Convert/Revert Care In Islam

[Bilal Mahmud المكافح المخلص]

Convert/Revert Care In Islam

    By Imam Nadim Sulaiman Ali 3/30/24

 

 

In Islam, the care and treatment of converts, or those who have recently embraced the faith, is considered a significant responsibility. This is based on the teachings of the Quran and the Hadith, which emphasize the importance of kindness, compassion, and support towards all individuals, regardless of their background or beliefs.

 

The events in Gaza, and the reliance on The Creator that the people have demonstrated has highlighted many of the salient aspects of Islam.  We see people who have lost everything material, but continue to maintain faith in The Creator.  This strength of faith(Iman) is bringing people who seek spiritual fulfillment to Islam in droves.

 

In the Quran, Surah Al-Baqarah (2:218) states, Surely those who believe, and those who are Jews, and the Christians, and the Sabians – whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day and does good, they shall have their reward from their Lord, and they shall have no fear, nor shall they grieve. 

 

This verse highlights the importance of belief in Allah and good deeds, regardless of one's religious background.

 

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13), it is stated, O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted. 

 

This verse emphasizes the importance of understanding and respecting diversity, and recognizes that righteousness, not race or background, is what is most important in the eyes of Allah.

 

In the Hadith, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is reported to have said, Whoever guides someone to goodness will have a reward similar to the one who performs it. (Sahih Muslim 2674) This Hadith highlights the importance of providing guidance and support to those who are new to the faith.

 

Guiding someone to Islam is the ultimate goodness, but just bringing people into Islam is not enough! We have to do more to assure that they become stabilized and balanced in their approach to their newfound faith.

 

Additionally, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is reported to have said, The believers in their mutual kindness, compassion, and sympathy are just like one body. When one of the limbs suffers, the whole body responds to it with wakefulness and fever. (Sahih Bukhari 5665) This Hadith emphasizes the importance of caring for and supporting one another within the Muslim community.

 

Empathy and compassion is the key.  Helping new Muslims gain that proper understanding is essential.  Especially with many of the high profile people embracing Islam at this time.

 

Developing humility is essential to one's faith, and we should not place undue responsibilities on new Muslims to be ambassadors for the faith.  People need time to grow in their faith, and they should maintain a level of mike silence until they grasp the basic concepts of Islam.

 

While it can be a confirmation of our commitment to Islam when high or low profile people come to Islam.  We have to realize that it does not impact the decree of Allah (الله سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى (God, may He be praised and exalted).  

 

Ibn `Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) it says: I was behind the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) on a mount one day and he said: “O boy, I shall teach you some words. Be mindful of Allah and He will take care of you. Be mindful of Allah and He will protect you. If you ask then ask of Allah, and if you seek help then seek help from Allah. Know that if the nation were to gather together to benefit you in some way, they would not benefit you except in something that Allah has already decreed for you, and if they were to gather together to harm you in some way, they would not harm you except in something that Allah has already decreed for you. The pens have been lifted and the pages have dried.” 

 

While living in Saudia Arabia in the 90’s I witnessed people declaring their Shahadah one week, and the Saudis were so happy to have Americans(In particular White Americans) embrace Islam that some of these new Muslims were giving lectures at the local dawah center a week after coming into the fold.  

 

We have to cease celebrity shahadah worship, and focus on the real goal, Jannah.  As the Hadith stated that the decree of Allah(الله سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى (God, may He be praised and exalted) is set, and whoever comes into Islam is to their favor, and it does not benefit Allah(الله سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى (God, may He be praised and exalted). 

 

Say, "Do not consider your Islam a favor to me. Rather, Allah has conferred favor upon you that He has guided you to the faith, if you should be truthful.”47:17

 

 

 

It is essential that the Muslim community provides care and support to converts, helping them to integrate into the community, learn about the faith, and perform religious observances. This can include providing mentorship, educational resources, and social support, as well as addressing any challenges or barriers that may arise. By doing so, the Muslim community can uphold the values of kindness, compassion, and support that are central to the teachings of Islam.

Nadim S. Ali, MA, LPC , MAC

678-820-9053

404-393-9973-fax

[Bilal Mahmud المكافح المخلص]

Kofi Bilal Mahmud Eid AlFitr 1443 A.H.

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