Conversion Panel IAW 2008

Bismillahirrahmanirrahim...

Alhamdulillah, the conversion panel session was a success. Eventhough many people came quite late, but it filled the whole lecture room at last. =)

This year, we had Bro Nurudeen (same as last year), Bro Ralf, and Sis Suzanne. And they shared interesting stories about their converting to Islam. Masya Allah, Allah honored them with the beauty of Islam.

Bro Nurudeen, a former Christian started his journey to Islam during his visits to religious prayer places such as synagogue, temple, and also a mosque. He was impressed by the words from the Imam at the mosque, that made him feel Islam is right belief to practice. [I couldn't get much of the info, I came in a little bit late]

Bro Ralf (sorry if spelled wrongly), was an atheist, is a German - studying his PhD here in Vanderbilt. Earlier, he only knew about Islam through his relative who worked in Iraq. He only learned about fasting, zakaat, etc.. realizing that a lot of Germans (25% from Wikipedia) do not practice a religion. After working for some time, he got the opportunity to continue his Masters in Germany and then his PhD in Vanderbilt. Here, he learned a lot from Bro Nurudeen about Islam, and have a good relationship with MSA... Finally, he said Shahadah in February 2008. Allahu akbar!

Sis Suzanne, one of the sisters I meet quite frequent, is in a Catholic family. She was married to a Muslim before, but without knowing why, she never felt to embrace Islam at that time. After she went to overseas, got divorced, and went back to United States, she decided to say shahadah. And alhamdulillah, her family (especially her mother) supported a lot even they are in different religion. She just married (2nd time) last time and her husband sells pizza in Nashville! =)

Overall, all the panels were welcomed in Islamic community with big hands. They never felt being apart, yet proud to be Muslims. One thing that Bro Ralf brought up was he was amazed to see Malaysian muslims and other muslims in his class being so calm and polite etc.. [I guess a PhD student has to teach a class for one of his requirements]. I just smiled, and thought - who are those malaysian people?? =D [Alhamdulillah, the existance of Malaysians here are benefited, tak sia2 Malaysia hantar pelajar ke sini..]

Today's event was a success, and we hope the next events on Wednesday will be a huge success with the great speaker of Bro Yasir Arafat (Nashville) and Imam Siraj Wahaj (New York).

Moga Allah permudahkan segala urusan... Ameen~