24 October 04
Conversion
In my last post, I indicated that one of the reasons I had to delay my departure to France was because of something I needed to take care of. Well, I took care of it; on 10 October, I officially made the step to becoming a Muslim. I’m making this announcement here because it’s important to me that my family and friends (for whom this Weblog is mainly for) understand that it was not something I did at the spur of the moment. I have been learning about Islam for some time because of Hanane, the woman I love and want to spend the rest of my life with, a fact that should not be a suprise to anyone who knows me.
A person is not supposed to become a Muslim because of the love for another person; they are supposed to become a Muslim because they want to lead a better life and become closer to God. My reasons, were certainly because of my love for Hanane, and because I could not marry her otherwise, but when considered on a deeper level, my meeting Hanane may very well have been part of a more divine plan—Allah had decided it was my time. I’m not going to argue it one way or the other, I’m simply going to accept it. Besides, we all die eventually, and I’m happier knowing I’m stacking the cards in my favor.
With the help of my brother-in-law’s father (thank you Badie), I said the Shahada (the declaration of faith) at a Mosque in Portland, Oregon. It was simple, intense, and for the rest of my life. The witnesses hearing my declaration made sure I understood that Islam is a serious commitment and a way of life (a Muslim will make sure you understand what your doing, the commitment you’re making, before accepting your declaration); however, it was also made clear that you don’t just become a Muslim over night, even once you make the declaration. Being Muslim means you are constantly learning, you spend the rest of your life learning, and in the process you take your time. You are accountable only for that which you know, and it’s your responsibility (as a Muslim) to continually learn more. I no longer can drink alcohol, eat pork, or gamble (none of which is a big deal), and I need to learn the daily prayers in Arabic, if not learn Arabic in general (certainly a worthy endeavor), but otherwise, outside of the other three Pillars—Ramadan (the month of fasting, which is taking place now), Zakat (a kind of alms giving, done annually or whenever there is a need), and Hajj (the pilgrimage to Mecca, to be done once in a persons life)—it’s business as usual, living a good life and being a decent human being. In the words of my beautiful woman, “it’s no big deal,” and in return is (one can only hope) Paradise.
