30 for 30: Taraweeh Reflections Day 13
The bottle is apple cider by the way. Don’t need the haram police on my head.
Reflecting on day thirteen, I find myself admiring and moved by the journey of reverting to Islam. Their path, brightened by newfound faith and dedication, serves as a great reminder of the depth and richness of Islam, a treasure often overlooked by those of us born into it. Watching reverts embrace Islam, witnessing their love for the deen grow, and observing their dedication to learning and understand Islam fills my heart with indescribable joy.
Today, after Taraweeh, the beloved Imam Ibrahim Sacko invited three reverts to the front of the jama’ah. He interviewed them on their journey, how they found Islam, who gave them their shahada, and their first experiences as Muslims. As they began speaking, the whole masjid turned to listen with close ears; everyone was very quiet; the humming sound of the heaters above us was the beat for the bars these brothers were spitting. Listening to them talk about Islam with such grace was so beautiful, I shed a tear wallahi. I witnessed how these brothers grabbed Islam with two hands and handled it with so much care, grace, and intentionality that I quite frankly can't say for myself. Their willingness to explore, hunger for knowledge, and passion for the opportunity to practice Islam was inspiring.
Their journey mirrors my own in unexpected ways. Although I haven't experienced the dramatic shift of conversion, their eagerness to rekindle the flame of faith felt familiar. Being born into Islam means nothing if you don't take the time to learn it. I struggled with this for years throughout my years in high school and early college. There I was with the ultimate gift from Allah, having had the chance to be born into Islam but looking for guidance elsewhere. Today's experience is pushing me to get in my bag, dive deeper into the teachings, and rediscover the profound wisdom and guidance embedded within the Quran and Sunnah.
The beauty of their journey lies not only in the fresh perspectives they bring but also in the silent yet powerful invitation to us all: to renew our commitment, embrace the depth of our faith, and live Islam with the intention and sincerity it deserves.
In their journey, I see a reflection of my potential, a reminder that the path of spiritual growth is never-ending. It is a continuous process of learning, stumbling, and rising again, fueled by the desire to draw closer to Allah and embody His teachings in every aspect of my life.
This Ramadan, I am grateful for the presence of reverts in my community. Their journey is a gift, a source of inspiration and motivation. They remind me of Islam's beauty and transformative power, and they encourage me to be a better Muslim and to live a life that reflects the values of my faith with sincerity and dedication.
