When
Hidayah Calls
Translated by
Shazwani Mohd Ismail (PI-Gen’s translator)
From an
article entitled “Saat Hidayah Menyapa Hatiku”
Originally
written by Nawwar Nabila Mohd. Aris, Majalah JOM! Editor (Bachelors of
Engineering, Moscow Aeronautic Institute, Russia)
Source : Majalah JOM! : Issue No.11, (February 2013), page 17~19.
Listening to the story itself makes me feel
touched. The ummah today should take an example out of the sincerity and
perseverance in search of Allah's hidayah and upholding the aqidah, even though
it is very challenging.
She is known
as Ash, the eldest child of two siblings. Becoming a Muslim has made her
family, her parents especially, could not accept the fact. Let’s read her
story!
"When I was in Standard Three, dad wants me to be in the
first class. The teacher said that it is not possible, because only third and
fourth class has the 'Moral' subject. But my dad still insisted that I must be
in the first class. So he said, I had to learn Agama Islam."
That
was the first time Ash learnt about Islam. Ash and her classmates always
studied together and had study groups of their own at a surau nearby their
residence. One day, as soon as her Muslim friends entered the surau, they took
of their hijab. Ash had dared herself to ask them, why would they be wearing
hijabs when they do not feel comfortable?
"My friends said that they were wearing hijabs and loose
clothings so that they will be eyed by their future husband. Upon hearing that,
I felt… Wow! It's romantic! We show our beauty for those we love!"
From
then on, Ash started wearing loose clothing, long-sleeved shirts and a pair of
trousers or a long skirt. Her hair is tied-up and put into a bun. This is so
that no man will know the actual length of her hair.
After
SPM, she continued STPM. However, all of her Muslim friends further their
studies to local varsities or matriculations. Ash also got to know many
non-Muslim friends. As time goes by, she returned to her old habits; putting on
sexy clothing and hanging out with her friends most of the time.
However,
Allah S.W.T. loved Ash. Immediately after STPM, she managed to secure a place
in Film and Animation studies at a local varsity in Cyberjaya. She was elected
as a member of Majlis Pembangunan Pelajar (MPP); in which majority of its
members attended usrah. Therefore, mainly their discussions were focused on
student and religion.
"I love learning the religion. So when it comes to meeting,
religion issue is the most highlighted, I felt enthusiastic to learn about
it," said
Ash, who also loved the knowledge of comparative religion.
Ash learnt
in detailed about Islam and Hinduism. She spent most of her time reading books
regarding religion. At the same time, Ash followed her Muslim friends to the
mosque to listen to the tazkirah. At that point of time, Ash realized that she
is in love with Islam. But, she felt undecided whether or not to convert into
Islam, as she feared that she will regret doing so. Until one day, "I
went to mosque with friends. But at that time, I raised my hands and cupped my
palms, and make doa to Allah. I said "OK Allah, please give me a sign, a
single sign for me to convert to Islam." Alhamdulillah, I had a hunch to
review the Al-Quran translation. As I was browsing, suddenly I flipped to Surah
Al-Ikhlas. Upon reading it, it felt that Allah was giving a direct comment to
me."
She added that she was
interested with the tauhid concept which was not in other religion. According
to her, Hinduism had many Gods.
She
used to have several favourite Gods compared to her father. But when it comes
to praying time, her father usually takes Ash to his favourite temple. This
made Ash feels upset and rebellious for she wanted to pray at her favourite
God's temple, not her father's!
And
at that moment her heart felt, 'Why must there be many Gods? If only everyone
focuses on one God, it'll be much easier!’ As soon as the tazkirah ended, she
told her friend that she had decided to convert to Islam. Her friend had tear upon
hearing her words. Ash felt so relieved and happy after reciting the shahadah.
For the past one year she felt undecided whether to choose Hinduism or Islam.
That night, her heart became peaceful.
"Ash, after this everything will be tough. You have to be
strong, ok?" Ash's friend advised her.
For two years, she kept
the secret of becoming a Muslim, from her family. Upon graduating university,
she tried to inform her family but failed. Finally in October 2012, she got her
strength to inform her family about her becoming an Islam.
"Immediately when dad knows about it, he cried his lungs out.
He felt that he had failed to educate his children. I was touched until I felt,
'Have I done the right thing?' At that point of time, only Allah knows how I felt.
Then my parents said that I am no longer their child. I have become Abdullah's
daughter. They definitely cannot accept me being an Islam."
Ash
added that she is now in the process of spreading the da'wah to her own family,
especially her parents. She tried to treat her parents well and full of hikmah,
so that her parents will not be heart-broken. When she is asked about her
future plans, without long thoughts she said, "I want to work for the
ummah forever."
The
words that she uttered came from her heart that loves her Rabb, and we should
take her as an exemplary. Let us all make doa that Ash will be blessed and ease
of all her da'wah journey towards her parents.
Glossary:
ummah - the Islam
community worldwide
hidayah - guidance from
Allah
aqidah - Islamic theology
usrah - an education
system in form of groups in which is lead by naqib/naqibah for scholarly
discussions
tazkirah - a brief talk
regarding Islam normally done after solat
shahadah - an Islamic
creed which declares belief in the oneness of God and acceptance of Muhammad as
God's prophet.
tauhid – faith in Islam
da'wah - an act of
preaching Islam
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