In special Ramadan night, rappers, boxers, and celebrities gathered to break their Ramadan fast and share their journey towards embracing Islam.
The event, titled Emirati Iftar Experience, was hosted by Dar Al-Ber Society and the Islamic Information Centre, Khaleej Times reported.
American former rapper, Amir Muhaddith, popularly known by his stage name Loon, was among attendants who shared his experience hearing the adhan for the first time.
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“In 2005, I was in the UAE for a layover while I was going to Tanzania. And that was the first time I heard the Adhan (call to prayer), it struck cords with me. After that I travelled to a lot countries and finally in 2008, when I was at a hotel in Abu Dhabi, I became a Muslim,” said Amir.
“In 2011, I was invited to give a talk on Islam in the UAE and on the Emirati experience. A suhoor was spread for me, my wife and my daughter, and it was grand. That was the Emirati experience for me. I recently became a resident of UAE during the blessed month of Ramadan,” added Amir.
Amir sees Ramadan as an opportunity to get closer to Allah. “We all are born with this natural disposition that there is only one god,” he said.
Three time world champion in different weight class, Gambian-Swedish professional boxer Badou Jack, also attended the event with his son.
“My dad was a Muslim and I grew up with my mom. I took the Shahada when I was just 16 years old. I wasn’t practicing Islam to the fullest, but whenever I took a step closer to Allah, he took a thousand steps towards me,” said the former world champion.
Purpose of Life
Abdul Rahman, a Londoner and a resident of UAE, also shared his journey to Islam which started at the age of 18.
Raised as an atheist, his life changed began at a party when a question about the purpose of existence ignited a quest for meaning nearly 32 years ago.
“After months of contemplation and study, I embraced Islam, finding solace and purpose in its teachings, convinced of the existence of a creator and the guidance provided through divine revelation. This pivotal moment marked the beginning of my spiritual journey, shaping my world view and guiding my path forward,” said Abdul Rahman.
“Before I became a Muslim, my life was all about having fun. I went to nightclubs, partied a lot, and did all sorts of things. But deep down, I wasn’t really happy. True happiness, I learned, isn’t just about having fun. It’s about finding peace, even when things aren’t going well. And that’s what I found in Islam,” said Abdul Rahman.
“Now, no matter what’s happening in my life – whether it’s good or bad – I always feel peaceful. I know that life is a test from Allah, and it’s up to me to handle it with faith,” he added.
Dar al Ber Society (DABS) is a charitable organization funded by the Government of Dubai.
The Society has a declared mission to provide the needy with humanitarian assistance, reflecting the spirit of brotherhood an achieve solidarity based on human values, the national spirit and Islamic principles.