My revert story is something personal, an experience which warms me inside whenever it crosses my mind. However, I'm not a fan of the word "revert". Generally, it can cause division. I'm Muslim like the rest of us. If you was to strike a conversation with me, I would not tell you I'm a revert, unless the discussion was to force me to clarify my position. Other-wise Muslim would be my answer. But I do believe the word has its place, especially in the early days of an individual who takes their shahada.
I see on social media quite often reverts being elevated to a status where they may be better practising than those raised as a Muslim. I'd have to disagree in my opinion. It's kind of a straw-man. I can see why it happens because usually the new revert is eager to learn, to practise, to pray and etc. Majority of the people see this and its the reason why the comparison happens. Every single Muslim has their own journey, experiences, tests, ups and downs. We simply can't say, "so and so is better than him just because he is a revert". I understand those who enter into Islam are very highly motivated and eemaan is sky-high which reflects upon good actions. The eagerness is there. But than after a little while, the tests do come, the hardships, the sins, the temptations, the ignorance and so on. Then we are levelled just like every other Muslim. It's an even playing field. Those brought up as Muslims likewise can have the same experiences and they do have beautiful perks also. Generally can read/write Arabic, can read the Qur'aan from a young age, maybe also memorised it or at-least parts of it, families are Muslim and the list is endless. Great blessings from Allaah. Each has their own advantages and disadvantages. In the end it boils down to our actions, our eagerness to learn, sincerity and implementation to gain closeness to Allaah.
I don't want people to think I'm an amazing, righteous individual just because I'm a revert and because I can tell you one or two things about the religion. I'm far from this pious position and I most likely won't reach it. I'm in more need of Allaah's Mercy. If you was to look at my sins, you'd run. I thought this was an important point to clarify. I struggle just like you and I have my good days just like you. May Allaah give us the ability to gain closeness to Him and make us of those who are righteous upon speech and action, aameen.
I wanted to express something quite vital during a certain stage of my story. An important lesson I acquired was to be immensely merciful to others, give chances, let things go, to give the benefit of the doubt. It was a blessing to beat cancer, but also a Mercy from Allaah. It was my qadr to be cured and to become a Muslim. Imagine if this was not the case. What if I died instead? It was out of Allaah's Mercy and Generosity He allowed me to live and later take the shahada. I never did anything special or outstanding to deserve the shahada. Far from. Its all Allaah's Mercy. And this is where my forgiveness stems from. I will keep on forgiving till my last breath. Plus no doubt this mercy increased when I found how key and significant it was within the religion.
Finally, I would like to leave some ayaat of the Qur'aan and ahaadith in regards to forgiveness and pardoning etc.
".. but whoever pardons and makes reconciliation - his reward is [due] from Allaah"
- [al-Qur'aan, Surah ash-Shoora, 42:40]
Shaykh as-Sa'di رحمه الله said:
"Stating that the reward of the one who forgives is due from Allaah motivates him to forgive and to treat others as he wants Allaah to treat him. Just as he wants Allaah to forgive him, he should forgive others, and just as he wants Allaah to pardon him, he should pardon others, for the reward is of the same nature as the deed."
- [Tafseer as-Sa'di]
"And whoever is patient and forgives - indeed, that is of the matters [requiring] determination"
- [al-Qur'aan, Surah ash-Shura, 42:43]
The Prophet ﷺ said:
"Charity does not decrease wealth. No one forgives, but Allaah increases him in honour, and no one humbles himself before Allaah but Allah raises him in status."
- [Saheeh Muslim, #2588]
The Prophet ﷺ said, when he was on the minbar:
"Show mercy, and you will be shown mercy; forgive, and Allaah will forgive you."
- [Saheeh at-Targheeb, #2465]
Ayaan.
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