But when it came to telling her story, she refused to let that stand in the way. The 34-year-old, real name Maryam You Narae, recently released her debut single “Hidayah” – a song shaped as much by persistence as it is by faith.
“It was difficult, but I never once thought of giving up,” she told Bernama recently. She spent about six months refining the song, carefully practising each line until every word sounded natural.
“I kept rehearsing over and over again at home. Even my daughter Rina memorised the song,” she said with a smile.
“Alhamdulillah, I finally managed to pronounce everything correctly without sounding awkward.”
Composed by Zuhaidi Aziz of nasyid group Saujana, “Hidayah” reflects a personal journey for Maryam that continues to unfold.
“As a convert, of course I have received guidance. But guidance is not just for when we convert; we need it throughout our lives,” she shared.
“In our hearts, when we feel distant from Allah, we need guidance. When we face difficulties, we also need guidance.”
This idea of seeking strength through uncertainty is what she hopes listeners will take away from her song. “‘Hidayah’ is not just for myself, but for everyone seeking strength.”
Maryam added that she continues to improve her Malay through daily conversations, picking up new words and refining her pronunciation along the way.
Beyond music, her faith journey has also quietly influenced those closest to her. Last November, her mother also embraced Islam after observing positive differences in her daughter.
Maryam said she never attempted to persuade her. “I simply showed how my life changed, how I became calmer and more grateful.”
From there, her mother slowly began learning on her own, before eventually deciding to convert.
That change, Maryam noted, has been most visible in her mum’s outlook. “In the past, she could be quite negative and even experienced depression.
“But now, I see her as calmer, more grateful. She can find joy even in the smallest things.”
For Maryam, “Hidayah” is more than a debut single: it is a reminder that even when words feel out of reach, meaning – and faith – can still find a way through.