London Toddler Embraces Islam, Finds Joy in Hijab

A four-year-old girl from London has captured hearts with her unexpected and fervent embrace of Islam, sparked by a friend's influence and the festive spirit of Eid. Cheri-Ann Williamson, whose initial "meltdown" over wanting a hijab quickly turned into pure joy upon wearing one, now identifies as Muslim and wears her hijab daily.

According to her mother, 36-year-old chef Shonnette Byfield Samuels, Cheri-Ann's fascination with the faith began earlier this year after seeing Eid decorations at a supermarket. Despite being raised in a Christian household, Cheri-Ann immediately recognized the decorations and insisted her family celebrate the holiday.

"Cheri thinks the hijab is beautiful and says she feels like a princess in it," shared Shonnette. The young girl's commitment is evident in her daily routine; "Yesterday, she walked out of the house and then came back saying, 'I forgot my hijab.' I told her it was too hot, but she gave me a look and walked off."

Shonnette, though not religious herself, fully supports her daughter's burgeoning spiritual journey. She has even ordered children's books about Islam to learn alongside Cheri-Ann. "I don't have a problem with it," Shonnette stated. "I believe there's one God, and from what I know, Islam is about peace." She added that her grandmother even found significance in Cheri-Ann's interest, noting that her own mother was Muslim.

Cheri-Ann's engagement with Islam extends beyond the hijab. She has begun asking profound questions about God, introduces herself as Muslim, and has started using Arabic phrases like "Salam Alaykum," meaning "peace be upon you." While she hasn't yet spoken about praying, her daily conversations are filled with inquiries about creation and her steadfast declaration that she is Muslim. Her innocent yet determined exploration of faith continues to be a source of wonder and pride for her family.