Frank_H_Smith
New Revert 2010
As Salamu 'Alaykum,
I was invited by written invitation to an informal meeting to discuss "how to avoid making regrettable decisions." The meeting was being held in the home of one of my neighbors whom I did not know. My wife was visiting with my biological sisters; so, I thought I would go and see what it was. When I arrived there were only a small number of people of whom I knew one by name and one by sight. Before the meeting formally commenced, I was asked, "What denomination are you, Frank." I proudly announced that I am a new Muslim.
The long space is for the silence in the room. After what seemed a very long time, the person whose home it was asked politely, "Why are you a Muslim?"
I brief explained that I loved Allah and the more I learned about Islam the more I knew it was where I belonged.
The meeting started and there was very generic questions about "Who had done things they regretted later?" " What could a person do to avoid those types of mistakes?" "How can we know what is appropriate behavior and correct choices?" Then gradually the conversation moved toward the Bible.
The announcement was made that each week there would be a meeting to learn what the Bible had to say about making choices.
The entire time I was there Qur'anic Ayat sounded within my head (I should say English Translation of Avat from Al Qur'an). I am not saying they were word for word or even and entire Ayah at a time. But, the meaning was clear that I had no business being part of this group. They were all nice people, but they weren't professed Muslim and they definitely didn't understand who Yeshua was or Tawheed.
I realized that even good intentions by People of The Book can feel wrong to a Muslim. I wanted to leave. I wanted to corrected there misconceptions about Allah and his prophets. I wanted to purchase copies of Al Qur'an and say, "Please, read this and you will understand why I call myself a Muslim and left (I know, those of you who are reading this are saying "learn more Qur'an and Arabic and stop using The Bible to express yourself. ) Christianity.
From my inner most being, I can say that the most important thing to me isn't that my wife and I avoid Hell Fire. The most important thing for me isn't that I live a prosperous or long life. Them most important thing isn't status, comfort, or any of the things people who are not Muslims: wealth, power, prestige, health, happiness, etc. The most important thing in my life, even when I fall short of the mark, is to please Allah. It is such a privilege after such a long spiritual journey to finally have a peace and assurance that I have once again found that Path of Submission to Allah.
And, now just to check if anyone ,other than those dear Muslim Brothers and Sisters who tolerate my longwindedness and still answer my questions and send me private messages or help and encouragement, actually read my posts, I have a question: What does the following Ayah mean and is it is it wrong based on this or any other Ayah to ask for prayer?
Al-Anbiya
He knoweth what is before them and what is behind them, and they cannot intercede except for him whom He accepteth, and they quake for awe of Him. (28)
سُوۡرَةُ الاٴنبیَاء
يَعۡلَمُ مَا بَيۡنَ أَيۡدِيہِمۡ وَمَا خَلۡفَهُمۡ وَلَا يَشۡفَعُونَ إِلَّا لِمَنِ ٱرۡتَضَىٰ وَهُم مِّنۡ خَشۡيَتِهِۦ مُشۡفِقُونَ (٢٨)
And, if it is alright for Muslims to ask for Du'a, I have in addition to my long chronic pain and disabilities, a new medical problem (only six or seven months) severe pain, tenderness, and swelling in my neck. My Oldest sister who worked as a nurse in the operating room and has had cancer and lost her husband to cancer told me that it may be either a serious infection or cancer.Alhamdulillah. I am not looking for pity or admiration, but if it is permissible, I would appreciate you remember me in when doing your Du'a that I continue to please Allah and that I live or die a Muslim. My health has prevented me from making my Shahadah physically before Muslim and I tell anyone who asks that "I am a Muslim." and when asked why I think:
"Ashhadu an la ilaha illa 'llah; ashhadu anna Muhammadan rasulu 'llah"
I want only the best for each of you. The more I use English Search Engines, the more I feel that on behalf of all decent English Speakers I need to apologize to every Muslim for the garbage that is put on the web concerning Islam. I can't do a single search without having to wade through a mountain of garbage propaganda. I use to refer to myself as a paranoid, but now I think cynical or realistic would be better. Only Shaitan could propagate such lies and negativity against those who seek to worship Allah and peacefully live in submission to His Perfect Will.
I was invited by written invitation to an informal meeting to discuss "how to avoid making regrettable decisions." The meeting was being held in the home of one of my neighbors whom I did not know. My wife was visiting with my biological sisters; so, I thought I would go and see what it was. When I arrived there were only a small number of people of whom I knew one by name and one by sight. Before the meeting formally commenced, I was asked, "What denomination are you, Frank." I proudly announced that I am a new Muslim.
The long space is for the silence in the room. After what seemed a very long time, the person whose home it was asked politely, "Why are you a Muslim?"
I brief explained that I loved Allah and the more I learned about Islam the more I knew it was where I belonged.
The meeting started and there was very generic questions about "Who had done things they regretted later?" " What could a person do to avoid those types of mistakes?" "How can we know what is appropriate behavior and correct choices?" Then gradually the conversation moved toward the Bible.
The announcement was made that each week there would be a meeting to learn what the Bible had to say about making choices.
The entire time I was there Qur'anic Ayat sounded within my head (I should say English Translation of Avat from Al Qur'an). I am not saying they were word for word or even and entire Ayah at a time. But, the meaning was clear that I had no business being part of this group. They were all nice people, but they weren't professed Muslim and they definitely didn't understand who Yeshua was or Tawheed.
I realized that even good intentions by People of The Book can feel wrong to a Muslim. I wanted to leave. I wanted to corrected there misconceptions about Allah and his prophets. I wanted to purchase copies of Al Qur'an and say, "Please, read this and you will understand why I call myself a Muslim and left (I know, those of you who are reading this are saying "learn more Qur'an and Arabic and stop using The Bible to express yourself. ) Christianity.
From my inner most being, I can say that the most important thing to me isn't that my wife and I avoid Hell Fire. The most important thing for me isn't that I live a prosperous or long life. Them most important thing isn't status, comfort, or any of the things people who are not Muslims: wealth, power, prestige, health, happiness, etc. The most important thing in my life, even when I fall short of the mark, is to please Allah. It is such a privilege after such a long spiritual journey to finally have a peace and assurance that I have once again found that Path of Submission to Allah.
And, now just to check if anyone ,other than those dear Muslim Brothers and Sisters who tolerate my longwindedness and still answer my questions and send me private messages or help and encouragement, actually read my posts, I have a question: What does the following Ayah mean and is it is it wrong based on this or any other Ayah to ask for prayer?
Al-Anbiya
He knoweth what is before them and what is behind them, and they cannot intercede except for him whom He accepteth, and they quake for awe of Him. (28)
سُوۡرَةُ الاٴنبیَاء
يَعۡلَمُ مَا بَيۡنَ أَيۡدِيہِمۡ وَمَا خَلۡفَهُمۡ وَلَا يَشۡفَعُونَ إِلَّا لِمَنِ ٱرۡتَضَىٰ وَهُم مِّنۡ خَشۡيَتِهِۦ مُشۡفِقُونَ (٢٨)
And, if it is alright for Muslims to ask for Du'a, I have in addition to my long chronic pain and disabilities, a new medical problem (only six or seven months) severe pain, tenderness, and swelling in my neck. My Oldest sister who worked as a nurse in the operating room and has had cancer and lost her husband to cancer told me that it may be either a serious infection or cancer.Alhamdulillah. I am not looking for pity or admiration, but if it is permissible, I would appreciate you remember me in when doing your Du'a that I continue to please Allah and that I live or die a Muslim. My health has prevented me from making my Shahadah physically before Muslim and I tell anyone who asks that "I am a Muslim." and when asked why I think:
"Ashhadu an la ilaha illa 'llah; ashhadu anna Muhammadan rasulu 'llah"
I want only the best for each of you. The more I use English Search Engines, the more I feel that on behalf of all decent English Speakers I need to apologize to every Muslim for the garbage that is put on the web concerning Islam. I can't do a single search without having to wade through a mountain of garbage propaganda. I use to refer to myself as a paranoid, but now I think cynical or realistic would be better. Only Shaitan could propagate such lies and negativity against those who seek to worship Allah and peacefully live in submission to His Perfect Will.