“We always buka puasa together,” 34-year-old Aarthi shares warmly.
Amid the familial warmth, they arrange dishes of dates, kuih, salted fish, chicken curry, and a jug of air mata kucing, a Ramadan essential in their Bukit Jelutong home.
“It’s something I really look forward to,” Aarthi, a doctor and mother of two, reveals. “It’s nice to have everyone together and eat.”
For her, these moments during the holy month are meaningful as it is precious time spent with her in-laws and her own mother at their home in Shah Alam, Selangor.
Raised as a Hindu in Klang, the possibility that she would someday convert to Islam never crossed her mind. Yet, she has found joy and purpose in her newfound faith.
“I was a bit nervous at the start because I had to learn a lot about this new faith and culture,” she told FMT Lifestyle. “But I had a great support system that made it easy for me to cope and learn.”
Even better, her cultural identity as a Malaysian Indian woman has remained intact. “It’s still me. Everybody still knows me as Aarthi Edwards. Nothing really changed,” she said.
And cultural similarities made the transition smoother as well. “Our celebrations and festivities became merrier. We celebrate both Hari Raya and Deepavali.
“The joy of being in a big family that’s accepting and willing to share this experience with me is what matters the most.”
Aarthi and Amir’s love story began in 2017 thanks to a chance meeting with mutual friends. But it was their first date at a Japanese restaurant that left a lasting impression on them.
“We had a good time. I remember you sweating a lot,” Amir, 34, said with a laugh, looking fondly at his wife.
He’d been clear from the start that he could only marry a Muslim or someone who was willing to convert.
For Aarthi, who had been raised in a household that emphasised respect for all faiths, Amir’s revelation wasn’t surprising. “I’ve always been open to other religious beliefs,” she explained.
This led Aarthi to consider converting to Islam, a decision she eventually made with conviction and grace.
She had her mother’s full support, “unlike a lot of interracial couples I’ve met”, she noted, adding that growing up near a mosque with an Indonesian Muslim domestic helper also made her decision easier.
For Aarthi, becoming a Muslim, supported by Amir and his family, has been a journey of self-discovery and spiritual growth.
“My in-laws played a very big role in my conversion. They were very supportive from the start,” she pointed out.
She remembers how her mother- and sister-in-law were by her side during her first congregational prayer known as jama’ah, “making sure I was able to follow the prayers. They would constantly check in on me. I’m very loved in this family”.
Amir added: “I’m very grateful that my parents understand. They always make a point to answer any of her questions and clarify anything.”
Aarthi recalled the early days after her conversion, when she was still based at a hospital in Ipoh, when she and Amir would pray together over video calls. She said this deepened their bond and her understanding of Islam.
Today, after nearly five years of marriage, Aarthi and Amir’s commitment to preserving their cultural identities extends to their daughters, whom they are raising with an appreciation for both Indian and Malay-Muslim cultures.
“My mum has been teaching our oldest daughter Tamil,” Aarthi said. “She has picked up some Tamil words, which I appreciate. It helps that my mum is around.”
As they navigate the intricacies of an interracial marriage, Aarthi and Amir remain steadfast in their belief that love knows no bounds.
“People shouldn’t be scared of change,” Amir asserted. “As long as everyone is accepting, there’s no issue.”
“And it’s not much of a change, really,” Aarthi chimed in. “I look at it as something new that has come into my life. I think that has changed a lot of my perspective.”