24/06/2026
Assalamu Alaikum, My name is Maria but now it's Zarina. I was born in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and raised in a Roman Catholic/Born Again Family. My family is pure Roman Catholics, and I was the first one who Embraced Islam and In Shaa Allah they will Embrace Islam too.
I was born and raised in Riyadh, and you know where is Riyadh right? the pure-Muslim Country. I didn't really care about religions and to my religion before. I did not go regularly on a Sunday in church. When I was a Catholic, I did not know how to pray a catholic prayer, even the rosary, I really didn't care at all. Then I had a classmate who was a born again, and them my mother told to me go with her family in there small church where they sing, bible study and etc. But still I didn't really care and I didn't really saw the purpose of being a born again christian.
And then , 2011(college days)... I used to drink beers, I was a hard drinker, I smoked, I stay up late drinking with friends, I smoke everywhere.. Go to the bars.. Go home at 6AM, I was obsessed with tattoos . That was my life before.. and then I went back to Riyadh (2013), and Alhamdullillah I've got a Job.. and then I had a co-worker who is a Muslim he is a Muslim Man.. He introduced me to Islam and how the people of Islam live..
He gave me small books about Islam and then I admit I didn't pay attention at first.. But we got very close... and then.. the next month I think April.. I started reading the first book and then something hit my heart and mind.. I started asking for more books about Islam..
And to make the story short.. ALHAMDULILLAH! I end up crying because the one missing piece in my heart, mind and life was ISLAM.
Can you Imagine, I was in Riyadh for the rest of my life.. and then the one piece missing in my heart was only here was only around me... and I just need to pay attention and be more caring about everything that is happening...
ALHMADULILLAH, I'am having my Islamic Studies now.
And everyday.. I thank ALLAH(SubhanahuWa ta'ala) for giving me my Husband who was my co-worker before and he was the bridge for me and Allah (SWT) to be closer. ALHAMDULILLAH! My life... was changed... And IN SHAA ALLAH, my Family will Embrace Islam too.