Advise to converts and those around them
The other day at the conclusion of an Islamic program put on by a group of scholars, including Sh. Farraz Rabbani, I saw a very provactive title that came as a written response to a question posted to the Seekers Guidance Website.
“Doubts about Islam,” grabbed my attention and although my ego told me, “You don’t need to look at that, you’re a ‘good’ Muslim,” my curiosity overcame my preliminary arrogance. The original post can be found here: http://seekersguidance.org/ans-blog/2010/03/09/doubts-about-islam-i-dont-find-any-observable-effect-or-peace-in-my-worship/
The post is about a new Muslim who felt like his prayers were not benefiting him and his spirituality was non-existent.
Reading the post made think back on the times when I had first become Muslim, in 2003. Islam, back then, was quite overwhelming; I was firm that Islam was right for me, but I was still quite astounded by the breath of the religion and how much of my life was now to be governed by my new religion. There were many parts of Islam that I also didn’t understand. And although I accepted what I couldn’t grasp immediately, there was still confusion and things that I knew that I needed to investigate and clear up for my own mental reassurance.
The post I read, along with making me reflect about my early years as a convert, also made me recognize the fact that my story and my journey could in no way be dissimilar to those who came before me or those who were to accept Islam after me.
Allah (may He be glorified) says in one of the early verses to be revealed from the Qur’an, speaking to our Prophet (peace be upon him): “Soon shall We send down to thee a weighty Message.” Verses such as these make it quite clear that Islam, the Qur’an and the Prophetic events surrounding revelation are something very heavy. It’s not something that is light or easily digested. When faced with the daunting challenge of conveying the message, the Prophet (peace be upon him) himself was stressed and in a state of anxiety.
So to for the convert: Recognize that Islam is by no means be encompassable in one fell-swoop. Reformation of the self by means of Islam and a sound understanding is a process that takes years to complete. A convert should never feel that he or she is too bad, too sinful, or not Muslim enough because of past deeds or his or her current state of affairs. In addition to this, it’s also critical that a new Muslims seek knowledge and understanding of their religion to the best of their ability. They must find people who are knowledgeable, sit and learn from them as much as possible. They must also know that doubts, misgivings, and confusion about anything in Islam is 9 times out of 10 rooted from the whisperings of the Devil. The Shaitan hates all human beings and he swore to Allah (swt) that he would do his utmost to misguide and beguile human beings to the largest extent possible.
Thinking back on my own experience as a new convert, I can remember a few times in particular that there was always a sort of an undercurrent — that is, a negative pull of falsehood in my stream of conscience. So, the strange thought that I wasn’t good enough to be Muslim, or that I didn’t have enough faith, or I wasn’t a real believer, were intermittent occurrences. This, of course, would be unsettling, but through study, constancy and practice I was soon able to see the situation and these sort of apprehensions for what they were, i.e. machinations from the Devil.
There is actually a striking narration of an interaction between the Prophet (saw) and some of the Sahabah: ““We surely find within ourselves things that one of us would consider an enormity to even speak about.” So he [peace and blessings be upon him] asked, “And you have really found that [within yourselves?]“ “Yes,” they replied. “That,” he replied (peace and blessings be upon him), “is clear faith.” [Muslim, Sahih] This narration shows us that the best of the best were even susceptible to internal misgivings, but the concern and eagerness to correct ones flaws/disconcertions or the like, are all a proof of a person’s faith.
Also, know that in those areas that you lack, fall short, or simply fail, our Lord is the Most Merciful. Allah (may He be glorified) says in the Qur’an to our Prophet (peace be upon him): “Tell My servants that I am indeed the Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful; (Surat Hijr: 49) Although it is lost in translation this verse, and if not for the weakness of its style in English prose, would be accurately expressed as “TELL MY SERVANTS THAT I INDEED AM THE MOST FORGIVING, THE MOST MERCIFUL!!!!!” In this verse (among my favorites in the Qur’an), the level of reinforcement/exclamation (called tawkeed in Arabic) is among the strongest ways it could have been expressed in the Arabic language. So know that Allah (swt) has predisposed to forgiving sins and accepting the repentance of any and all who want to be pardoned for their short comings.
Now, to those Muslims around (and hopefully helping and supporting) converts: It must be understood first and foremost that Islam is a mercy to mankind. For too long in our modern day period there have are those who portray Islam in the false light of it being a religion of stricture, tightness and harshness. Allah (swt) says in the Qur’an, “And We have sent you (O Muhammad) not but as a mercy for all the worlds.” (Al-Anbiyâ 21:107) So this message and any of its teachings, practices or admonishments attached to it, are to meet the ends of attaining mercy: being merciful and establishing grace, goodwill, and benevolence in the land. So it only follows that those Muslims who take in converts and who attempt to teach them have a disposition and a strong resolve towards mercy when dealing with them. The fact is, many converts come from backgrounds that are unabashedly antithetical to Islam and it’s teachings. So we must have mercy, empathy and patience with them, while also supporting converts in any struggles that they might face. Such an approach is critical.
Lastly, for both converts and those seeking to help them, remember that du’a is the weapon of the believer. Allah answers the calls of his servants, but we must do it the right way. Among the etiquettes of supplicating to Allah (swt) is firstly praising Him and asking Him to bless our Prophet (saw), and then asking what you want. So when things seem to be tough or any one is in a bind, remember that du’a is a quick recourse to sorting things out, either for one’s self or those around them, including those converts who may be having difficulties in any aspect regarding their Islam.
Among the most beautiful and all-encompassing (i.e to be used for any occasion) dua’s in the Qur’an — in my opinion — are from Surat Ibrahim:
“38. “O our Lord! truly Thou dost know what we conceal and what we reveal: for nothing whatever is hidden from Allah, whether on earth or in heaven.
40. O my Lord! make me one who establishes regular Prayer, and also (raise such) among my offspring O our Lord! and accept Thou my Prayer.
41. “O our Lord! cover (us) with Thy Forgiveness – me, my parents, and (all) Believers, on the Day that the Reckoning will be established! “
