Close Call.

When someone converts to Islam, they are allowed to keep their name as long as it is not offensive to the oneness of God (the basic belief of Muslims). I was born Muslim, so I didn't think I would ever have that problem. While I was researching the meaning of my name for the diagnostic essay for English, I came across a website that said Nivine meant "the saint worshiper".

I looked for two days for another website and in baby name books for a different meaning to my name. I found nothing. I was sad, and I was stressed. If I could not find another definition, I mean a real interpretation, I would have to change my name. I was almost in tears. I couldn't, and still can not, imagine being Nivine one day and then being Samantha, Renee, or Ruth the next. It would be as though I have lost a sense of my existence, and not to mention all the paperwork I would have to fill out to change my name.

I gave up hope, then I started to look at various websites to find another "stand-out" name, one I wouldn't have to change later. My sister, Fatima, found an Arabic baby name website for me. I scrolled down to the "N" section; I figured I might as well find another name that starts with an "N".

I COULD NOT BELIEVE IT! THERE IT WAS! As I read: " Nivine-- originated from the word Nivea, meaning snow-while like the moon", I felt this overwhelming joy. It had to have been the happiest day of my life! I never realized how attached I am to my name, until I lived through this experience. This is proof that we do take the small thing in our life for granted.