The universality of the religion of Islam is one of the things that appeals to both new and born Muslims the most.
This beautiful religion carries with it one message that was sent to all of mankind more than 1,400 years ago and it remains to be an all-inclusive religion that draws people in on a daily basis.
The Noble Quran and the Sunnah of Muhammad (peace be upon him) layout the perfect path for achieving the best in this Deen, or way of life. So what is it that makes Islam so irresistible that people are willing to leave the religions of their ancestors to embrace a religion that is maligned in the media and global arena?
Truth Stands Clear from Fiction
When it comes right down to it, it is the fitrah or the innate nature of a human being that pulls him back to his Lord.
An inner compass, it is that gentle nagging that causes a person to not only recognize that they’ve fallen into disbelief but actively seek a way out of it. As Allah Almighty says in the Quran:
Indeed, [O Muhammad], you do not guide whom you like, but Allah guides whom He wills. And He is most knowing of the [rightly] guided. (Quran 28:56)
You wouldn’t think that a child, at the tender age of 8-years-old, would be in sync with their fitrah. Most children of this age are busy with their friends or spending way too much time playing video games.
For Sister Jennie Fenn from the United Kingdom, it was her young son that brought the religion of Islam into her home and heart.
“He came to me with questions about Islam after making an embarrassing statement at school that Jesus cannot be God’s son,” she shares, “then one day he came home and told me he is Muslim. He had heard the adhan (call to prayer) and it was enough for him.”
The truth will always be an irresistible force that guides humankind back to our Creator, like a burst of sunshine after days of gray skies and gloom.
One Way Street
You often hear the phrase “it’s a two-way street”, which denotes various pathways whether you’re talking about relationships, individuals or even religion.
The beauty of Islam is that it is a one-way street that leads to salvation and Paradise. There are not a multitude of confusing directions, twists or turns in Islam. Most importantly, there are no potholes, pitfalls or hidden curves. The religion of Islam is easy as Allah Almighty says in the Noble Quran:
… Allah intends for you ease and does not intend for you hardship… (Quran 2:185)
For many new Muslims, the religions of their ancestors were so full of ambiguity and misguidance, that there was no clear or direct way to connect to God.
For Brother Yusuf from Kenya, at the age of 17-years-old, he began researching the religion of Islam after becoming disillusioned with his own faith. And what he discovered surprised even him and caused him to embrace the Islamic faith.
“I learned that Muslims around the world are all the same and that there is no difference even in the way that we pray.”
Having a defined path and guidance are critical for anyone seeking to connect with their Creator. The religion of Islam guides believers to the Straight Path which leads back to Allah.
An Unexpected Occurrence
Sometimes an event, an unexpected occurrence or even a chance encounter is all that it takes to guide a human being to the Islamic faith.
For me, my journey to Islam began as a 10-year-old child hanging ornaments on the Christmas tree and questioning the purpose of it all. The simple act of raising a sparkling glass bauble up to a tall evergreen branch was enough to spark my journey to Islam.
For Brother Thomas, who lives in the Zambia, he had a dream at the age of 25-years old that would illuminate his heart and send him on his own journey to the Islamic faith.
“I dreamed that I heard the adhan (call to prayer) and I followed the caller of it into the mosque. I became Muslim and, since then, never looked back.”
Through small occurrences, like a dream or even a nonsensical family tradition, Allah Almighty can open our hearts so easily and make us question our purpose in life.
Setting on a path to becoming a Muslim requires only one foot step in the right direction.
(From Discovering Islam’s archive)