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 peacefulness 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). Remember 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 NONMUSLIM LIFESTYLE, YOU ARE SETTING A BAD EXAMPLE FOR ISLAM AND MUSLIMS.
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