Hearts of Ta’leef

Monica’s Story

Tell me about your life as far back as you can remember.

Monica: I was born in Hollister, my parents are from South Texas. My grandparents are from Mexico. Most of my family is here in CA. I went to high school in Hollister in a small town. I was raised Catholic & have a bachelor’s degree from San Jose State and a Nursing degree. I became Muslim when I was 27.

When did you first come to Ta’leef?

Monica: I read a book about Islam and became curious about visiting a mosque so I emailed the South Bay Islamic Association and Imam Tahir emailed me back. I told him I’m reading this book and want to visit a Muslim space, and he told me that I should go to Ta’leef on Sunday nights. I attended that Sunday night class, and that was the first time I had been around Muslims.

What is one of your fondest memories at Ta’leef?

Monica: When I became Muslim, my shahada itself. I had been going there two, three months and it was really a special moment and really nice welcome into Islam.

Were your parents in support of your decision to convert to Islam?

Monica: Yes, but that took work. The first time I was going to Ta’leef, I told my mom I was going there. When I came back, I told her what it was like; what they talked about. I would tell my parents what I had learned so it didn’t seem so foreign. I would talk about what I was learning, and they were learning along with me.

Why do you come to Ta’leef?

Monica: I just enjoy being there. I like the people and I always feel good when I’m there. Even though I have participated in a different mosque in the past, and I participate in a different mosque now, Ta’leef has been the place I have always gone back to since the beginning. It feels like my home in a way.

If you could send one message out to the world, what would it be?

Monica: I really think that we are meant to help each other out and no matter where life leads us, we have to let compassion lead the way at all times.

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