Teresa Kim Kranfil, or Leila Vaqarfard since conversion, was speaking at a forum held on Thursday, July 11, at the Rahyaftegan (those finding the right path) Section of the 21st International Holy Quran exhibition.
Ms. Kranfil said she had known for years that there is something missing in her life and after learning about the Quran realized that Islam’s Holy Book is what she had been looking for all her life.
Born into a Christian family, she grew up in a calm environment but from early on in her life, she had many questions in mind about the realm of spirituality and the purpose of life.
The American Muslim convert said she learned about Islam after meeting a young Iranian studying in the US, who later became her husband.
Asked she faced any difficulties or reactions from her family and friends after embracing Islam, she said her family and friends were very understanding and even supported her decision.
Ms. Kranfil said that at first she was a little worried about how others would react to her Hijab, and especially about racist reactions, but later realized that there was no need to worry.
She also said that meeting with Imam Khomeini (RA) in her first visit to Iran was the best event in her life, saying that during the visit, she learned more about the great character of the late founder of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Ms. Kranfil lives in the Iranian port city of Bandarabbas, south of the country, with her husband and three children.
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