According to the university's public relations: In celebration of the Sha'ban holidays, in addition to enhancing the university's environment and holding a traditional hymn session after the noon and afternoon prayers in the university's prayer hall, a festive ceremony was held in the Shahid Akhundi conference hall, organized by the office of the Supreme Leader's representative at the university.
During this ceremony, Ms. Susan Aubrey, an American convert who has sacrificed everything, even her family, to embrace true Islam, explained how she became a Muslim.
Susan Aubrey said: I was born and raised in a Catholic family in California, USA, and I obtained my Doctorate in Physical Therapy from there. As a Christian, I had done extensive religious studies until my brother converted to Islam, and I asked him about Islamic beliefs. He shared with me verses concerning Jesus Christ, Moses, and hijab. These verses were very intriguing and new to me; under my brother's influence, I became a Muslim. My parents, who raised me in an open environment, did not oppose this decision, allowing me to continue my studies on Islam easily.
She described her reason for choosing Iran as a place to live: Your question is akin to asking why you Iranians had a revolution. Thank God, the Iranian Revolution has impacted other countries, including the USA, and I was moved by your revolution to come to Iran. When you revolted, we all felt a sense of hope.
Aubrey continued: In the early days, living an Islamic lifestyle was unfamiliar and challenging for me, but because I had the desire to reach the summit, I made considerable effort and was able to get to this point. However, I should also mention that prior to embracing Islam, I had studied Judaism and then became acquainted with Zoroastrianism and Iran, after which I came to Iran, marking the beginning of my deeper curiosity about Islam and God.
She further referenced her current residency and activities in Iran, adding: Today, I am an English teacher using an Islamic approach that reflects Islamic values, beginning and concluding my classes with prayers, during which I also discuss these values.
Regarding her hijab, Aubrey said: My clothing resembles that of Mary, and with an inquiry from the office of the Supreme Leader, I chose this manner of dress. In the USA, I faced no significant issues because my attire resembles that of Mary.
In this part of her speech, she emphasized: Before coming to Iran, I also wore hijab in America and sometimes faced harassment from racists. My current style of hijab, inspired by Mary, has evoked a positive response from some Americans. Generally speaking, reactions to hijab in the USA vary; many people curiously observe Muslim women's hijab, though harassment is relatively minimal. The primary discussion revolves around people's curiosity about the hijab and its reasons.
The event included a comedy competition and recognition of those involved in organizing group prayers, among other sections.
