The story of a convert by Brother Ali Ja’afary Stump part 2

 

“In the Name of ALLAH, the Beneficent, the Merciful”

Into the Light of Islam

The deep regret and repentance I felt traveled with me at all times, along with the new light of hope. Until this day I ask myself WHY? Why did ALLAH Azz wa Jall open my heart, why did he fill me with so much love, never did I ever do anything to ever deserve one tiny little small microscopic blessing or mercy. But ALLAH (swt) gave me the greatest and biggest blessing man can ever possibly want and need.

ALLAH opened my heart to ISLAM in HIS Enormous and never-ending Generosity, HE gave me the opportunity to strive in his way and possibly enter paradise to live in felicity and blissful happiness for all eternity. And every day that I raise from my bed I thank ALLAH (swt) for this amazing chance; I reflect and thank ALLAH (swt) for this is possibly my last day in this life. And I go to sleep at night thanking ALLAH (swt), reflecting and knowing that the Angel of death may take me tonight. Truly ALLAH (swt) saved me from the darkest possible place on earth, and HE filled me with the greatest of lights, the Light of truth, the Light of ISLAM. Glory to ALLAH (swt) THE MOST HIGH, THE MOST MERCIFUL. I became very interested in studying Islam in a deeper way, I tried to get knowledge where I could, I began to buy many books on many different Islamic subjects. It’s now been about 4 years since I’ve embraced Islam, I now have over 400 books about Islam in my home, until now I’ve read over 130 books on different Islamic issues (Alhamdulillah wa Shukranlillah), I read constantly and study what I read, I try to practise what I learn. I dedicate all the free time I get in order to learn more, not out of obligation, but out of pure and deep love for ALLAH (swt). I’ve chosen to follow the school of the Ahlul-Bayt (a-s), and when I embraced Islam with all of its glory, I embraced it as a Shia. For Shi’ism was the only logical way to the True Islam. I now hope Insha’ALLAH to have an opportunity to advance and to go to study in the Hawza and to gain even more closeness to my most beloved Lord ALLAH Azz wa Jall, I truly pray that this opportunity will come to me Insha’ALLAH. “Therefore remember ME, I will remember you, and be thankful to ME, and do not be ungrateful to ME”?. (The Holy Qur’an 1 Al-Baqarah 152)

My Teacher:

I am also constantly blessed by ALLAH (swt) in so many different ways. One week after converting to Islam, I decided that it would be very important to learn Arabic in order to understand many of the deeper meanings of the Holy Qur’an and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (saww) and his Ahlul-Bayt (a-s). With the guidance of ALLAH (swt) I obtained the name and phone number of a scholar, I contacted him and met him at his office. He was very kind and has been extremely patient with me. He taught me the Arabic alphabet then to read, write and speak. May ALLAH (swt) bless him and his family with the best of blessings both in this life and for the hereafter. He also showed me the Salat (prayer) and many other Islamic Issues; he became a best friend, a trustworthy companion and the very best of brothers. He always took the best care of me since the beginning. May ALLAH Azz wa Jall be pleased with him. “They shall have the abode of peace with their Lord, and He is their guardian because of what they did”?. (The Holy Qur’an 6 Al-An’am127) “Surely (as for) those who believe and do good deeds for them will ALLAH bring about love”? (The Holy Qur’an 19 Maryam 96)

My Brothers:

As I began to understand more about the deeper aspects of Islam, I began to visit Masjids (mosques) and met many good and supportive brothers. I also got the chance to exchange ideals and knowledge with them. Many of them took a lot of care to be sure I was always comfortable in all circumstances. They always made me feel very happy. They truly have a place in my heart and all my support in all occasions. The brotherhood they showed me, I never thought possible before I embraced Islam. To them all I owe many thanks, they have followed the lead of their Prophet Muhammad (saww) in promoting equality and brotherly love. Surely, I can never say enough good things about them, they are an example for all. They are truly righteous and good. Imam Sajjad (a-s) said: “The meeting of the righteous invites you to goodness”? (Bihar-ul-Anwar, vol.78, p.151)

Our Community:

The support and good hearts of the people of our Islamic community shines like no other. We must continue to spread the true message of Islam; we are the guides for the ignorant and lost. We must now more than ever stand together in a strong bond, so we can reach even further and go beyond our expectations. We must not forget we are the followers of the religion of ALLAH (swt) and it is this religion that HE chose for our Prophet Muhammad (saww) and for all of mankind. Believe me brothers and sisters if you knew what life was like far away from Islam, you would protect your beliefs, your morals and your Islamic faith above all things and until your death. We must not forget that our Imam; Imam Muhammad Al-Mahdi (a-s) (may ALLAH (swt) hurry his advent) will re-appear, we must be an outstanding community to receive such a great honour and privilege. And by the power of ALLAH Azz wa Jall he will be commanded to judge amongst us. We must be to him as the companions of Imam Hussayn (a-s) were to Imam Hussayn (a-s) on the Day of Ashura in Karbala. I thank you all for your continuous support. Imam Ali (a-s) said: “The best of you are those whom when seen remind the people of ALLAH (swt)”? (Mishkat-ul-Anwar fi Ghuraril-Akhbar Hadith # 525)

 

As for myself:

It is very difficult for me to put into words all the greatness and all the blessings and peace Islam has given to me. For all of us it is not so important how and when we became a Muslim (by birth or by conversion), it is much more important the fact that this extraordinary blessing of purity and truth has deeply touched and effected our lives and it is at very least our duty to protect it, to follow and obey the word of ALLAH Azz wa Jall (The Holy Qur’an), to follow the teachings of our beloved and infallible Prophet Muhammad (saww) and his pure and infallible Ahlul-Bayt (a-s). I pray that I may be successful in my travel towards the Straight Path. I strive to turn away from this transitory life’s material distractions, I tremble and shake to be one who on The Day of Judgement has a bright and clear face and not a blacken and mournful face. I beg and plead to ALLAH (swt) to please give me protection from all evils around, in front, in back, above, below me and those contained within me. I cry and repent to ALLAH (swt) for guidance in all my affairs and to make me one who lives completely and only to be close and near to ALLAH (swt). I beseech and Implore for forgiveness for all the sins, errors, misdeeds, transgressions, offences and wicked acts that I had committed, that I am committing, and that I will commit. All praises and all thanks are to ALLAH (swt) The CREATOR and The ORIGINATOR of absolutely all existence; never can I thank ALLAH Azz wa Jall enough for saving me from the horrible darkness that I lived in and the most atrocious hell fire I was preparing for myself in my extreme ignorance. Now the veil has dropped to the ground around me and for the first time in my life I can see the TRUTH. O ALLAH, please protect us from the fire, O ALLAH, bless Muhammad and his Ahlul-Bayt just as THOU hast guided us by him! Bless Muhammad and his Ahlul-Bayt just as THOU hast rescued us through him! Bless Muhammad and his Ahlul-Bayt with a blessing that will intercede for us on the Day of Resurrection, the day of neediness toward you! THOU art powerful over everything, and that is easy for YOU! “ALLAH is the guardian of those who believe. HE brings them out of the darkness into the light”? (The Holy Qur’an 2 Al-Baqarah 257).

 

A Very Special Thank-you:

I wish to thank all the entire Community of Islam and in particular my very dear brothers at Al-Hawra.com and Masjid Al-Hawra Zainab (a-s) Foundation for all of their support and encouragement, for their great friendship and brotherhood. May ALLAH AZZ wa JALL bless them and their families.

The most meaningless and insignificant: Brother Ali Ja’afary Stump.