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Canadian solo traveller Rosie Gabrielle converts to Islam after spending time in Pakistan

Canadian solo traveller Rosie Gabrielle converts to Islam after spending time in Pakistan

"The universe brought me to Pakistan to show me the way," she wrote on Instagram.
Updated 09 Jan, 2020

Canadian solo traveller Rosie Gabrielle, who spent a notable amount of time in Pakistan last year has announced that she has converted to Islam.

Taking to Instagram, Gabrielle shared what led her to this big decision.

"This last year was one of the hardest in my life, and all life’s challenges have led me to this point here and now. From a young child, I’ve always had a unique connection with creation and special relationship to God. My path was far from easy and I carried a lot of anger in my heart from a lifetime of pain, always begging God, why me? Until ultimately coming to the conclusion that all is meant to be, and even my suffering is a gift," she wrote.

A photo posted by Instagram (@instagram) on

"Never resonating with what I was brought up with, I denounced my religion 4 years ago, going down a deep path of spiritual discovery. Exploration of self, and the great Divine. I never let go the sight of the Creator, in fact, my curiosity and connection only grew stronger. Now no longer dictated by fear, I was able to fully explore this righteous path."

Also read: Another foreign traveller is in Pakistan and she wants you to know our country is 'safe'

As time passed, she said she didn't want to be consumed by anger and hurt.

"I wanted peace in my heart, forgiveness and the most profound connection with all. And thus started my journey. The universe brought me to Pakistan, not only to challenge myself to let go of the last remaining traces of pain and ego, but also to show me the way. Through kindness and humbled grace of the people I met along my pilgrimage, inspired my heart to seek further," added the biker.

The travel blogger also shared how traveling through Muslim countries for the last decade has shown her how Islam is a religion of peace. However she feels like it is one of the most misinterpreted in the world.

She concluded, "Like all religions, there are many interpretations. But, the core of it, the true meaning of Islam, is PEACE, LOVE and ONENESS. It’s not a religion, but a way of life. The life of humanity, humility and Love. For me, I was already technically a “Muslim”. My shahada was basically a re-dedication of my life to the path of Oneness, connection and Peace through the devotion of God."

A photo posted by Instagram (@instagram) on

In an earlier interview with Images, Rosie had mentioned doing her part in changing the stereotypes attached to the Muslim world.

"After my series in Oman went viral, I saw what a difference my videos could make especially for the Muslim community on an international level. This really inspired me to want to come to Pakistan because I knew what a negative view the media has on the country, and I wanted to change that."

Comments

India Jan 09, 2020 05:32pm
masha allah
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Pakistani Jan 09, 2020 05:32pm
Really happy for our sister. May Allah bless her and keep her safe from harm. Ameen.
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JJ Jan 09, 2020 05:32pm
Welcome back!
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Saira Jan 09, 2020 05:40pm
Subhanallah! Have deep respect for those who search and understand Islam in the climate of Islamophopia than us who were just born muslims.
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Hawk Jan 09, 2020 05:46pm
Islam is the real code of life. When a man becomes curious about truth he reaches to Islam.
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Chinpaksaddique Jan 09, 2020 05:46pm
Very lucky. I hope she marries and settles here and raises many many children. Best wishes
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Sheikh Waqar ul Hassan Jan 09, 2020 05:51pm
Welcome to Islam.
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A. ALI Jan 09, 2020 06:01pm
Most readers dint quite understand the message in this conversion of this lady being to a Muslim. Readers will comment on fashion and Indian entertaining news but not on this soul touching journey...
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Chughtai RS Jan 09, 2020 06:05pm
As-salamu alaykum Rosie and welcome back to where you have always belonged, that is, Islam.
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KBR UL SK Jan 09, 2020 06:10pm
Very most wellcome sister...GOD Bless you .
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Moth Jan 09, 2020 06:10pm
Truth cannot be scrutinized if truth is truth. Glad to hear that this lady accepted Islam.
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Ahmed Jan 09, 2020 06:23pm
It is good that she has had good experience in Pakistan. However, I hope she is not too "assuming" about Pakistanis. There are good and bad people everywhere in the world. Especially, being a female, she should refrain from being too assuming.
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faisal Jan 09, 2020 06:26pm
Thank you for sharing your true life story and proving how can be one in peace and love .
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Jawab do Jan 09, 2020 06:27pm
@Chinpaksaddique you just said it
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Jawab do Jan 09, 2020 06:27pm
@Chughtai RS how come?
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Mustansir Jan 09, 2020 06:29pm
Welcome, indeed, love without expectations has infinite dividends, as Ruim has eloquently said "Whenever we manage to love without expectations, calculations, negotiations, we are indeed in heaven.”
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M. Emad Jan 09, 2020 06:33pm
Religious conversion is a personal (individual) choice. Muslims also converted to other faith.
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Ibrahim S Jan 09, 2020 06:40pm
It’s very pleasing to see people embracing Islam. I am not sure why we are making it a national news. Would you publish a similar article if a poor sweeper converts to Islam or a Non- Caucasian person from a very remote and backward country would become Muslim . (It’s true and it has been happening.) Please don’t trash me if you didn’t agree with me, it’s just a thought of the day
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Zaman Jan 09, 2020 06:47pm
Is it necessary to convert, just follow.
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Raza Jan 09, 2020 06:49pm
Well Alhamdulilah I envy you as you have become a Muslim by faith not by birth and this only happens to the loved and chosen ones of Allah. So consider yourself lucky and spread the message of peace and love.
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Mir Jan 09, 2020 06:49pm
Until ultimately coming to the conclusion that all is meant to be, and even my suffering is a gift...indeed, suffering is a gift in disguise... as Rumi has observed... If you are irritated by every rub, how will your mirror be polished?
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Ahmad Bilal Jan 09, 2020 06:50pm
A courageous person in search of truth. May Allah bless her with eternal peace and steadfastness.
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Ali da Malanga Jan 09, 2020 07:10pm
May you have the blessings of God sister Rosie.
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Daskalos Jan 09, 2020 07:20pm
May Allah accept your attestation and guide you to the Truth ameen. This is the first step on the Path.
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SDA Jan 09, 2020 07:20pm
Great to learn your story. Stay blessed. Indeed, Islam is a religion of peace and not war.
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Zia Jan 09, 2020 07:31pm
Welcome to the family Rosie :)
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Rash Jan 09, 2020 07:34pm
Hmm!! troubled past and mind always gives Way to religiosity.
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Jjacky Jan 09, 2020 07:43pm
Now she shud marry a pakistani man and settle down in pakistan. Really gud news.
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m Jan 09, 2020 07:55pm
she must have father or mother havi muslim dna
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Sunil Prakash Jan 09, 2020 07:56pm
Islam is now well understood world wide, except in the Muslim countries.
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Facts Matter Jan 09, 2020 07:59pm
What is so great about advertising you belief. It is private and better to keep it that way. People do it all over the World everyday but do not post in on social media.
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Mohib E Watan Jan 09, 2020 08:01pm
SubhanAllah, welcome to the true way of life. The right word is "Reverted" and not "Converted". Every human at birth is born as "Muslim", it's the environment takes him/her to different faith. The sooner to return to right path is better, and off course first read the Qur'aan, understand it and then accept by heart. That's the best way to follow true Islam.
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Zulfiqar Jan 09, 2020 08:06pm
MashAllah. May Allah keep you in his protection and make a you a source of inspiration for others.
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Tahir A Jan 09, 2020 08:19pm
May Allah bless you with a long healthy and prosperous life Rosie! What a wonderful story of search for truth and finding enlightenment. I admire you!
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M. Saeed Jan 09, 2020 08:31pm
Roots of Islam are in welfare of the entire humanity with a humble massage of peace for all.
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Happy Jan 09, 2020 08:46pm
Welcome to Islam, sister. Stay steadfast in this turbulent world. Ups and down in life are always there but help find meaning in Islam. God bless you and always seek His help. Life is short and transitory.
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N_Saq Jan 09, 2020 08:51pm
This proves my point that Mullah and militant way of Islam is wrong. You just need to follow Islam and there is no need for you to show it off. People will just follow you. Mullahs and militants have hurt Islam the most by forcefully trusting the religion down everyone's throat. Islam means PEACE ...peace within and with yourself i.e. when you know you are on the right path, you are at peace. It is a state of mind. By following Islam, if you believe you have achieved something or know a lot then you are on the wrong path but if you remain humble and only speak the truth then you are good. When people see you in that state they ask questions and that is where your job is to guide them by speaking the truth and showing them the way through actions rather then words.
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Ahsan Gul Jan 09, 2020 08:55pm
Positive comments by an honest person about Islam and Muslims.
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Syed Ghazanfar Abbas Jan 09, 2020 09:05pm
Aslamo Alikum. Welcome.
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B-fitting Jan 09, 2020 09:06pm
She, being a solo traveller, will move on, but risks consequences!
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pakOne Jan 09, 2020 09:07pm
Apparently, she found solace in Bulleh Shah's Islam in Pakistan. Little does she know that the Bulleh shah's version of Islam is considered heretic in most of Islamic world and majority of Pakistani muslims, as it is more of a modified version of Islam with lots of spiritual practices taken from the Indian Sub continent's non-Islamic religion.
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Fastrack Jan 09, 2020 09:21pm
A true inspiration. Thank you Dawn for putting her beautiful story so beautifully.
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Ali Jan 09, 2020 09:21pm
Correction *reverts ... The Prophet Muhammad once said: "No child is born except upon fitrah (i.e. as a Muslim). It is his parents who make him a Jew or a Christian or a polytheist." (Sahih Muslim).
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Abdul hameed Jan 09, 2020 09:25pm
Really i am so happy to see my sister accepting Islam. I want all human being to accept the message of Allah so that we all get success in hereafter.
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Supriya Jan 09, 2020 09:45pm
Good for you sister. Your country Canada is great which doesn't enforce religion on you and you step free to follow your own path. May God bless you and guide you
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rafay Jan 09, 2020 09:56pm
Good decision. Among other benefits, I'm sure this will give her a hand full of additional all so pricey Social Media following.
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pak Jan 09, 2020 09:58pm
MashAllah. May Allah give you more honor and successes.
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Manjit Kumar Jan 09, 2020 10:07pm
@Chinpaksaddique ....Really.! Is that's what the women for ?
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Karachi King Jan 09, 2020 10:15pm
Many many congratulations.
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Sanjay Jan 09, 2020 10:19pm
All religion give the same message.
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Doraha Jan 09, 2020 10:30pm
Who is she?
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ABC Jan 09, 2020 10:39pm
Islam is a good religion, but people are good and bad everywhere, I hope that this young lady is safe and moving with the right people and visiting safe places.I am not sure if she wants to say good bye to the good life and safety of Canada and settle down in Pakistan with its multiple social and economic problems where everything that is discouraged or banned in Islam is practiced ,she should study all the pros and cons before deciding What to do ,she can practice this good religion in her native Canada as well.
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Majid Jan 09, 2020 10:48pm
Welcome to Islam, sister.
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SDA Jan 09, 2020 10:52pm
My comment did not get published.
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Mohammed M Noor Jan 09, 2020 11:03pm
Welcome to Islam dear sister! May Allah make your life full of health ,happiness and love for Allah and his last messenger.
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ahmedj Jan 09, 2020 11:14pm
It's only the Almighty who directs a person on a right path. In this transformation the very ordinary people with their humble living inspired Rosie Gabrielle to seek the truth are to be commended. They are the unknown people of God who live for humanity.
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sri1 Jan 09, 2020 11:21pm
@Chinpaksaddique "I hope she marries and settles here and raises many many children" Remember Jemima and many others? Nope, let her just take the positives like Bulleh Shah and be happy.
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Sobia Jan 09, 2020 11:33pm
Alhamdulillah. Congratulations Rosie.
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mazhar Jan 09, 2020 11:42pm
Welcome sister...May Allah Allmighty give u strength and light.. To remain steadfast
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Amjad Jan 10, 2020 12:08am
Everyday I see people converting to Islam here in the UK. Educated people who study all religions will realise Islam is the truth. It is a shame people in Pakistan are far away from islam.
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Ismail Jan 10, 2020 12:15am
Rosie!! One of the most recognized names in International travel circles. Bravo!
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Imtiaz Ali Khan Jan 10, 2020 12:32am
Allah Bless You dear sister. Welcome sister! JazakAllah!
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Zak Jan 10, 2020 01:06am
Proud of a nation that has such influence of kindness. "I wanted peace in my heart, forgiveness and the most profound connection with all. And thus started my journey. The universe brought me to Pakistan, not only to challenge myself to let go of the last remaining traces of pain and ego, but also to show me the way. Through kindness and humbled grace of the people I met along my pilgrimage, inspired my heart to seek further," added the biker.
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ABC Jan 10, 2020 01:44am
@Doraha read the article to find out
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Hanif Jan 10, 2020 02:49am
This what happens when muslims treat non-muslims with heart and soul, it portrays the true nature of Islam. In, short this is how you spread Islam and bring people to Islam.
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Mohammad I Khan Jan 10, 2020 03:07am
This is wonderful news that a sister has embraced Islam, which is truly a peaceful religion. It has been misinterpreted in the western world. However, this is Allah's promise that those souls who had said yes to Allah's oneness, they will surely embrace Islam before their death. Welcome sister.
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Anonymouseee Jan 10, 2020 03:32am
Mashallah. Congratulations sister. May Allah bless you.
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Ibrahim S Jan 10, 2020 03:49am
@sri1 with due respect can you think of a woman’s role besides breeding children . She can teach girls and make them aware of workd around them with good western values or She can go back to her country and with her knowledge of Islam and practice , she may help others embrace Islam
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Ibrahim S Jan 10, 2020 03:57am
@N_Saq with due respect I felt obligated to further add to the meaning of Islam: Islam is an Arabic word meaning "submission" and in the. religious context means "submission to the will of God". "Islam" is derived from the Arabic word "sal'm" which. literally means peace. The religion demonstrates peace and tolerance.
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Sid Lodi Jan 10, 2020 05:55am
Sister Rosie,You are such an inspiration to the rest of the world who are inquisitive about Islam and the way of life of a Muslim. May Allah always keep you happy, peaceful and may Allah also bring happiness to you every second of your life. Ameen
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Ashok De Jan 10, 2020 06:17am
She will make an excellent Muslim Biby. However, to my feeling, she appears to be a born Muslim. Excellent shots.
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jaredlee Jan 10, 2020 07:13am
People should understand that embracing Islam is not because of Pakistan or Pakistanis. No doubt, she was shown hospitality by Pakistanis, however, coming to Pakistan was simply a part of Rosie's inner (spiritual) journey for which no one is supposed to take any credit. Now instead of bragging about this news, Pakistanis should be even more humble and open their hearts not only to tourists but also to locals who are often mistreated for a variety of reasons. Also, people should give Rosie the space she needs and not try to commercialize this personal journey of Rosie.
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Mohammad Qader Jan 10, 2020 07:42am
Alhamdu Lillah! It is HIM (ALLAH) who gives guidance.
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SYED ADNAN SHAFQAT Jan 10, 2020 08:05am
Alhamdolilah
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Sal_from_Canada Jan 10, 2020 08:08am
Glad to see a fellow Canadian embrace Islam! From a fellow Muslim, welcome to the fold of Islam. May Allah reward your efforts and guide you in your pursuit of the ‘seen’ ’. Aameen!
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Imtiaz Ali Khan Jan 10, 2020 08:21am
@Sunil Prakash you are right. Love you my Hindu brother. I have lots of fellow Pakistani Hindus in our village in Interior Sindh we love them all always. My best friend is PakHindu I love him so much he is my bestie. We always go to Sufi Shrine Mosque and Temple together for all the festivals. It's so great. Allah Bless You too we are all one child of humanity. IndoPakBangla Blood Brothers 4 Life! Love to Tamil Nadu.
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H.Khan Jan 10, 2020 08:44am
Bismillah hir rahman ir rahim: I read the whole story of Rosiegabrielle and was inspired b/c of her to change her religion to Islam as she loved the culture, the people and thus she made up her mind to convert to Islam, CONGRATULATION to ROSIEGABRIELLE. May she ever remain happy with her conversion to Islam. hk
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Qadoos Ahmed Jan 10, 2020 09:03am
Welcome to enter in Islam Religion and May God bless you.
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Chris Roberts Jan 10, 2020 09:41am
Embracing a religion is really a means by which one lives one's life in the service of others, and does one's part to help make the world a better place.
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Khalid Jan 10, 2020 09:50am
Wel-come to Islam, the religion of peace, a religion for the whole manko d
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Sara Jan 10, 2020 10:36am
Stay in Pakistan.
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Bertha Uukil Jan 10, 2020 10:47am
I would really like to know about her experiences and how she decided on this. The info shared is vague and simply promotional.
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Pakistan Jan 10, 2020 10:57am
Ma sha Allah, May Allah Taala bless you with a happy life and cheerful life ahead. Our prayers are with you. Allah hu Akbar
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Pakistan Jan 10, 2020 11:01am
@Ibrahim S This is not about making headline, it is about sharing the facts and path that lead her to Islam.
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Pakistan Jan 10, 2020 11:08am
@Amjad Don't be a judge good and bad people are part of every community. Read who helped her in finally taking this huge step. Its not easy task.
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Zunaira Jan 10, 2020 12:53pm
The ones with Love, positivity, compassion and goodwill will see the same in others and reflected through the universe. Whereas those filled with bias prejudice and hatred will see the same in others. Enough said.
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Jalbani Baloch Jan 10, 2020 01:10pm
Welcome to the fold of Islam. You are in peace and tranquility and correctly connected with your creator, and InSha Allah, you will be rewarded abundantly for your reversion to the true religion of Islam.
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Sam Jan 10, 2020 02:26pm
It feels great when people witness and discover the kindness and peace Islam brings, above all in Pakistan .. sadly both are misrepresented negatively on social media. Welcome sister. May Allah bless you
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SUMA Jan 10, 2020 03:15pm
Its interesting....
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Amir Jan 10, 2020 08:09pm
wow! what a beauty. We need more of these in Pakistan
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MarK Jan 12, 2020 05:17am
“Islam is peace and LOVE…” Indeed, as mystic poet and Sufi, Bulleh Shah, has observed…One 'Alif is all you need…Forget the pride in your knowledge, O’Friend…When I learnt the lesson of Love, I dived into the River of Unity… Indeed, love is the key to human unity, and guides towards the Divine Creator !
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Humayun Jan 13, 2020 01:42am
Joyinda yabinda.... Who seeks shall find. Hidayat is for those who seek hidayat. All good wishes for this blessed soul.
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Humayun Jan 13, 2020 01:48am
@Sunil Prakash because down here we are more prone to take IT for granted.
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Zulfiqar Jan 13, 2020 08:37pm
@Zunaira very well said!
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