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Introduction

Assalamu alaikum.

I am Michael Kasipale.

I was born in Auckland New Zealand.

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Life before Islam

I had a normal upbringing in a Samoan family of 4 siblings including myself, my family had moved to Australia permanently in 1998.

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I was brought up as a Catholic and went to a Catholic primary and secondary school, while it was a great experience I remember finishing my schooling with more questions than answers about Christianity.

I had everything I needed but I never felt peaceful, just lacking something that I wasn't able to figure out.

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My first encounter with a Muslim

I met my first Muslim and his beautiful family when I was still in primary school, they were my neighbours.

Now what stood out to me was this particular answer he said when I asked him how strong is your faith in your God, he answered in Arabic and it wasn't until I took my Shahadah later on down the track that I realised he said the same words to me.

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My Conversion.

While working I had made friends with two Muslims, Nasser and Ibrahim.

During the months I had been talking to them about Islam out of curiosity since I had been looking into it a year before.

They helped me in understanding the basic concept of islamic beliefs.

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When I finally felt I was ready I met with Nasser at a youth centre (since he runs a centre for Muslims with Ibrahim) and there I said my Shahadah.

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What do I love about Islam?

What I love and cherish about Islam is how pure it is in terms of worship, lifestyle and spirituality.

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How has Islam improved me as person?

Since I converted I have been calm and clairvoyant so to speak, my mental health is amazing, and my physical health has improved.

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My family likes my changes.

My family is extremely supportive and happy for my change, at least they think I'm more dependable haha.

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As a Samoan Polynesian Muslim what challenges have I faced?

The only challenge I faced thus far, is the pitiful glances and comments I get from the Catholic community I used to be apart of, though it doesn't faze me as much as I think it should (I literally zone out way to much haha).