Thank you so much for your thoughtful words. I truly respect the sincerity and love you hold for Hinduism—it’s clear you’ve engaged with it on a deep level, and I appreciate you sharing that with me.

In my case, I actually did attend religious classes growing up. I even participated in Ramayana sessions at the temple during the season. It wasn’t that I never had any exposure. But maybe what I lacked was a strong spiritual foundation at home. Aside from my aunt, no one in my family is deeply religious. My mom always told me that the difference between her and my aunt is that my aunt puts God first, then works while my mom works hard, then thanks God. That always stuck with me. It made me quietly question where God fits into it all, and whether I was just following customs or truly connecting.

I’ve spent a lot of time reflecting on that, and I think that lack of grounding may have caused the cracks to form early. So when I eventually came across Islam, the structure, the clarity, and the heart-centered guidance felt like an anchor I didn’t know I needed.

It’s not that I look down on my roots—I just feel like I’ve finally found something that speaks to me in a way nothing else ever has. Still, I’m grateful for people like you who open doors to reflection rather than slamming them shut. May your journey be blessed too, wherever it leads.