Michael embraced Islam one winter evening after months of quiet reflection, long conversations with Muslim colleagues, and countless late nights searching for truth. Standing in a small prayer space in Hamilton, he recited the shahādah with a trembling voice and a full heart. For him, Islam represented a new beginning and an opportunity to live with purpose, integrity, and spiritual clarity.
In the early weeks after his conversion, Michael felt a profound sense of peace. He joined weekly study circles, learned how to pray, and found comfort in the hospitality of the Muslim community, who welcomed him with warmth and sincerity. He began reorganising his life to align with his new faith. He reshaped his habits, and reevaluated how he managed his time, relationships, and finances.
But as he gradually settled into his new life, one challenge remained painfully present: the large amount of interest-bearing debt he had accumulated long before becoming Muslim. It came from a mix of things – an old credit card balance he never fully managed, and a high-interest personal loan he had taken out during a difficult period. At the time, it seemed like the only way to stay afloat. Now, as a Muslim striving to avoid riba, it weighed heavily on him.
Every payment reminder felt like a tug back toward a past he was trying to leave behind. He worked full-time, lived simply, and cut unnecessary expenses, yet the interest continued to grow. Some days it felt like no matter how hard he tried, the numbers barely changed. The emotional burden was often heavier than the financial one. He worried quietly, prayed often, and carried the stress alone, not wanting to burden others or appear ungrateful for the blessings Islam had brought into his life.
His resilience showed in small ways. He attended classes, volunteered at community events, and supported other new Muslims with the empathy of someone who understood what it meant to start over. His sincerity was evident to those around him, even though he rarely spoke about his struggles.
It wasn’t until he confided in a friend that he learned the New Zealand Zakat Foundation supported Muslims facing genuine hardship, including those burdened by pre-existing debts that hindered their ability to rebuild their lives. His friend explained that one of the categories of zakat is specifically for those in debt, particularly when the debt becomes an obstacle to stability, dignity, and spiritual growth.
With gentle encouragement, Michael applied. The process was respectful and confidential, recognising not only his financial difficulty but also the emotional and spiritual weight of his situation. After reviewing his circumstances, the foundation approved support to help reduce his debt significantly, easing the strain of interest and giving him the opportunity to move forward without the constant cloud of financial anxiety.
For Michael, this was a restoration of hope. It affirmed that becoming Muslim meant stepping into a community that cared, one that understood the challenges converts often face, and one that honoured their desire to live in accordance with their faith. Through zakat, Michael finally felt freed from the weight of his past and empowered to walk his new path with dignity, clarity, and peace.
