| By ,
on 17-07-2002 20:15
|
Views : 1128  |
Favoured : 29 |
Published in : , Stories |
With the Name of Allah, the Merciful Benefactor, the Merciful Redeemer
Part 1
"Look, its simple, just say SubhanAllah 33 times, al-hamdulillah 33 times..."
"Wait a minute," said Patricia, interrupting her new friend, Radia, "I need to practice it. Is it alhamdilah?"
"Listen ukhti," replied Radia, "Al-hamdu...lilah, Al-hamdulillah."
Patricia was trying so hard to keep up with all the Arabic terms, "Now whats an oktee?"
"Youre not paying attention, sister. Perhaps you need a break," Radia said.
The events of the day had not yet even settled in Patricias mind. 2 hours ago she was Christian. Now, she was a hijab-wearing, arabic-quoting, masjid-going muslimah. She had to try hard even to remember what all had taken place during what seemed to be the busiest day of her life. She was only 19, so the she had seen many busy days in college...this, however, topped them all.
It was well worth it, though. She pondered about how she had come to the realization that Al-Islam was her path. It made her almost come to tears remembering the beauty of the Quran. "Al-hamdu-lillah," she said softly to herself. She spent 3 more hours at the masjid learning salaat and talking with the sisters. It was sisters night, after all, and Radia was the one who had invited her to come talk with them. Patricia never would have guessed that shed leave the masjid that night as a muslimah.
Patricia couldnt believe she had been blessed to meet such wonderful people and learn such a wonderful religion all in one night. It almost seemed like a dream. Slowly, however, she started to come out of that dream. What would she tell her mother? How would she explain this? Will it be hard to wear hijab? The more she sat in the masjid, the more questions that arose. It didnt seem like the appropriate time to ask. So, she went home that night without asking any questions. Her hijab went into her book bag until she could get the courage to tell her mother.
The following night, Patricia awoke from a dream terrified. She immediately called Radia and asked for suggestions. "Radia, how should I tell my mother that Im Muslim."
"Why are you worried about her, ukhti? You should be nice to your mother, but she is kaffir. Just tell her and invite her to Islam. If she says no, leave her alone."
"But I love my mother," Patricia replied as her voice trembled, trying to hold back the tears.
"You should not love kaffir. Who is more important, Allah or your mother?"
"Allah is, of course."
"Then, do what you have to do," Radia said confidently.
The next morning, Patricia told her mother of her acceptance of Islam. Her mother, usually the town talker, was literally speechless. Her mother finally told Patricia that she was free to do whatever she felt was best, but that she did not like her associating with Muslims. Patricia told her mother she should accept Islam for her salvation. Her mother quickly told her no. Patricia became saddened by her mothers rejection.
Later that week, Radia met Patricia in the park for lunch. It was a quiet, breezy day. The somber expression on Patricias face, however, indicated to Radia that something was bothering her.
"Whats wrong, ukhti?" Radia asked.
"My mother wants to remain a kaffir," said Patricia.
"Well, you have done all you can. Forget about her."
"But shes my mother!"
"The Ummah is your mother now. Like I said, respect her, but do not let her influence you." Radia said sternly.
Patricia nodded, took at bite of her sandwich with her right hand and brought her can of juice up to her lips with her left hand.
"No!!!" screamed Radia, "Only your right hand ukhti."
"Why does everything have to be so complicated with you?" Patricia said in a fit of frustration.
"Ukhti, you must learn to do things exactly as the Quran and sunnah has shown you."
Patricia again nodded and then quickly turned to Radia. She thought for a second, wondering if she should question her Muslim sister. Then, she decided she needed answers, so she set down her food and said to Radia, "So, where in the Quran and Sunnah does it say Im supposed to forget about my mother?"
Radia chuckled, "Ukhti, you are new to Islam. You should listen to those who are more learned than you. You are not ready to interpret the things you read."
Later that day, Patricia went to the university bookstore to buy a book for her sociology class. The lines were long, and the bookstore was crowded. She modestly approached the "express line" and quickly found herself sandwiched between a woman she didnt know and a young man who was listening to a walk man. She said, "Excuse me" loud enough to get the young mans attention. He removed his headphones and said, "Hey, are you Muslim?"
"Yes," she replied.
"Whats your name?"
"Patricia. Whats yours?"
"Ray," the young man said, "I used to be Muslim."
Patricia frowned at Ray, "Why on earth would you leave this wonderful Deen?"
"Man, so many of these Muslims are hypocrites. Besides, Islam was too hard," said Ray.
"I dont think so," said Patricia, "Ive only been Muslim a week, and I can tell you that a lot of the Muslims who give us a hard time are not really practicing Islam. Allah tells us in the Quran that He does not wish to place any difficulties upon us. Islam should not be hard. You should study Islam for yourself and not let the actions of other people influence your life. You do not need other people to practice Islam."
Ray couldnt find words to express his feelings. Actually, he was quite unsure what his
feelings were. He suddenly realized how far he had strayed from what he knew was right simply because the Muslims around him did not accept him. He realized that he had not done any good nor harm to those people by leaving the masjid never to return.
"Youre right," Ray said, "I just dont understand why no one cares what happens when the lights go off in the masjid."
"Allah knows best, brother," said Patricia.
"Yes, He does," Ray said with a smile.
The End
Last update : 17-07-2002 20:15
|
|
|
(0 vote)
