Aminah Chen has a compelling story to tell. Born in Taiwan, she moved to USA and converted to Islam while attending her language exchange programme. She has faced many difficulties to be where she is now but that hasn’t dampened her joyful spirit and positivity. With the support of her husband, family and friends, she is able to pursue her passion of the arts. A self-taught illustrator, Aminah experiments with calligraphy and watercolour and launched her #nameproject on Instagram this year. Read on to find out more about this multi-talented (and terribly shy!) Muslim convert who hopes to change the world one painting at a time.
Describe yourself in less than 5 words.
Sincere, sensitive, thoughtful.
What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
I not only love art and beautiful things but also care about international relation issues. And you can talk with me about any topic related to history, geography and the environment.
Describe a typical weekday for you.
I lead a balanced life between being a housewife and a painter.
You’re a Taiwanese who lives in US now. How was the experience moving to a new country?
I love nature so I can feel and see the changes in the seasons. I can see plants change over time. The view inspires me all the time. Walking among the falling leaves during autumn really touches my heart.
You’re also a Muslim convert, alhamdulilah! Can you share with us your story?
During my language exchange programme, I made a lot of Muslim friends. I wanted to understand this religion which I didn’t know much about so I started studying about Islam and went to the mosque for classes. After a month, I converted to Islam. I stopped eating pork and wore the hijab to work. My boss noticed that I wore it and asked me about it. I explained to her about my conversion and she supported my journey by allowing me to wear the hijab at work and praying in the office. She was really nice to me as I was a new convert.
Of course there are difficulties; like convincing my family to be okay with me wearing the hijab and convincing others that Islam is a peaceful religion. I just try to follow the Sunnah and make da’wah.
As a Zahara Warrior, what advice would you give someone who’s going through the conversion process to Islam?
Never give up. Keep studying! Knowledge is powerful.
Speaking of advice, what’s the best advice you’ve been given?
Be confident! Be yourself! Everyone is beautiful in their own way so love who you are.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years’ time?
Insha Allah I’d be a freelance iIllustrator and might become a mother too.
What quote do you live by?
Don’t get overly attached to moments. Good and bad moments shall all pass.
You’ve recently started the #nameproject on IG. Tell us more about it!
It started when I wanted to make a birthday card for a friend. I wanted to let her know how special and beautiful she was to me. And I wanted to show her that by illustrating her name as that’s one of the best ways to show one’s unique presence. The names that I illustrate allow me to tell people how amazing they are.
What brings you the greatest joy?
Love from my family as well as nature. Allah’s creations are truly beautiful.
Complete this sentence: To me, beauty is ________.
Cherishing what you have.
Check out the beautiful illustration she did for us! <3
Follow Aminah on Instagram and if you’d like to participate in her #nameproject, just DM her!
The post ZAHARA WARRIOR AMINAH CHEN appeared first on Zahara.
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