Zeynep Van de Weijer’s spiritual journey and healing through faith

Zeynep (Ashana) Van de Weijer, a Dutch convert to Islam, says that her life has changed profoundly – both spiritually and physically – since she embraced the faith.

“I felt something in the mosque that still gives me chills,” Van de Weijer told Anadolu Agency. “I felt very warm and welcome. At that moment, I thought there was more to Islam. After that, I never got sick again. I am happy and even my hands have healed,” she adds.

Van de Weijer works in the detention unit of a police station in Limburg, in the south of the Netherlands. Before converting, she suffered from an autoimmune disease that led to depression.

“I went through a difficult period. I received some kind of chemotherapy and had eczema on my hands and feet. I didn’t go out anymore and I didn’t feel well,” she said. About two and a half years ago, she converted to Islam.

Her first exposure came through social media. “One day, I saw posts about Islam on Instagram. I thought of buying a Koran. I bought it and started reading it. Then I started doing deeper research,” she confesses.

Her first visit to a mosque with friends left an unforgettable impression. “I felt very welcome. I realized that Islam was different. After that, I never got sick again,” says Van de Weijer.

She chose the name Zeynep after converting, a name that carries the same meaning as her birth name. The woman lives in Heerlen with her three cats. Van de Weijer says that now as a Muslim, fasting during Ramadan is easier.

“Before, I tried fasting, but I had difficulties. Now it’s easier, Alhamdulilah,” she says. According to her, Ramadan can be challenging for converts who are alone, but community Iftar gatherings and memories of sharing meals with her grandmother’s Turkish neighbors help her a lot.

Sharing her faith with family had its challenges. Her mother’s support was essential. “She said to me: If you’re happy on this path, I don’t care what you believe. As long as you’re happy, I’m with you. The next day, I went to the mosque and recited the Shahadat (statement of faith),” Van de Weijer testifies.

Later she received an official conversion certificate at the Fatih Mosque in Roermond, affiliated with the Dutch Diyanet Foundation (HDV). The mosque community welcomed her warmly, giving her the feeling of starting a new chapter.

Her relationship with her father, until that moment cold and distant, improved after she converted. “I told him: Dad, I’m no longer the girl you left behind. Now I’m a Muslim. He accepted it immediately,” she said. Their bond grew stronger after her conversion. “He said to me: I have always had a good daughter, but now I have no worries at all…”- remembers Zeynep.

One of the aspects of Islam that impresses her the most is the open door for repentance. “Even if we sin, we can always turn to Allah for forgiveness. This is one of the most beautiful aspects of Islam,” says Van de Weijer. /tesheshi

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Source: prizrenpost