AhlulBayt News Agency: Fatimah O’Sullivan, a 23-year-old convert to Islam, has opened up about how her new faith has helped her overcome her mental health challenges and alcohol addiction.
Fatimah, who was born in Scotland and grew up in Hampshire, had a difficult childhood and adolescence. She suffered from depression and anxiety and felt alienated from her family and school. She started skipping classes at 12 and dropped out at 16 without any qualifications. She then turned to alcohol as a coping mechanism and often got into trouble with the law.
“I was an absolute mess,” she told The Daily Mail.
Fatimah had a glimpse of Islam when she was five years old when she joined some Muslim friends in prayer at school. She felt a connection with God but did not pursue it further. She was raised in a Christian household but felt frustrated that she could not relate to the faith.
She found solace in watching TikTok videos of people reciting the Quran. She said the sound of the Arabic verses was soothing. She started to research more about Islam and its teachings and felt drawn to the faith.
In February 2022, after overcoming her alcohol addiction and stabilizing her mental health, she decided to embrace Islam. She recited the Shahada, the declaration of faith, in front of a Muslim friend. She said she felt a sense of peace and happiness that she had never experienced before.
She says Islam has helped her “find peace.”
Fatimah also wears the niqab, a veil that covers her face, when she goes out in public.
She also uses social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram to share her journey and educate others about Islam. She said she enjoys spreading the message of Islam and hopes to inspire others who are looking for meaning in life.
“I enjoy educating people. I enjoy spreading Islam,” she said.
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Fatimah, who was born in Scotland and grew up in Hampshire, had a difficult childhood and adolescence. She suffered from depression and anxiety and felt alienated from her family and school. She started skipping classes at 12 and dropped out at 16 without any qualifications. She then turned to alcohol as a coping mechanism and often got into trouble with the law.
“I was an absolute mess,” she told The Daily Mail.
Fatimah had a glimpse of Islam when she was five years old when she joined some Muslim friends in prayer at school. She felt a connection with God but did not pursue it further. She was raised in a Christian household but felt frustrated that she could not relate to the faith.
She found solace in watching TikTok videos of people reciting the Quran. She said the sound of the Arabic verses was soothing. She started to research more about Islam and its teachings and felt drawn to the faith.
In February 2022, after overcoming her alcohol addiction and stabilizing her mental health, she decided to embrace Islam. She recited the Shahada, the declaration of faith, in front of a Muslim friend. She said she felt a sense of peace and happiness that she had never experienced before.
She says Islam has helped her “find peace.”
Fatimah also wears the niqab, a veil that covers her face, when she goes out in public.
She also uses social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram to share her journey and educate others about Islam. She said she enjoys spreading the message of Islam and hopes to inspire others who are looking for meaning in life.
“I enjoy educating people. I enjoy spreading Islam,” she said.
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