The Head Cover

The Head Cover-14

Chapter 14. Embracing Islam

Jake-

I knew what I was going to do. I had already called Yusuf and asked him to pick me at the afternoon for the Friday congregation.

The religion I had learnt was the truth. I had understood that there'snothing more beautiful than Islam. I had wasted so much time, but I wasn't going to waste anymore.

Islam was that way I had been searching for. People had always seen me with disgust and a constant sneer, because I was an orphan. I was treated below everyone. But then there was Mrs. Malik, she was the epitome of kindness. She welcomed me like I was her relative, her unborn son and that made all the difference in my life, which I had been living in darkness and suffering. I learnt a lot about Islam and it made a change in my heart.


Those who deny our revelations are deaf and dumb in darkness. Whom Allah Will He sendeth astray, and whom He will He placeth on a straight path. (6:39)


I heard Yusuf saying this verse often. It made a change in me. Allah was the God who had created the earth and it was a shame that people didn't realize it. Above all, Islam was the only religion that had a solution for the problems around the world. It had solutions, systems and principles for the social, political and economic problems of the world. It had so many great ideals that would right the wrong in the modern society. Islam was a way of life that suited the dichotomous nature of man, the soul and body alike, as it was demonstrated by The Prophet (pbuh) of Allah.

I had studied Islam for a year, but then meeting Yusuf and his family, I accepted the whole truth. Islam wasn't easy. You couldn't live as you wished, however Islam was the only best way to live a genuine life, by sumbmitting yourself under the authority of God.

Islam forbid casual s3x, it forbid usury, theft and it forbid men from drinking alcohol, which was the source of all evil. Smoking was prohibited too, as was eating swine and pork.

"... And He allows to them things clean and prohibits them things unclean." (7:157)

"And do not throw yourselves into destruction." (2:195)

What more could a religion offer?

Was there a better religion out here than Islam?

I wasn't so sure, but I knew Islam offered peace to heart and it purified the poisoned soul. Cruelty was simply not a part of Islam as the medias had once shouted. Islam was kindness, the heart
of generosity.

"Who is not gifted with kindness is not gifted with any goodndss." (Muslim)

"Allah shall never look at your physique or properties, but He will see your hearts and deeds." (Muslim)

When I started to read the Qur'an, I never thought it would bring such a change, not only in me, but also in my heart. I never thought Islam could make wonder in your soul. But now I realized its power. Islam was lively and belief worthy. Meaningless life could turn into something meaningful with Islam.

I was so tired with Western ways, that when given an alternate path to choose, I readily grasped it.

"And my affair I leave to Allah." (3:174)

Yusuf had noted this Verse in the front of a book and I memorized it. Now I knew what I was going to do.

Allah selected me to truth and in truth I should live

~

That afternoon when I traveled in the car with Yusuf, we were both silent, thinking about our own problems. Yusuf suddenly broke the silence, with his words:

"Zara is hurting. She refuses to go to school."

I hadn't seen Zara for two days, but I didn't think so much into it. But now I realized. The people in our school wanted her out. They didn't want a true Muslim girl, parading proudly. And I was sad that Zara finally gave up her fights. I knew, we were all mere human. I knew Zara wouldn't give up her trust; and so she gave up her studies. I vowed I'd help her succeed. She didn't deserve this and no one could force her away from her rights.

What made me so attracted to her was her straight-forwardness; kindness; power. She was that dream girl everyone of the Muslim men wanted to reach and attain. Her beauty was her soul, her purity, her faith. And I'd help her, if Allah wished for it.

~~~

The Jum'ah prayer was over and I stood there in front of the Imam. Yusuf motioned me and said: "He wants to embrace Islam."

There was a silence among the crowd. It was so quiet that I suddenly felt sad and broken.

Then the all chorused "ALLAHU AKBAR, Allah is the Great." And my face split into a smile

I felt included here. I felt alive and refreshed.

As I pronounced the Shahadah Kalima, as I testified to the Oneness of God, I felt my heart lighten like a feather.

'Ashadhu An La-Ilaaha Illaalhu wahadahu La-Shareekalahu Wa Ashadu Anna Muhammadan Abduhu Wa-Rasooluhu!'

Now I was officially a Muslim.

"Son, being a true Muslim is never easy. Don't stop praying five times a day. It's what seperates a Muslim from a dis-beleiver. Escape from Hell fire's wrath by offering Charity to poor and orphan, whatever you can give. Don't supplicate your prayer to anyone but Allah. Never call another God in place of Allah. May you be a true muslim, Riaz Muhammad."

Riaz-  my new name. I cheered inside.

"I will be a Muslim, not only in name, but in every single deeds. In Shaa Allah."

This was the happiest day in my life. I was a Muslim. That thought made me smile wider.

"Let us go to home. Mom will be happy to know." Yusuf said.

Will Zara be happy, I want to ask, but didn't ask it out loud.

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