Page 8 - Issue 26

The Islamic Bulletin Volume X X No. 26 Page 8
calamity, or is taken over by a situation beyond his control). The
man asked me, “Are you a sheikh or a professional gambler?” So
I told him, “Do you want to win?” He answered “yes.” So I said,
“Come and talk to 2 brothers about
Islam. Then I swear to you that you will
come back and win.” Instead of telling
this man that gambling is prohibited in
Islam, I’m telling him to go back in and
he will win. The man then joked with
me that whatever place I play at, he
will make sure to not play against me.
When I think about my early days and
how far I have come in my religion,
sometimes I blush from embarrassment.
After returning to our room, some of the brothers had
prepared lunch for the entire group. Another brother brought me
coffee the way I liked it, with a splash of milk. They told me that
I had a long drive back to Denver, so they wanted to make sure
that I ate well. It was at this moment that I felt a complete
change in my entire being—a feeling of humbleness engulfed
me. I went outside, called my wife and told her I was going to
spend 40 days with the brothers. When the brothers wanted to
see me off, I told them I wanted to spend forty days with them.
They were very happy about this and I had a different intention
before I came to Las Vegas, but subhanallah it changed.
We continued on our journey; stopping in Salt Lake City,
Los Angeles, and beautiful San Francisco. I started growing a
beard, and the brothers commented that my face had so much
light. My entire life changed because of these 40 days spent. I
now felt peace and tranquility.
When I came back home, my wife was surprised by
how I looked, for I had grown a beard. But even more surprising
than that were my actions. She couldn’t believe that I had
changed so dramatically. I was a better husband, more
compassionate and caring.
After returning home to Denver, there was a group of
brothers who were planning to spend 4 months abroad, visiting
India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. They asked me to join them. I
was a bit hesitant, not knowing what to expect, but after
discussing it with my wife, we both agreed that it was something
good for me to do. So, I spent the next 4 months of my life
visiting Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh.
These were the best 4 months of my life! I was able to
work on perfecting my Islamic qualities and especially becoming
punctual with my salah. This was also the time that I reflected
on my purpose of life and I became more God-conscious. The
atmosphere allowed me to become a better Muslim; all the
while contemplating on ways to become a better husband and
father. In addition, the Islamic environment enabled me to
totally work on bettering myself, listening to the lectures of the
different scholars, and very importantly, sharing, talking and
learning from my fellow Muslim brothers. The time that I was
spending abroad was whizzing by and I had a lot of things to
learn. Even though I was aware of many things before, I never
really understood my Islamic duties nor did I realize that we, as
Muslims, are responsible for the entire Ummah.
Looking back on my life, I am thankful to Allah (SWT)
that He has blessed me with His Guidance. For without Allah,
we are nothing. After returning from my trip, I became even
more successful in business. My two brothers became my
business partners and Allah has blessed us with a successful and
halal business. Guidance has also come to my two brothers; one
of them became more religious than all of us. Alhamdullilah.
Since I took Islam back, I feel like Allah (Suhanahu wa Ta’ala –
Who is High and Glorious) is in control of my life…. my life feels
in control again. I feel like I have Allah’s (Suhanahu wa Ta’ala)
help now.
It has been many years now since I’ve found my way
back to Islam. Sometimes when people are born Muslim, we
tend to take it for granted everything that Islam has to offer.
When I now read different stories of converts and how they
came to Islam, I get very touched by their stories. There are so
many Muslims today who do not realize the beauty and peace-
fulness of this religion. We are so eager to search elsewhere and
find happiness in other things—whether it be friends, partying,
music, drinking, etc. Sometimes it takes something very small; in
my case a much needed ‘wake-up’ call from some Muslim
brothers who really cared about helping and reaching out to their
Muslim community.
Instead of division into separate groups, we should remember
that we are all one Muslim Ummah (community). Each of us has
a responsibility of reviving the effort of the Prophet Mohammed
(SAW) and reminding the Muslims of their responsibilities and
good qualities.
That is why when I am now asked to give motivational talks to
our Muslim youth, my message to them is to “fear Allah”. By
choosing to practice a non-Muslim lifestyle, you are setting a bad
example for Islam and Muslims. If the lifestyle you are living is
an un-Islamic one, you are paying the price of hurting not just
your own life, but you are also paying the price of blocking the
hedayah for non-Muslims in this country.
Living my life as an American, I feel obligated to stand up for
Islam, and I would hope that other Muslims feel the same way,
too. In a Muslim country you are able to kick back; you are a
spectator, rather than a person who wants to take charge of
things and take the initiative.
America has been a blessing from day one. It gives us freedom
of religion, and freedom to practice Islam and to prosper in
Islam. America was created by immigrants from Europe who had
escaped religious persecution. This is the same scenario for many
of the Muslims in America today. They also had to escape their
Muslim countries because of fear and persecution. And they
found opportunity, compassion, and acceptance in America.
To me, there is no such thing as a foreign country or this and
that…everything is created by Allah and everything belongs to
Allah. So it is not an ownership, nor a citizenship; wherever I
land as a Muslim, it is my country and I work and strive to make
a positive difference. I hope that September 11th has not
changed that and that there is not a backlash; I hope that it
doesn’t change the compassion that this country has.
It is important for every Muslim to do their share to
spread peace, love, and compassion in the world. Remember
the words of Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him). Remem-
ber the kindness that one should have towards human beings
and all living things. Every Muslim, regardless of where they are,
should carry this message.
I cannot conclude my story if I do not give full credit
to where credit is due. Of course, nothing happens without
the will of Allah. And I know that Allah is the best of
planners. However, I am also indebted to Sheikh Mabruk
(May Allah have mercy on his soul) who so tirelessly and
patiently affected so many Muslims lives. I for one would not
be the Muslim man I am today without his efforts (and other
brothers such as him).
It had always been his dream to be buried in Medina.
While performing the Hajj, Sheikh Mabruk died in Mecca and
was buried in Medina. May Allah have mercy on him.
BY CHOOSING TO PRACTICE A NON -
MUSLIM LIFESTYLE , YOU ARE SETTING
A BAD EXAMPLE FOR ISLAM AND
MUSLIMS .