Emotional Friday

The young white American man was well groomed. Flew all the way from Hawaii where he studies to Washington State to declare his Islam. For many, that's the most amazing thing. For me, I had a deeper look at things.

I don't know if someone already spent the time with him to educate him on this great religion, all of it. The good side and the hard side. It's not all fun and games you know. It's also not good if a person drops out just because he wasn't fully aware of what it entails. Sure, a new brother is wonderful. But a fully aware brother who makes this decision out of his free will is even better.

Better even than me, who was born into this religion. I embraced it later in my life, but I had the advantage of being born and raised as a Muslim.

The worst reason for anyone to change his religion is to satisfy another person. Be that a husband or a wife. It's sad to see people pushing and manipulating their spouses like that. But most importantly, it's the wrong reason.

People should embrace -anything- out of conviction, love and devotion to whatever it is that they're embracing. Not to satisfy someone. But to satisfy God almighty and one's devotion and emersion of your soul into what you love.

If it was up to me, I would send people who come to declare their Shahada back. At least 3 times. Then I would quiz them on some rules in Islam, and finally I would get to the root cause of their wish to convert. The, and only then, they're allowed to do it. But, that's only me.

Anyway, I cried as I hysterically shouted Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar. I forgot all my logic, reservations and worries, and for a second I just basked in the amazing warmth of the lord. And let me tell you, there's nothing on the face of this planet that is more glorious

Allahu Akbar, welcome brother Brandon