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on 17-07-2002 22:40
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With the Name of Allah, the Merciful Benefactor, the Merciful Redeemer
*Masjid (Arabic word meaning "place of prostration" In this case it refers to an Islamic Center)
Raymond had been studying Islam for months. When he first learned of it, he was unsure. Determined in his search for Truth, however, he diligently studied the Quran and Islamic books. Finally, on a crisp autumn day, in front of 30 MSA members, Raymond publicly said the shahada for the first time. "Allahu Akbar (God is Greater)" echoed everywhere from the prayer rugs
up to the small dome of the masjid. The love and Iman (faith) swelled in the prayer area until the believers were seemingly outnumbered by angels.
A handful of brothers stayed that evening with Ray until the latest hours of the night discussing salaat (obligatory prayer), Quranic recitation, life, marriage, and adab (manners). Then, around 2 AM, the lights in the masjid went off, and the people went home.
As Ray went home, his spirit was soaring. He bathed as soon as he got home and made the special night prayer. The next day, there were no activities in the masjid. Ray went to all 5 prayers, but only 3 or 4 brothers were there. The same thing occurred on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. As soon as prayer was over, the few people that were there ispersed. Even on Friday, the Muslims greeted each other and said kind words, but that spark, that light was still off in the masjid. Ray had so many questions, but everyone seemed busy and unapproachable.
Ray began to struggle with his prayer. Many people took the time to teach him the movements and even the Arabic pronunciation, but he had no idea what it all meant. He began to see the Muslims getting involved in petty disputes. They argued over the most frivolous things. One person even said to him that if they were all to sit down and discuss the Oneness of Allah, they would still disagree.
Rays struggling soon turned into depression. Sisters who took off their hijabs as soon as they left the masjid, brothers who only prayed on Fridays, and a community that seemed to only agree on being disunited began to take its toll on Rays morale.
He felt so alone. He prayed to Allah every night to show him if he was on the straight path. He soon began to question everything. Finally, Ray had enough. He left the masjid one Friday afternoon and vowed never to return again. He never did. For a year or so, he still prayed, fasted, and lived an Islamic lifestyle. Gradually, however, he grew a longing to belong to some group..any group. He was sick of his isolated little world. He began hanging out with people who drank, smoked, and fornicated on a regular basis.
One day, one of the brothers from the masjid passed Ray on the sidewalk as Ray was on his way to a party. He completely forgot about the party and became overcome with joy. "As-salaaaaaamu alaikum!!!"(peace be upon you) Ray shouted as he approached the unsuspecting brother. The brother turned bright red, looked to either side of the street at the passing pedestrians, and replied, "Hi, how are you?" Ray shook his head in disgust. He never uttered those words of peace again.
Part 2
Last update : 17-07-2002 22:40
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