Online Store Review: Middle Eastern Mall

It's not like I want this place to turn into one of those hijab fashion and style blogs flooding the internet, but I recently made an online hijab and accessories order from one store, and since I had nothing but good things to say about it, I thought I'd showcase the store on here.

I love browsing through catalogues and online hijab stores, but since I already have a decent collection of oblongs and squares, I don't really purchase much of these things online. However, I've had a gorgeous black sheer chiffon amira (pull on / slip on) hijab with detailed sequin-work in my collection, which I've always been unable to wear because I did not have the proper underscarf for it. None of the regular underscarves would work, because those only cover the hair and ears at most, but since my scarf is so thin and sheer, I would need a longer underscarf that could cover my neck as well.

I searched a lot for one-piece amira hijabs, but to my surprise, its not easy to find them at all. Either stores don't carry them, or they were really high-priced. I mean, I am not about to pay $15 for a basic 1 piece scarf plus $10 shipping - that is just insane! But finally, after going through dozens of stores, I decided to ask around on the forums I go to and someone recommended I should try Middle Eastern Mall.

Alhamdulillah for this store! I had spent an entire weekend searching and searching for 1 piece amiras, but no luck. However, this place is amira heaven! They have 1 piece and 2 piece scarves in so many different styles, I was looking at their website for hours. And everything is so reasonably priced.  I subscribed to their emails, and they have so many sales and price-cuts, its amazing. Last weekend, I placed my order, and my package arrived lightning fast. I am *very* pleased with their products.

They had the perfect thing I had been looking for: Worry-free Underscarves. They are just basic slip on hijabs, however they are really short so they only are able to cover up until the neckline. And at only around $5.00, this would have been the perfect thing to buy - but they were out of stock with the black ones, and I really needed to get mine within a week because I had planned to wear my sheer sequin scarf to an event I needed to go to. So, I decided to get a black simple amira instead. (Worry-frees are back in stock now, in all sorts of colors! Check them out.) I also decided to get some arm sleeves in more colors, because I currently only have them in light green, beige and cream.

After placing my order, my package arrived within the same week, which was a very nice surprise. On opening my package, I discovered everything was packaged and wrapped so beautifully! Once, I'd ordered some sleeve-gauntlets online from a different store, however, the sleeves were just wrapped in some clear plastic wrap. However, with Middle Eastern Mall, all the products I'd ordered came in their original pretty packaging, complete with the "Made in Syria" or "Made in Jordan." stickers. All the sleeves were "Made in China" - this really amused me for some reason. The packaging especially, I thought was pretty impressive, because you can tell you're buying something new and unopened.

I bought six items in total: three Arm Sleeves in Pink, Gray and Black; a black cotton 1 piece amira (which I need to use as an underscarf under my sheer scarves); a tan jacquard 2 piece amira; and something really pretty which caught my eye - a pink malika hijab. Below are all the pictures of the items I bought. These pictures I have taken direct from Middle Eastern Mall:

I couldn't find the proper picture of my malika hijab (top-middle pic), but mine has a black band in the middle instead of white.

Here are a few more pictures of my items, which I took:

The packaging, front side

Packaging, reverse side

Three sleeves

And a closeup of the detailed sequined front on my Malika hijab. Love it!



All the scarves and sleeves are so soft and comfy - I wore my black sleeves and black underscarf today, and I can't describe how utterly soft it was - it didn't even feel like I was wearing an underscarf, the ones I had were always so tight or they kept pulling at my hair. And the sleeves are in the perfect material as well - I've bought some Egyptian Cotton sleeves and Polyster sleeves previously from other places, but the Egyptian Cotton has started to wrinkle a lot, and there's lint on it as well. And the polyster one, though it has a very nice sheen, sometimes slips, so I'm constantly adjusting it. But the ones I just got are in the same sort of material as a T-shirt would be, so its very comfortable. I was even able to crease and fold them in a little so as to  move them away from my wrist a bit and make wearing bracelets more feasible - I can definitely not do that with my Egyptian Cotton sleeves, because the folds don't stay since its quite a thick material. The other scarves are really great too - its my first time buying a jacquard scarf, so I wasn't sure what it would be like, however, I love the self-design on this one. It has some ornamental stitching in the same color criscrossing all over the scarf. The Malika hijab is my utmost favourite though - a nice blend of cotton, with a fancy design on the front, and this happens to be my favorite color.

Overall, I'd say I had a very good experience. I'm usually wary to buy things online, because you can't really see or touch what you're buying, but I would definitely recommend this store to everyone! They have amazing quality items at reasonable pricing, fast shipping, What more could you ask for? So thank you, Middle Eastern Mall!

I've also ordered a package from Shop the Souq (http://www.shopthesouq.com/), which I'm still waiting to receive, but InshaAllah, I'll do another review for those items as well.

If someone is wondering what the sleeves are for, since we are supposed to cover everything except our face and hands, these sleeves make it easier to wear tops with three-quarter or half sleeves and still get full coverage. You don't even have to wear an entire shirt underneath - just pull on these sleeves, and you're set. Alhamdulillah.

My Mother

I want to continue with the previous topic on parents.

I've had people ask me whether muslims celebrate Mother's Day, or Father's Day? When I reply 'not really', people are appalled! Needless to say, they think us nasty barbarians who do not honor our parents. But that's not true at all. As the previous post illustrates, we place our parents on a very elevated level and it's our duty to do the utmost we can for them.

What amazes me most, is how Western society is slowly placing more and more emphasis on the materialistic aspect of things. Every single special day is filled with consumerism, buying more and more, and focusing on the mere material. So it's Mother's Day? All a child has to do is give a phone call to their mother, send flowers and chocolate, and probably take them out for dinner. And then, seemingly pleased and content that they have fulfilled their duties for their parents, they are able to forget them for the rest of the year. How nice. How can a society claim that they honor their parents and love them because they keep aside a special Day for them, but at the same time when those very parents who raised and took care of children reach old age, they are shunned and relegated to some old age home? Is this respect for parents? Is it okay to leave the people responsible for bringing you up, catering to your every need, feeding you, clothing you, paying for your education, for all your entertainment needs and shun them like this? Once a child reaches maturity, it's their turn to start caring for the parents, as the parents cared for their children. It would be the greatest insult of all to place parents in nursing and old-age homes.

In muslim families, parents stay with their children, mostly with their sons and sometimes with their daughters, because a son's first responsiblity is his parents. A daughter is also required to care for parents, however, once she is married, her utmost required devotion shifts from the parents to the husband. It does not suit us, as muslims, to banish our parents out of sight to the old-age home. Ask any parent - would they like to live alone during the last days of their lives, away from their children, and is it okay if the child just sends money, even if he/she does that much? No. What the parent needs is to be close to their child, to receive emotional, psychological and moral support in their old age.

This is why it does not do to selfishly adopt a single day out of the entire year to express gratitude and show a materialistic form of affection to parents. We should be aware that honouring and showing sincere affection and gratitude to the mother especially, and then the father is a full time duty that should be practiced each and everyday of ones life. We can never never never repay our parents for all that they've done for us in our lives.

And in closing, I want to include this beautiful Nasheed (Islamic-oriented song, traditionally sung acapella, or accompanied by a drum), 'My Mother.'

This is based on the Saying of RasulAllah (Rasul = Prophet. RasulAllah = Prophet of Allah, meaning Prophet Muhammad, may the blessings of Allah always be upon him), where someone asked him who we should obey after Allah and after RasulAllah. His answer was "Your mother." The person again asked. "And who should I obey next?" RasulAllah (pbuh) answered - "Your mother." Again, the person asked, "O RasulAllah, who should I obey after that?" And yet again, his answer was "Your mother." Then, when the person repeated his question, the Prophet (p.b.u.h) stated "Your father." How tremendous is the status of mothers! Ya Allah, please help us always be kind to our parents, and may we be a comfort to them.

I really love this Nasheed, it's so beautiful - it's hard to listen to this and not feel moved.

Woman: "The Prophet (may peace be upon him) told us that we must obey Allah and His messenger at all times. But after that, who else did he tell us to listen to, and be close to?

Children: "Your mother."

Woman: "Yes. Well done."

Lyrics:

Who should I give my love to? My respect and my honor to?
Who should I pay good mind to, after Allah? And RasulAllah?
Comes your mother.
Who next?
Your mother.
Who next?
Your mother.
And then your father.

Cause who used to hold you, and clean you, and clothe you?
Who used to feed you and always be with you?
When you were sick, staying up all night,
Holding you tight,
That's right, no other....
My mother.

Who should I take good care of?
Giving all my love.
Who should I think the most of, after Allah? And RasulAllah?
Comes your mother.
Who next?
Your mother.
Who next?
Your mother.
And then your father.

Cause who used to hear you before you could talk?
Who used to hold you before you could walk?
And when you fell, who'd pick you up?
Clean you cut.
No one but your mother.
My mother.

Who should I stay right close to?
Listen most to?
Never say no to after Allah? And RasulAllah?
Comes your mother.
Who next?
Your mother.
Who next?
Your mother.
And then your father.

Cause who used to hug you and buy you new clothes?
Comb your hair and blow your nose?
And when you cried, who'd wipe your tears? Knows your fears?
Who really cares?
My mother.

Say Alhamdulillah, thank you Allah.
Thank you Allah for my mother!

The High Status of Parents

Islam ordains us to show the utmost kindness, gratitude and respect to one's parents, who raised us and made us who we are today. So elevated is their status, that after God and His messenger Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), we are commanded to obey and respect our parents next, out of all the human beings in this world.

"Thy Lord hath decreed that ye worship none but Him, and that ye be kind to parents. Whether one or more attain old age in thy life, say not to them a word of contempt, nor repel them, but address them in terms of honor. And out of kindness, lower to them the wing of humility, and say, "my Lord! bestow on them Thy Mercy, even as they cherished me in childhood." (Quran 17: 23,24)

And out of both of one's parents, the mother holds the higher position for a child, for the reason that she was the one who gave birth to him/her and played the most important role in shaping and raising a new life. Even if we tried, we can never pay off our debts to our parents.

"And We have enjoined on man (to be good) to his parents. In travail upon travail did his mother bear him, and in two years was his weaning. Show gratitude to Me and to thy parents; to Me is thy final goal." (Chapter31: verse14)

Being obedient to parents is actually considered a form of worship, where a person can gain immense rewards. It's also actually said that paradise lies at the feet of the mother. Even if our parents hurt us, or scold us, we are not even allowed to so much as frown at them.

"He who wishes to enter Paradise through its best door must please his parents." - Saying of the Prophet.

"It is a pity that some people may not attain Paradise, on account of not serving their old parents." - Saying of the Prophet.

"A man or woman is bound to be good to his or her parents, even though they may have injured him or her." - Saying of the Prophet. 

May Allah guide us and help us always be kind and obedient to our parents, and may we always honor and respect them. Ameen.

Most Commonly Asked Questions about Islam / Muslims - Part IV

DOES ISLAM PROMOTE TERRORISM?

Absolutely Not. Islam condemns all acts of oppression. Necessary force is permissible only when one is defending oneself, family, and right to practice his/her religion or fighting tyranny and oppression. Muslims who blow up buildings and kill innocent people are not acting in accordance with what Islam teaches.

IS THERE RACISM IN ISLAM?

No. Muslims are found in every country, whether they are European, African, Asian or American. 1 in every 5 people on the earth is a Muslim, Which means there are 1.2 billion Muslims in the world. Islam promotes racial harmony and tolerance. Allaah says: " O mankind! We have created you from a male and female, and made you into nations and tribes that you may know one another. Verily, the most honourable of you in the Sight of Allaah is the believer who has the most piety. Verily, Allaah is All Knowing, All Aware." (Qur’an 49:13) This is in opposition to Louis Farrakhan’s disbelieving lies against Islam, in saying that, ‘Allaah appeared in the person of Master W. Fard Muhammad’, or ‘We the original (black) nation of the earth’. The Believers seek refuge with Allaah from such lies against Allaah. Ameen!

HAS THE QUR’AN PREDICTED THE NEW DISCOVERIES OF MODERN SCIENCE?

Yes! Since the Qur’an came from the Creator of the Heavens and the Earth, it is only befitting that science would later confirm what is in the Qur’an. Examples of this are, the expansion of the universe as stated in the Qur’an: "With power did We construct the heaven. Verily, We expand the vastness of space." (Qur’an 51:47) Every living thing is created from water: "Do not those who disbelieve know that the heavens and the earth were joined together as one united piece, then We parted them? And We have made from water every living thing. Will they then not believe?" (Qur’an 21:30) The trimester: "…He (Allaah) created you in the wombs of your mothers, creation after creation in three veils of darkness, such is Allaah your Lord. How then are you turned away (from the truth)?" (Qur’an 39:7) There are several other examples proving that the Qur’an is from your Lord. Allaah says: "Do they not consider the Qur’an carefully? Had it been from other than Allaah, they would have found therein much contradictions." (Qur’an 4: 82)

Most Commonly Asked Questions about Islam / Muslims - Part III

DO MUSLIMS WORSHIP MUHAMMAD?

No! Muslims do not worship Muhammad nor do they worship any other Prophets, Saints, or created things. It is not permissible for a Muslim to pray, supplicate, or direct any type of worship to any created thing in rivalry to the Lord of all that exists. Allaah says: " Say (to them Muhammad), ‘I am only a man like you. It has been inspired to me that your God is One God. So whoever hopes for the Meeting with his Lord, let him work righteousness and associate none as a partner in the Worship of his Lord.' " (Qur’an 18:110)

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF OUR CREATION?

As we examine Allaah’s creation, we will inevitably conclude that all things have a purpose. If we look at the delicate balance of our universe, as vast as it is, orchestrated in perfect synchronization. The human body and its various different processes like thought, movement, vision and its ability to heal itself. The earth and its countless number of life forms, various plants, vegetables and animals. The weather system, the seasons and the water cycle. Surely, these things have some purpose, more so for human beings. Allaah says: " And We (Allaah) created not the spirits and men, except that they should worship Me (alone)." 51:56 As the verse states in question #8,all things are in a state of submission to the Creator by following the natural laws that they have been created for. We were born in a state of submission, not in a state of sin as we had no choice in the matter and we will die in submission. Between these two time spans, man has been given the rational ability to choose to submit to his Creator. Know for surety that we will all die and none of us knows when we’re going to die. Isn’t it time you submitted to your Lord?

DOES ISLAM OPPRESS WOMEN?

No. On the contrary, 1400 years ago Islam liberated women. At that time in Europe, Christian scholars were debating whether women had souls, if yes, did they have animal souls or human souls? Until recently women were stripped of their last names to illustrate that they were the property of their husbands. As for Islam, women are equal to men in all acts of piety, they keep their last names, they are allowed to keep their own money, choose who they want to marry, have the right to seek a divorce, have the right to inheritance and have the right to be protected and maintained by their husbands. They have been dignified and exonerated by the Hijab (Islamic covering). In the West, women are portrayed as sex objects to be used and discarded. We see them being used to sell cars, alcohol and even bubble gum. In Islam, women have been elevated to a stature that surpasses the roles placed upon them by any religion or culture. Women are not to be abused or oppressed but they are to be respected and cared for. As a result, Islam is the fastest growing religion in the world amongst women.

IS POLYGYNY PERMISSIBLE?

Yes! Islam regulated matrimony in that men are permitted to marry up to four wives provided they treat them fairly and equally. The man must first be financially capable to take another wife, provide different residences and be able to divide his time equally amongst them. In the western society many men who are married to only one wife usually have extramarital affairs. Thus a survey was published in the USA Today (April 4, 1988; Section D) which asked 4700 mistresses, what would they like their status to be (mistress or second wife). They said, "I prefer being a second wife rather than the other woman". The reasons for this are that they didn’t have any legal rights, nor did they have the financial equality of the legally married wives and it appeared that these men were using them. Islam is clearly against extra or premarital affairs (fornication) as this leads to corruption in the society and the spread of sexually transmitted diseases. Don’t people feel bad when they have children out of wedlock? These children have the right to grow up knowing that they have parents who are responsible enough to have planned to bring them into the world. No one would like to be told that they were an accident. As for those against polygyny, statistics show that because of wars there are more women in the world than there are men. Other reasons are, most married men engage in extramarital affairs and there is an increase in homosexuality amongst men, thus causing an excess amount of women to men. The Islamic solution of polygyny is the best solution to the seemingly difficult problems that plague our society in our man to woman relationships.

WHAT IS THE TRUTH ABOUT JESUS?

Jesus, the son of Mary is a servant and Messenger of Allaah. Allaah says in the Qur’an that Jesus was born of a miraculous birth; "Verily, the likeness of Jesus before Allaah is the likeness of Adam. He created him from dust, then (He) said unto him: ‘Be’ and he was." (Qur’an 3:59). He performed many miracles as a Prophet by Allaah’s permission such as resurrecting the dead, healing the blind and sick, making a living bird out of clay and speaking as new born infant. Jesus brought the same message as the other Prophets. He is not to be worshipped as the "Son of God!" Jesus was raised alive up to Allaah from where he will return to re-establish the Law of Allaah on earth.

WHAT IS THE TRUTH ABOUT THE "SON OF GOD", "TRINITY" AND MARY?

Your Creator says: "Surely, they have disbelieved who say:
‘Allaah is the Messiah (Jesus).’; But the Messiah said, ‘O Children of Israel! Worship Allaah, my Lord and your Lord.’ Verily, whosoever sets up partners in worship with Allaah, then Allaah has forbidden Paradise for him, and the Fire will be his abode. And for the polytheists there are no helpers. Surely, the disbelievers are those who said, ‘Allaah is a third of the three (in a trinity).’ But there is no god but the One God. And if they cease not from what they say, verily, a painful torment will befall the disbelievers among them. Will they not repent to Allaah and ask for His Forgiveness? For Allaah is Oft Forgiving, Most Merciful. The Messiah, son of Mary is no more than a Messenger. Many were the Messengers that passed away before him. His mother was a truthful woman. They both used to eat food (As other human beings, while Allaah does not eat). Look how Allaah makes the revelations clear to them, yet look how they are deluded away (from the truth)." (Qur’an 5:72-75)

Most Commonly Asked Questions about Islam / Muslims - Part II

WHAT ARE THE FUNDAMENTALS OF FAITH? 

• Belief in Allaah, His Oneness and ascribing no partners to Him.
• Belief in the Angels (Gabriel, Michael, Israfil, etc.).
• Belief in the revealed scriptures (Torah, Psalms, Gospel) in their original form, not as they exist today.
• Belief in Allaah’s Messengers (Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus, Muhammad etc.)
• Belief in the Day of Resurrection.
• Belief in Pre-Ordainment. The good or bad of it. 

WHO IS A MUSLIM?

One who practices the 5 pillars of Islam and believes in the fundamentals of faith. One can become a Muslim by saying; "Ashadhu An Laa ilaha illa Allaah, wa ashadhu anna Muhammad ar-rasulullah."This means, " I bear witness that no deity has the right to be worshipped except Alalah and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and Final Messenger." All Prophets preceding Muhammad were Muslims. This includes Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses and Jesus. Is there a doubt that these Prophets did not submit their will to the Creator? Allaah says in the Qur’an: " Abraham was neither a Jew or a Christian, but he was a true Muslim and he was not of the idolaters." (Qur’an 3:67) It is important to note that other religions are derived from the name of a place or a person. Examples of this are: Judaism is derived from the tribe of Judah, Hinduism is from the Indus River, Buddhism is from Goutam Buddha and Christianity is from Jesus Christ. Islam is the only revealed religion and way of life that directly attaches its worshippers to the servitude of the Creator.

IS ISLAM THE ONLY RELIGION ACCEPTABLE TO THE CREATOR?

Yes! As explained in the introduction, Islam means peace through the submission to the Will of Allaah. One who does this is called a Muslim. Therefore, the only thing acceptable to the Creator is submission to Him. Allaah says: "Do they seek other than the Religion of Allaah (Islam)? While to Him submit all other creatures in the heavens and the Earth, willingly or unwillingly. And to Him they shall all be returned. Say, ‘We believe in Allaah and what was sent down to us, and what was sent down to Abraham, Ismail, Isaac, Jacob and the tribes, and what was revealed to Moses, Jesus, and the Prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction between them, and to Him (Allaah) we have submitted (in Islam).’ And whosoever seeks a religion other than Islam, it will never be accepted of him, and in the hereafter he will be of the losers (in the hellfire). (Qur’an 3:83-85)

WILL THE ACTIONS OF NON-BELIEVERS BE WASTED?

Yes! Allaah says: "Say, 'Shall We tell you the greatest losers in respect of their deeds? Those whose efforts have been wasted in this life while they thought that they were acquiring good by their deeds. They are those who deny the revelation of their Lord and the meeting with Him (in the Hereafter). So their works are in vain and on the Day of Resurrection, We shall not give them any weight. That shall be their recompense, Hell; because disbelieved and took My revelations and My Messengers by way of jest and mockery. Verily, those who believe (in the Oneness of Allaah-Islamic Monotheism) and do righteous good deeds shall have the Garden of Paradise for their entertainment." (Qur’an 18:103-107)

WHAT IS THE HEREAFTER?

The "Hereafter" is the final destiny of all worldly existence starting at the time of death. The day mankind will be resurrected from their graves then they shall be brought to account for their deeds whether good or evil. Allaah says: "I (Allaah) swear by the Day of Resurrection, and I (Allaah) swear by self-reproaching person. Does Man think that We shall not assemble his bones? Yes, We are able to put together in perfect order the tips of his fingers. Nay! (Man denies Resurrection and Reckoning. So) he desires to continue committing sins. He asks, ‘When will be this Day of Resurrection?’ So, when the sight shall be dazed, and the moon will eclipsed, and the sun and the moon will be joined together. On that day man will say, ‘ Where is the place that I can flee to?' No! There is no refuge! Unto that your Lord (Alone) will be the place of rest that day. On that day men will be informed of what he sent forward ( of evil or good deeds), and what he left behind (of his good or evil practices). Nay! Man will be a witness against himself." (Qur’an 35:1-4)

Revert Story: From Darkness to Light

I came across this beautiful beautiful story today, and thought I'd share it with others. This is an account of how one person was led from living a Hindu life to learning about and accepting Islam:

-------------------------
Assalam Alaikum: My Islamic Br's & Sis's.A sister from TTI (www.turntoislam.com/forum) wished to know, how did I revert to Islam.

I want to say one thing "Being a Muslim I have only benefited my own soul, towards salvation and None else. I really feel awkward/shy to hear appreciations from my Br's and Sis's. Their Du'aa indeed is a big reward for me."

In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

My journey to Islam is a result of guidance offered to me by an Egyptian woman. She is my spiritual guide and sister.

I belong to an orthodox but progressive Hindu family. There are four sects in Hinduism. I come from the Brahmin sect, the most prestigious and educated category among the Hindus. I followed my parental faith in the learning phase of childhood. My approach to the Almighty started as a pagan with polytheistic devotion to our Hindus gods, and I was quite aware of the sectarian discrimination that prevailed in my society.

I always wondered about the originator of this universe, His strength, vastness, and many more things. All answers to my queries about the Almighty were not answered by my parent's ideology. We human beings have selected some of our masterpieces and called them the Seven Wonders of the World. However, indeed these Wonders of the World stand nowhere in comparison to the creation of the Almighty. A mere glimpse, not of things far but of things around us, makes me tend to believe in the existence of a Supreme Authority who must be their Designer.

Amazingly, my first active and realizable encounter with Islam was in 1989 (I was only 15) when my city fell into communal violence. The violence was widespread and killed innocent people. As a Hindu then, I was filled with anger toward Muslims. This wave of violence again struck my city in 1990 and 1992. I was a rigid Hindu then and took part in several anti-Muslim demonstrations in those tense years. When the situation calmed down, I developed some curiosity toward Muslims and Islam. Though I was not yet mature, indeed something from inside compelled me to begin to scrutinize Muslim society.

I belong to a society whose social infrastructure I have never respected, yet I have always noticed that a force unifies Muslim society. Initially I thought that, being a minority community in India, Muslims are bonded together for safety concerns. However, I soon realized that the unifying force is not driven by political or security measures. It is something else. With close scrutiny, I came to realize that this central force which bonds Muslims together is related to the first pillar of Islam, namely tawheed (the Oneness of God). Unlike my community where people are divided on account of their differences in rituals, ALL Muslims are unified by worshiping the same God, practicing the same `ibadat (acts of worship) — same salah (ritual prayer), fasting at the same time, etc. This exploration, though not driven by spirituality, indeed sowed the seeds of tawheed in my mind. I came to know the concept of monotheism. Until then, I never knew about the Oneness of God.

My mind was then caught between two ideologies: monotheism and polytheism. In 1994, I was preparing for my medical entrance exam. To study physics, I began to go to a Muslim professor. It was the month of Ramadan. One day I was there at the time of iftar (meal to break the fast), and heard the Adhan. A faint sound of the Adhan always crept to my house, but it was not understandable. For the first time then, I listened to an Adhan from a nearby mosque. The voice of the Adhan gave me gooseflesh. I felt in a state of mind like never before. It seemed to me as if the Adhan was rising from the mosque up to the heavens. I found myself in a sedative condition of utmost peace.

Driven by this realization of peace and spirituality, I bought a copy of the Qur'an, and I started reading it. With every word I read, my brain was being washed. By the grace of God, I went on smoothly to accept the word of God surah after surah. It was so simple, distinct, and clear. I wandered through the content of the Qur'an, from the way of dealing with your neighbor to the creation of universe. When I reached Surat Al-Ikhlas (Chapter 112), I literally lost my sense of equilibrium. Its four ayahs pierced my heart. Allah says what can be translated as:

[Say: He is Allah, the One and Only;
Allah, the Eternal, Absolute;
He begetteth not, nor is He begotten;
And there is none like unto Him.]

I can say for sure that such a clear concept of God is not found in any other religious scriptures. The question of what God is like has always disturbed me, and I wonder at how distinctly God has defined Himself in such four lines. As I read this surah, it seemed to me as if the Almighty was Himself explaining His own attributes in such simple language in front of my eyes. For the first time, I was able to know the Almighty, and I found myself on the doorstep of the religion of Allah. As a student of science, I was also stunned by the scientific facts mentioned in the Qur'an. My trust in the Qur'an and the prophethood of Muhammad (peace be upon him) was established.

However, I remained at the doorsteps of the religion of God for a long time. I was not able to free myself from the captivity of my inherited faith. Though I was not following it, a fear always overcast my mind of the repercussions of accepting Islam. Hence, my journey to Islam came to a halt for awhile. However, after this pause, Allah the All-Knower sent me a soul to guide me to my destination. She gave me a gentle push to enter the religion of God. In the month of Ramadan on my birthday (October 9, 2006), I accepted Islam upon her encouragement. That soul is now my spiritual sister. Allah guided me to realize His Oneness, to endorse the truth of the Qur'an as His authentic word, and to accept Prophet Muhammad as the Seal of the Prophets in my heart long before I practiced the pillars of Islam. However, I owe her credit for giving me the courage to eventually make my decision and be a true Muslim.

Though I expect a tough reaction from my father, my submission to Allah is firm.

I never felt myself close to God as a non-Muslim and never felt a sense of satisfaction through my acts of worship. With the acceptance of Islam, there has been an enhancement of my spirituality, as now I pray as a monotheist to the real Creator of the universe. Now I spend my late evening hours in the mosque instead of wasting them among friends. After offering my salah, I reach a state of mind that I can only describe as peaceful. I am trying to apply the word of Allah in every activity in my life. My dedication toward my wife has multiplied. The vulgarity that frequently overtook me now seems to have subsided. My family members say I have changed in many aspects. Above all now, I am committed and submitted to the real Lord of this universe.
Except my wife and mother, no one is aware of my Islamic identity. My wife is a simple woman who willingly accepted her Muslim husband. My mother does not comment on this issue except advising me to be fully devoted to whatever path I follow. Though I expect a tough reaction from my father, my submission to Allah is firm. My father and brothers are big critics of Islam, and the issue of jihad is their weapon. I am trying to teach Islam to my wife, and in fact, one of my goals is to be committed to da`wah after I enrich my knowledge of Islam.

Though I find myself amidst many problems related to my new identity, I am striving hard to dedicate myself spiritually to Allah. My spiritual sister tries endlessly to provide me with the knowledge I need about certain issues and to back me with spiritual strength.

Many times I wonder whether it is reality or fiction that I am now a submitter to Allah. Every individual is born as a Muslim. Therefore, I prefer to call my inclusion in the Ummah of Islam (nation of Muslims) as a reversion and not conversion. For me, being a Muslim is the greatest reward from the Almighty. Hereby, I pray that Allah enlightens the dwellers of dark.

Regards.

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