Islam Is Not What Is Taught at Schools in West
I read several books some generally about Islam and some specifically about Shia. I noticed while reading that Islam is not what is taught at schools in the US and Sweden.
This is according to Cecilia Hedstrom, American scholar and a recent convert to Shia Islam, speaking to IQNA about her story of becoming a Muslim.
Cecilia Hedstrom, from Sweden, has spent most of her childhood in the US. She holds a Master’s degree in English linguistics. She is married and has three children, one daughter and two sons.
IQNA: Will you tell us about your religious background?
Cecilia Hedstrom: I was brought up with traditions of Lutheran Christianity. When I was very young we went to Christmas mass. At the age of 15, I attended to communion summer camp. My experience from it was that it felt more like a fun summer camp then trying to learn about Christianity. We had general discussions however I never saw how the holy trinity could make sense. That was a belief that I never thought logically could be true.
IQNA: Tell us about the story of your conversion? Why Islam?
Cecilia Hedstrom: Prior to meeting my husband, I as most Swedes, believed in a higher spirit, however not God.
As I just had met my husband in Fall of 1997, I saw him pray one day and for me it was first time for me to see a Muslim praying.
I asked him, what are you doing? He answered, it’s like I am doing some pushups. But if you are really interested then borrow some books on Islam, read them and if you have any questions then ask me.
So, I did, I read several books some generally about Islam and some specifically about Shia.
I noticed while reading that Islam is not what one is taught at schools in the US and Sweden.
I really was surprised about the treatment of women, that already in the time the Quran was revealed it states that Allah reprimand those men who oppress or ill-treat women, which contradicts strongly to what most non-Muslims are told.
I learnt to understand why Shia mourn the loss of Imam Hussein and not ridiculing the process by being told that they hit their heads bloody during the period of mourning of someone who died over 1,000 years ago.
I also enjoyed the sense of understanding the purpose of this life. I now strongly live by the notion that this short life is like an admission test. If you pass, you will be rewarded for all eternity.
After thinking about all that I had learnt, I decided to convert and I remember when I prayed for the first time. It was when my husband was in Iran visiting his family. I did not know the procedure so I just sat on my knees on the prayer mat and spoke to Allah. After I finished I felt a great sense of tranquility. From then on, I felt that this whole life both the bad times and good has its meaning. That was quite important feeling for me.
IQNA: What was the reaction of your family and maybe your friends when they learned about your decision?
Cecilia Hedstrom: I received a hard time from my family when I met my husband. Instead of trying to get to know my husband they were offensive and tried to sabotage the relationship.
I remember when I was about to travel the first time to Tehran to meet my in-laws and to have our wedding ceremony in Iran, my aunt called me to try to stop me from going. She said "don’t go. He (my husband) will take your passport and you will not be able to go out from the house. Your wedding will be performed in a mosque between a large thick wall and all his family will force you to do all the housework."
I did not speak to my family for about two years, they started to have contact again with me after they saw my wedding video. They never took up the fact that I had converted or asked me about it however after starting to meet again they did respect that we did not eat pork and that we fasted.
After finishing my university studies and receiving my first child, I decided to start wearing hijab, while living in Sweden. This came as a chock especially to my mother but they reluctantly accepted it.
Unfortunately, the prejudices against Islam and especially for Shia stopped them from trying to listen and to learn why I chose to marry my husband and to convert. I actually do not blame them for their actions; I blame the propaganda that the West has done against Islam.
IQNA: Why did you choose Iran for a place to live?
Cecilia Hedstrom: Since the first time I came to Iran in 2000, I told my husband, “this is the country I want to live in.”
The feeling grew each time I came to visit and after receiving children I absolutely wanted to move in order to let my children have the opportunity to learn about our religion and about ahl-bayt. The only place to have that opportunity is here in Iran. I have now lived in Tehran for nine months and my children always say that they do not ever want to move from here.
I enjoy being able to worship the religious days and to go shrines and pray.
I appreciate to be able to pray at work, this is something that is almost impossible to perform in Europe.
I also enjoy living with my mother-in-law and father-in-law. They have always been a great support to me and took me in as a family member even before they met me for the first time.
When my husband told them that he had met me, the only thing that his mother asked was do you love her, not which religion, education, etc I had.
As for the city itself, I enjoy the atmosphere it, of seeing snow on top of the mountains even though it is scorching hot down in the city where one is at.
Here in Tehran everything is close to you. Whatever you want you can find. There is a great range of supplies to choose from. One place I personally love is Engalab, with all the book stores, any book that you want they have. The place for me is like for a child in a big toy store.
I enjoy the parks, a peaceful place away from the traffic, at the same time I like going on the highways watching all the beautiful green areas along side of the roads.
In addition, the Iranian people are very friendly and have great hospitality.
IQNA: How do you see your life after becoming a Muslim?
Cecilia Hedstrom: As I stated before becoming a Muslim made me feel that life had a meaning and that everything made sense. I have become more tolerant and patient even in the worst of times being discriminated because of my choice of religion or other situations in life I always say Allah Karim and put my problems in the hand of All Mighty to help me guide me through the situation.
After being a Muslim, I began to understand that I actually was chosen since I was young thinking about memories of my childhood and come to the understanding that Allah was protecting me and guiding me without my knowledge at that time.
I also have learnt a very valuable lesson on how the world seems. There are many situations and places that people believe are wonderful and that is the perfect way of living. However, after becoming religious, I don’t see the point of doing for example, hanging out with friends with no purpose or watch TV when one can use one’s time more wisely. Life is short one should not waste it.
I also have experienced and notice the injustice in the world especially in Europe, which I have first-hand experience of, for example, how people treat me differently only because I have an extra small piece of cloth covering my hair.
After putting on the hijab, I have been told to move back to my own country by my Swedes, even though I was in my native country, Sweden. Also received glares and old ladies shaking their head that I have chosen to convert.
I have been declared stupid by the health care when taking my daughter to the doctor, as they explain to me very slowly and carefully what paracetamol (Acetaminophen) is as well as being told that I did not need to have an operation to take away my tonsils since I am only a housewife but when I told them I work as a teacher, the doctor was very surprised and said “really, ok then you can have the operation.”
I have been discriminated many times at job interviews or work places, being told that I cannot work at their workplace since there are men there and I would not be able to talk to them since I am Muslim.
Several times I have come to an employer to sign a work contract after speaking on the telephone and they have seen my credentials but when they see me with a hijab they always found an excuse that they suddenly saw at the last minute.
While working at schools, students could call out Allah Wakbar in a degrading way or other sounds and noises when walking by them.
There is a great problem in countries such as Sweden regarding what they call integration, it will never work as long as people are racists and do not have the will or want to learn about other cultures and religions.
IQNA: Are you a Shia Muslim? If yes, why?
Cecilia Hedstrom: Yes, I am Shia, why, quite simple, it is the only right way to go. Prophet Mohammad [PBUH] told the congregation that Imam Ali [AS] should be his successor and that all Muslims should follow his guidance. Every hadith within Shia can be traced back to its origin, not anything that could have been edited or rewritten. The Imams are the only ones who fought in defense Allah and ruled and lived according to the laws given by Allah.
IQNA: What is your view on salvation and Islam?
Cecilia Hedstrom: I believe that if one is a sinner he or she should be punished, however, Allah is merciful and forgiving. If one does ask sincerely for forgiveness then Allah can cleanse the person from his sins, if Allah feels the person deserves it.
Allah is fair and treats everyone in the same manner. Whoever breaks a law should be punished accordingly both in this world and in the next.
IQNA: What's your idea about the 14 infallible Imams (AS)?
Cecilia Hedstrom: They all were strong and at the same time kind only using their strength when necessary to protect themselves and the religion. They treated everyone fair. If everyone could live just one percent as they did then the world would be so much better. There is much to learn from the Imams, each imam had a trait that was special. Their simple ways to live life but at the same time being so strong and fearless in the most oppressive situations, for example, Imam Ali putting his life in danger in order to save Prophet Mohammad when he laid in the prophet’s bed when it was to be attacked on. One thing that many people forget today as people are caught up with the material world is to think about that there is a life after this and to come there we cannot take anything with us, not our house, cars, jewelry, money, etc. But we can take with us how we have treated others and how we lived our lives in general.
Cecilia Hedstrom, from Sweden, has spent most of her childhood in the US. She holds a Master’s degree in English linguistics. She is married and has three children, one daughter and two sons.
IQNA: Will you tell us about your religious background?
Cecilia Hedstrom: I was brought up with traditions of Lutheran Christianity. When I was very young we went to Christmas mass. At the age of 15, I attended to communion summer camp. My experience from it was that it felt more like a fun summer camp then trying to learn about Christianity. We had general discussions however I never saw how the holy trinity could make sense. That was a belief that I never thought logically could be true.
IQNA: Tell us about the story of your conversion? Why Islam?
Cecilia Hedstrom: Prior to meeting my husband, I as most Swedes, believed in a higher spirit, however not God.
As I just had met my husband in Fall of 1997, I saw him pray one day and for me it was first time for me to see a Muslim praying.
I asked him, what are you doing? He answered, it’s like I am doing some pushups. But if you are really interested then borrow some books on Islam, read them and if you have any questions then ask me.
So, I did, I read several books some generally about Islam and some specifically about Shia.
I noticed while reading that Islam is not what one is taught at schools in the US and Sweden.
I really was surprised about the treatment of women, that already in the time the Quran was revealed it states that Allah reprimand those men who oppress or ill-treat women, which contradicts strongly to what most non-Muslims are told.
I learnt to understand why Shia mourn the loss of Imam Hussein and not ridiculing the process by being told that they hit their heads bloody during the period of mourning of someone who died over 1,000 years ago.
I also enjoyed the sense of understanding the purpose of this life. I now strongly live by the notion that this short life is like an admission test. If you pass, you will be rewarded for all eternity.
After thinking about all that I had learnt, I decided to convert and I remember when I prayed for the first time. It was when my husband was in Iran visiting his family. I did not know the procedure so I just sat on my knees on the prayer mat and spoke to Allah. After I finished I felt a great sense of tranquility. From then on, I felt that this whole life both the bad times and good has its meaning. That was quite important feeling for me.
IQNA: What was the reaction of your family and maybe your friends when they learned about your decision?
Cecilia Hedstrom: I received a hard time from my family when I met my husband. Instead of trying to get to know my husband they were offensive and tried to sabotage the relationship.
I remember when I was about to travel the first time to Tehran to meet my in-laws and to have our wedding ceremony in Iran, my aunt called me to try to stop me from going. She said "don’t go. He (my husband) will take your passport and you will not be able to go out from the house. Your wedding will be performed in a mosque between a large thick wall and all his family will force you to do all the housework."
I did not speak to my family for about two years, they started to have contact again with me after they saw my wedding video. They never took up the fact that I had converted or asked me about it however after starting to meet again they did respect that we did not eat pork and that we fasted.
After finishing my university studies and receiving my first child, I decided to start wearing hijab, while living in Sweden. This came as a chock especially to my mother but they reluctantly accepted it.
Unfortunately, the prejudices against Islam and especially for Shia stopped them from trying to listen and to learn why I chose to marry my husband and to convert. I actually do not blame them for their actions; I blame the propaganda that the West has done against Islam.
IQNA: Why did you choose Iran for a place to live?
Cecilia Hedstrom: Since the first time I came to Iran in 2000, I told my husband, “this is the country I want to live in.”
The feeling grew each time I came to visit and after receiving children I absolutely wanted to move in order to let my children have the opportunity to learn about our religion and about ahl-bayt. The only place to have that opportunity is here in Iran. I have now lived in Tehran for nine months and my children always say that they do not ever want to move from here.
I enjoy being able to worship the religious days and to go shrines and pray.
I appreciate to be able to pray at work, this is something that is almost impossible to perform in Europe.
I also enjoy living with my mother-in-law and father-in-law. They have always been a great support to me and took me in as a family member even before they met me for the first time.
When my husband told them that he had met me, the only thing that his mother asked was do you love her, not which religion, education, etc I had.
As for the city itself, I enjoy the atmosphere it, of seeing snow on top of the mountains even though it is scorching hot down in the city where one is at.
Here in Tehran everything is close to you. Whatever you want you can find. There is a great range of supplies to choose from. One place I personally love is Engalab, with all the book stores, any book that you want they have. The place for me is like for a child in a big toy store.
I enjoy the parks, a peaceful place away from the traffic, at the same time I like going on the highways watching all the beautiful green areas along side of the roads.
In addition, the Iranian people are very friendly and have great hospitality.
IQNA: How do you see your life after becoming a Muslim?
Cecilia Hedstrom: As I stated before becoming a Muslim made me feel that life had a meaning and that everything made sense. I have become more tolerant and patient even in the worst of times being discriminated because of my choice of religion or other situations in life I always say Allah Karim and put my problems in the hand of All Mighty to help me guide me through the situation.
After being a Muslim, I began to understand that I actually was chosen since I was young thinking about memories of my childhood and come to the understanding that Allah was protecting me and guiding me without my knowledge at that time.
I also have learnt a very valuable lesson on how the world seems. There are many situations and places that people believe are wonderful and that is the perfect way of living. However, after becoming religious, I don’t see the point of doing for example, hanging out with friends with no purpose or watch TV when one can use one’s time more wisely. Life is short one should not waste it.
I also have experienced and notice the injustice in the world especially in Europe, which I have first-hand experience of, for example, how people treat me differently only because I have an extra small piece of cloth covering my hair.
After putting on the hijab, I have been told to move back to my own country by my Swedes, even though I was in my native country, Sweden. Also received glares and old ladies shaking their head that I have chosen to convert.
I have been declared stupid by the health care when taking my daughter to the doctor, as they explain to me very slowly and carefully what paracetamol (Acetaminophen) is as well as being told that I did not need to have an operation to take away my tonsils since I am only a housewife but when I told them I work as a teacher, the doctor was very surprised and said “really, ok then you can have the operation.”
I have been discriminated many times at job interviews or work places, being told that I cannot work at their workplace since there are men there and I would not be able to talk to them since I am Muslim.
Several times I have come to an employer to sign a work contract after speaking on the telephone and they have seen my credentials but when they see me with a hijab they always found an excuse that they suddenly saw at the last minute.
While working at schools, students could call out Allah Wakbar in a degrading way or other sounds and noises when walking by them.
There is a great problem in countries such as Sweden regarding what they call integration, it will never work as long as people are racists and do not have the will or want to learn about other cultures and religions.
IQNA: Are you a Shia Muslim? If yes, why?
Cecilia Hedstrom: Yes, I am Shia, why, quite simple, it is the only right way to go. Prophet Mohammad [PBUH] told the congregation that Imam Ali [AS] should be his successor and that all Muslims should follow his guidance. Every hadith within Shia can be traced back to its origin, not anything that could have been edited or rewritten. The Imams are the only ones who fought in defense Allah and ruled and lived according to the laws given by Allah.
IQNA: What is your view on salvation and Islam?
Cecilia Hedstrom: I believe that if one is a sinner he or she should be punished, however, Allah is merciful and forgiving. If one does ask sincerely for forgiveness then Allah can cleanse the person from his sins, if Allah feels the person deserves it.
Allah is fair and treats everyone in the same manner. Whoever breaks a law should be punished accordingly both in this world and in the next.
IQNA: What's your idea about the 14 infallible Imams (AS)?
Cecilia Hedstrom: They all were strong and at the same time kind only using their strength when necessary to protect themselves and the religion. They treated everyone fair. If everyone could live just one percent as they did then the world would be so much better. There is much to learn from the Imams, each imam had a trait that was special. Their simple ways to live life but at the same time being so strong and fearless in the most oppressive situations, for example, Imam Ali putting his life in danger in order to save Prophet Mohammad when he laid in the prophet’s bed when it was to be attacked on. One thing that many people forget today as people are caught up with the material world is to think about that there is a life after this and to come there we cannot take anything with us, not our house, cars, jewelry, money, etc. But we can take with us how we have treated others and how we lived our lives in general.
