(MENAFN-Khaleej Times) Filipino scholar Shaikh Yahya Maquiran recommends ?ten-point boost? to counter temptations
Conversion to Islam is not the end, rather it’s the beginning of a challenging journey that a new Muslim undertakes, for which he needs constant support from fellow Muslims, said a popular Filipino scholar.
‘Give them some time’
Give priority to practising Islam rather than trying and convincing non-Muslims about the religion, advised an Islam convert.
Indian resident Abdullah Shahid, who was originally born to a Hindu family, said his mother converted only because of the “dramatic changes” in his character after he converted. Abdullah said she became impressed after he became a more concerned, obedient, and a well behaved man.
Abdullah said he used to be “careless” towards his mother and family, and was only concerned with jazz music. “Islam has made me a better person to those around me, particularly my mother, who converted as well.”
The turning point in Abdullah’s conversion journey was the unanswered questions he encountered in Hinduism and Christianity. “I once wondered how a God who can’t keep his picture clean be sought for help; that was the beginning. I learned at a Christian school, but the copies of Bible I read had ‘revised edition’ printed on it and I wondered how God could ‘revise’ his teachings.”
Abdullah turned into an atheist after that. He had not even considered Islam because of the “misconceptions broadcast by the media about Muslims as terrorists”. “I saw extremists among the followers of every religion, and that has nothing to do with the religion itself.”
“I began reading verses of the Holy Quran, and these touched my heart,” he said. “Reading more about Islam, I found answers to my queries.”
Abdullah urged old Muslims to be patient with new Muslims, and give them time to learn. “It took them time to convert, so give them time to think, double-think, and take the decision,” he said, noting that the society is one of the main obstacles that hamper conversion.
“Moving to Dubai had a good impact on me as things are easier and accessible to truth seekers, who only need to think free from any kind of pressure.”
Speaking at the second edition of the New Muslim Retreat held on Friday night at the Dar Al Ber Society, Dubai, Shaikh Yahya Maquiran said entering paradise is not easy since the devil lures people into deviating from their path, particularly new Muslims. He recommended a ‘ten-point boost’ to counter the same.
“It is firstly important to understand Tawheed — doctrine of God’s Oneness — to believe that blessing or harm is from Almighty Allah, who has created us for nothing but worship, not like animals which only eat, drink, sleep, etc,” he said.
The second necessary path is to hold on to the Holy Quran and Prophet Muhammad’s teachings. “Converts need to fear Allah at all times, not only in the mosque or before people, putting trust in Him — true Tawakul — that He is with you, and shall never let you down.”
Shaikh Yahya said making sincere repentance to Allah is the fifth step towards stability. “We should be fully aware that whatever misfortune happens to us is because of our actions. However, one’s faith will be tested to prove that he or she has not accepted Islam for worldly pleasure.”
The sixth step is to remain mindful of Allah, and remember Him at all times. “Doing righteous deeds — only for the sake of Allah — rather than good deeds is also important. Developing the habit of worshiping regularly is also important, even if the action is little, for the most beloved action to Allah is the most constant even if little.”
Shaikh Yahya said converts need to maintain regular prayer, and always be with old Muslims for help, encouragement, and advice. Rashid Aljunaibi, Director, Islamic Information Centre (IIC), told Khaleej Times that the main challenge they face is not convincing non-Muslims about Islam, but stability after they accept the religion.
The New Muslim Retreat, a one day edutainment session, aims at imparting essential elements of Islam using practical methods of teaching. Participants are taught how to strengthen and boost their faith, and instill in them a desire to gain more knowledge and excel. The one-day seminar, organised by the IIC, saw the participation of 450 new Muslims, other than the conversion of around 30 people — 20 men and 10 women — mostly from the Philippines.
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