“I bear witness that there is no deity (none truly to be worshipped) but Allah, and I bear witness that Mohammad is the messenger of Allah.”
The testification of faith in Islam are the words used to bring Islam into the life of every new Muslim. Whether at birth or reversion, with them a life is brought into utter submission to Allah the most high. With 1.9 billion Muslims today, Islam is well known to be the fastest growing religion in the world. The Imam is naturally at the frontline of receiving these new Muslims, assisting, guiding and educating them.
A Support system is often the one thing that is neglected, leaving the new Muslim alone facing unique challenges. To facilitate this the Imam Development Program hosted a Muslim Revert/Convert Summit on the 21st of August 2021. The event was aimed at providing an avenue for reverts to meet one another, share experiences, stories, challenges & suggestions. A forum for them to learn from one another and support one another.
Alhamdulillah, with 93 attendees across 3 cities (Dbn/ Jhb/ CT), we were glad to host our brothers and sisters from many different walks of life. The program was casual and relaxed providing opportunity for attendees to share their stories of coming into Islam, what they love about Islam and discuss their struggles as new Muslims. Here is some of the feedback we received from our guests;
“We here on behalf of the reverts of Johannesburg to show our gratitude towards IDP and donors. For organizing and sponsoring such a wonderful event for the reverts. The first of its kind in our community. May Allah rewards you all… We hope to have more events like it. Jazaakumullah” ???? As salaam alaikum wa rahmatullah wa barakatuh
On behalf of 525 revert ladies they said I should say jazakaAllah to IDP ?? they benefited a lot from today’s program alhamdulillah? Asalaam alaykum wa Rahmatullah wa barakatuh.?? It’s like wow, nice journey???
Many resources were mentioned during the event. A list of those resources and where to get them is provided below for the benefit of new and old Muslims alike.
The Qur’an: All are welcome to visit the site https://www.myfreequran.net/. MyFreeQuran is a unique Quran distribution initiative which focuses on targeted distribution to those who want and request a copy. The Quran, as well as the shipping, is completely free and there are 6 Quran prints to choose from.
Books Mentioned:
- Muhammad: His Life Based on the Earliest Sources by Martin Lings [Download pdf here https://www.icorlando.org/pdfs/muhammad_martin_Lings.pdf ]
- Most Common Questions Asked By Non Muslims by Zakir Naik [Download pdf here https://www.booksfree.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Dr.Zakir_Naik___Islamic_Research_Foundation_IRFBookFi.org_.pdf ]
- Islam in focus by Ḥammūdah ʻAbd al-ʻĀṭī [Download pdf here https://www.muslim-library.com/dl/books/English_Islam_In_Focus.pdf ]
- 77 Selected Stories From the Qur’an by Sheikh A. Najaar
- Six Years With Al Qaeda by Stephen McGown
Islamic Short Courses:
- 33 Lessons for every Muslim – https://online.alkauthar.org/courses/33-lessons-for-every-muslim/
- For the love of Muhammad – https://online.alkauthar.org/courses/for-the-love-of-muhammad-%ef%b7%ba/
- Yassarnal Qur’an Book 1 – https://online.alkauthar.org/courses/yassarnal-quran-easy-to-learn-quran/
- Yassarnal Qur’an Book 2 – https://online.alkauthar.org/courses/yassarnal-quran-book-2-easy-to-learn-quran/
- Al Furqan Course –
- Madinah Arabic Books Courses:
- https://online.alkauthar.org/course-category/madinah-arabic-books/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sh8o0DiOw0A&list=PLtritsTgauUFMUXVJGgtCAXfjO-NWD8K6
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BabcsJ1zJT0&list=PLtritsTgauUGBSRcAexhsXCiW5jru18bL
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U7KBl1pxwm4&list=PLtritsTgauUEP2pnETn72w3OSYugV67qg
