Two Bulgarian and Japanese Women found faith and love in Pakistan!
In a tale to warm the cockles of one’s heart, defying borders, languages, and cultures, two women hailing from as far apart as Bulgaria and Japan have found faith and love in Pakistan. The small, spiritually spirited city of Kot Addu became the setting of a deeply touching chapter in their lives as they embraced Islam and married local men in traditional Islamic weddings.
A Journey of Faith: From Bulgaria to Kot Addu
Coming all the way from Bulgaria, the journey of Stefanova to Pakistan had less to do with miles than meaning. Her spiritual curiosity led her to explore Islam, a faith that she eventually found profound peace in. Upon arrival in Kot Addu, she decided to embrace Islam, giving herself the name of Maryam, which represents purity and devotion.
Her newfound faith soon intertwined with love when she met Adnan Gormani, a Pakistani youth from Kot Addu, known for his kind nature and strong faith. Their connection grew so fast, which brought them to a simple yet spiritually enriching Nikah ceremony at Jamia Anwar-ul-Islam. The ceremony—carried out in the presence of local scholars and witnesses—was not just the union of two souls but a blend of two worlds, too: Eastern warmth and European grace mingling together.
The Japanese Connection: Aki’s Journey to Islam
Similarly, Aki Ashimoto from Japan found herself drawn to the serenity of Islam after a period of deep introspection. Her search for peace and purpose brought her to Pakistan, where she met Shoaib Gashkori, a local from Kot Addu. What began as a friendship rooted in respect and understanding grew into a beautiful bond of love and shared faith.
Aki, after embracing Islam, chose the name Dua Fatima, reflecting compassion and prayer. Shoaib and Dua Fatima, like Maryam and Adnan, solemnized their marriage at Jamia Anwar-ul-Islam.
Islamic Ceremonies Based on Simplicity and Purity
Both couples performed their weddings in the same religious institution, led by learned scholars who ensured that the weddings were performed in accordance with Islamic law. All religious rites were performed with utmost sincerity.
After the Nikah, necessary arrangements will now be made to complete the legal formalities in Bulgaria and Japan so that their marriages are legally valid both according to Islamic laws and civil laws. This step is a promise not only to each other but also to the faith and respective laws of the countries they belong to.
Kot Addu — A Hub of Faith and Cultural Harmony
Though modest, Kot Addu has evolved as a symbol of spiritual tolerance in southern Punjab. Accompanied by religious institutions, including Jamia Anwar-ul-Islam, it has emerged as a beacon for those who strive for spiritual awakening. The weddings have brought pride and joy into the lives of the local people, reflecting Pakistan’s rising appeal as the land of faith, hospitality, and heartwarming human tales.
Love Knows No Boundaries
These stories stand as beacons of unity through faith and love in a world usually divided on the basis of race, nationality, and culture. Maryam and Adnan, Dua Fatima and Shoaib-their unions remind us that there is no border that true connections cannot cross, and faith can lead the way to lasting happiness.
These couples, starting their new lives in Kot Addu, are representative of a growing global trend: foreign women coming to Pakistan in search of spiritual fulfillment and, on the way, finding love. Their stories are not of conversion or marriage but of courage, conviction, and the beautiful intertwining of destiny.
Read more inspiring stories and local updates at Pakistan Updates.
