed anger at religion; now, I find joy in showcasing Allah's beauty and peace. I aim to write stories that even a 13-year-old could read comfortably.
💠 Q: How do your works resonate with non-Muslim readers?🔹 Many non-Muslims find my work enlightening, helping them understand Islam's richness. Even my non-Muslim family enjoys it, feeling connected to its messages.
💠 Q: Are Muslim writers in America gaining broader recognition?🔹 Definitely! Writers like
Yahiya Emerick,
Jamilah Kolocotronis, and
Linda Delgado are making waves globally. Islamic fiction is gaining popularity, with more people seeking quality Islamic literature.
💠 Q: Does your community seek to engage with other Americans or remain isolated?🔹 Many American Muslims want to share their values and engage peacefully with others. From interfaith gatherings to community events, they strive to make Islam’s beauty accessible without causing discomfort.
💠 Q: How about your blog audience?🔹 About two-thirds of my readers are Muslim, but my content also appeals to people of other faiths. Through my posts, I hope to share Islam’s beauty with all and, inshaAllah, inspire more to join.
💠 Q: What’s the blog’s international reception like?🔹 The world listens! My blog has readers from various religions, many appreciating our shared values. Some Christian blogs resonate with me, and I often find common ground with them.
💠 Q: What about political engagement for American Muslims?🔹 Muslims in the U.S. support diverse political views, just like everyone else. Some prioritize social tolerance, while others focus on conservative values. Where people live, discussions thrive, and American Muslims are finding ways to make their voices heard.
💠 🌐 @rahyafte_en
