Moonlight Beneath the Minaret

Moonlight Beneath the Minaret

Love, Faith, and Destiny

Prologue: A Promise Under the Crescent Moon

In the heart of Seoul, where neon lights paint the night sky and the call to prayer echoes from a small masjid in Itaewon, a young woman named Hana Moon balances her faith, family, and future. Born to a Korean Muslim father and a revert mother, she has always walked a different path from most.

Her life takes an unexpected turn when she meets Joon-ho Kim, a talented architect who has recently embraced Islam. Though their paths cross by chance, fate weaves their destinies together in ways neither of them could have imagined.

But love is never simple. Between cultural expectations, societal pressures, and their personal struggles, can Hana and Joon-ho find a way to be together through the sacred bond of nikkah?

Chapter 1: Two Paths, One Faith

Hana Moon had always been different from her peers. Growing up as a Muslim in Korea, she faced questions and stares—why did she wear the hijab? Why didn’t she eat pork? Why did she pray five times a day? But she carried her faith with quiet pride, never feeling the need to explain herself to a world that often misunderstood her.

At 26 years old, she had built a stable life. She worked as a calligrapher and Islamic art teacher, teaching Korean reverts about Islamic history. She found peace in the rhythm of her brushstrokes, in the silence of dawn prayers, and in the warmth of her family. But love? Love was never a priority.

Her father, Moon Tae-sung, a respected businessman and a practicing Muslim, always reminded her:

"Hana-ya, love in Islam is not like in dramas. It is not about chasing feelings—it is about building a future together, based on faith and commitment."

She believed in that. But deep down, she wondered—would she ever find a love that was both halal and filled with understanding?

Chapter 2: The Man Who Found the Light

Joon-ho Kim was a man searching for purpose.

Born into a wealthy secular Korean family, he had everything—a prestigious job as an architect, a luxury apartment in Gangnam, and a life that many envied. But his soul felt empty. The glitz of material success could not fill the void inside him.

His journey to Islam began after meeting an Egyptian professor at an architecture conference in Dubai. They had long discussions about purpose, about life, and about God. Joon-ho was drawn to the simplicity of Tawheed—the belief in the Oneness of Allah.

When he returned to Korea, he visited the Seoul Central Masjid in Itaewon. He was welcomed warmly by the Muslim community, and over time, he found peace in prayer, fasting, and seeking knowledge.

One year later, at the age of 29, Joon-ho took his Shahada. But accepting Islam was the easy part. The real challenge was telling his family.

His mother cried for days. His father was furious. "You are throwing away your culture!" they said. But Joon-ho knew Islam was not an abandonment of culture—it was a completion of his soul.

He lost many friends, but gained something greater—inner peace. And yet, there was one thing missing—a partner to walk this journey with.

Chapter 3: A Meeting Destined by Allah

Hana and Joon-ho met at an Islamic seminar in Seoul. Hana had been invited as a guest speaker to discuss the beauty of Islamic art, while Joon-ho attended out of curiosity.

When she spoke, her voice was calm yet strong. She spoke of calligraphy as a form of worship, of how every stroke carried the remembrance of Allah. Joon-ho was captivated—not just by her knowledge, but by her sincerity.

After the lecture, he approached her.

"Assalamu Alaikum. That was a beautiful talk."

Hana was surprised. Korean Muslims were rare, and reverts even rarer. She smiled politely. "Wa Alaikum Assalam. JazakAllah khayr."

From that day, their paths continued to cross—at community events, at Taraweeh prayers, and even at the local halal café where Hana often studied.

A quiet friendship grew between them. They spoke about faith, about struggles, about dreams.

One evening, after Maghrib prayer, Joon-ho finally spoke what had been on his heart.

"Hana-ssi, I have been praying for guidance... and I believe that you are someone I would like to build a future with. Will you consider nikkah with me?"

Chapter 4: Trials and Tribulations

Hana was stunned. Marriage?

She admired his sincerity, his dedication to Islam. But was she ready? And more importantly—would their families accept it?

When she told her father, he was silent for a long time. Then he sighed.

"He is a good man, Hana. But marriage is more than just love—it is about unity. His family does not accept Islam. Do you think you can handle that?"

Joon-ho, too, faced resistance. His parents had barely accepted his faith—how would they react to a Muslim wife?

But love, when based on sincerity and faith, is not easily shaken.

Together, they prayed Istikhara, seeking Allah’s guidance. And their hearts remained firm.

Joon-ho met Hana’s parents with humility and respect. Though her father tested him with questions about Islam, Joon-ho’s answers showed not just knowledge, but deep conviction.

Over time, even Hana’s strict father softened. "If he can protect your faith, I give my blessing."

Joon-ho’s parents, however, were harder to convince. His mother wept, his father refused to attend the wedding.

"Your son is still your son," Joon-ho reminded them. "Islam has not taken me away from you—it has made me a better man."

Though they did not fully accept, they did not stop him either. And so, with Allah’s mercy, the nikkah was arranged.

Chapter 5: A Love That is Halal

On a cool autumn day, beneath the soft glow of lanterns and the murmurs of duas, Hana and Joon-ho stood before the imam.

With the masjid filled with the Muslim community, the nikkah was performed with simplicity and sincerity.

Joon-ho recited his vows with steady confidence.

"I accept Hana Moon as my wife, according to the teachings of Islam, with the mahr agreed upon."

Hana’s eyes filled with tears—not of sadness, but of gratitude.

They were not just husband and wife. They were two souls brought together by faith.

As they stepped out of the masjid, the crescent moon shone brightly above them, a reminder that Allah’s plan is always greater than our own.

Epilogue: A New Beginning

Joon-ho and Hana built a home filled with love, understanding, and the remembrance of Allah.

His parents, though still hesitant, slowly warmed to Hana’s kindness. And with time, they saw that Islam had not taken their son away—it had given him peace.

Their story was not a perfect fairytale. There were struggles, there were moments of doubt. But their love was built on something greater than fleeting emotions—it was built on faith.

And in the end, faithful love always finds its way home.