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Beautiful Story of a New Muslim
assalamu ‘alaykum wa rahmatullah,
Below is a beautiful and inspirational story sent by a SunniPath student who recently became Muslim. Welcome dear sister, and we pray that gives you much barakah (blessing) and tawfiq (success) in your life, ameen.
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I say my journey to Islam began a little over 2 years ago. However, knowing what I know now, I realize that my journey began long before then.
God has always been with me. I grew up in a Christian home where I spent countless hours in Sunday school classes and church services listening to accounts that honestly made no sense. How could God be Jesus’ father? How can God be included in a Trinity? (There is only one god!). Why were there so many different versions of events (ie: Jesus’ birth) in the different gospels of the New Testament?
I was never exposed to Islam until 2006. I did not know anyone who was Muslim. I had heard of the religion, of course, but sadly it was usually only in a negative light. Here in The States, the words Muslim & Islam seem to be automatically linked with the words terror & radical extremism. It is difficult to grasp a true understanding of the religion unless one is exposed to the goodness of pious individual(s).
As Allah works His wonders, He blessed me with an acquaintance who – without even knowing – set me on my journey towards Islam. As I got to know my new friend, I was drawn to his goodness and his absolute devotion to Allah. I was amazed at how he lived his life and how he was always more concerned of those around him than he was of himself. We traded stories of our childhoods and our past difficulties in life as we tried to follow our own desires instead of turning to Allah. The more he shared with me, the more I realized that “this is it!”. Little by little I was becoming a Muslim, although I didn’t realize then.
I knew there was much to learn. I knew I had many changes to make in my life. I stopped drinking. I stopped eating pork. I started making more of an effort to become involved in volunteering and charity (things that had always been important to me). I started being more aware of my body and noticing how people responded to my words & actions.
I began reading about Islam with a fury. It was difficult at first trying to determine what was accurate and relevant to read and what I should avoid. I began to notice changes in me. I knew right away that this was what I had always been searching for – truth. Although I am (and always will be) far from perfect, I began noticing those around me making comments about changes they were seeing. I had many people ask me what I was doing as I was “glowing”.
Finding Sunni Path was a tremendous benefit.
Suddenly, all the words I had read started to make sense. In the beginning, I would become so confused trying to define words and phrases that I would read! Taking the classes really opened the floodgates to my understanding and simple things started to come together for me.
In my heart, I considered myself Muslim. I had not taken my Shahdah, I didn’t know how to pray and I still had not even met a “real life” Muslim. Yet, I knew this was where I belonged. In the Essentials of Islam course, I began speaking with a sister in the class via the forum that was followed via email. Although she was not near me, she introduced me, via email, to a friend of a friend who lives in a near-by town. This became my opportunity to take yet another step on my journey.
I registered for Living Islam (Shafi’i) for this semester (Spring 2008) and am honored to have met my dear Shaykh Abdul-Kareem Yayha. During a student/teacher session on June 4, 2008, I took my Shahdah. It was without a doubt the defining moment of my life. Even as I uttered the beautiful words, I felt – down to the core of my being – a change. It was a powerful moment solidified for me when, afterwards, Shaykh said “your voice changed!”.
I still have a lot to learn. Actually, I still have everything to learn. I have not yet visited the mosque although I plan on it soon, insha’Allah. I have not yet announced my conversion to many people in my life. I know that many are not going to understand. I pray that Allah continues to give me strength and understanding. And that those that can not accept the fact that I am Muslim will at least respect my decision.
I know that with mere words I will not be able to convey to them how at peace I am. They may not believe how happy and complete I am. I feel I am finally exactly what I was meant to be! I pray that they will be able to “see” the good in me and that will be enough for them to at least change their views on Islam.
God willing, I plan on continuing my education on Sunni Path. Deciding which class(es) to take is the biggest obstacle! The benefit of the site is beyond any words that I can put together at this moment. I do request that all the brothers & sisters, especially those who are born Muslims, especially those that have been Muslim for many years, to be patient with us “newbies”. We certainly mean no harm if we don’t respond with the correct greetings or words. We will eventually get there, insha’Allah.
Salaam,
Mabruk on your Shahadah. Welcome, welcome to the Muslim body and to Sunnipath.
“We certainly mean no harm if we don’t respond with the correct greetings or words. ”
I am not a newbie, but I agree many Muslims get bothered by some who say things the wrong way, or disclose their true feelings or thoughts. A learning process for both ends I suppose.
You just have to learn to be patient with yourself and continue to grow.
wasalaam,
Fedwa