By Liyana Mohd Khafiz

Before we begin, I would like to introduce myself. My name is Liyana, and I’m a born Muslim. Despite being blessed with such a privilege, I squandered my chance to build an early relationship with Allah ﷻ growing up, though it is no one’s fault but my own. That all changed in November 2020 when I lost my mother to cancer (please convey an Al-Fathiha to Rohaimi Binte Jaffar). 

You could say that that was when I began my journey of rediscovering my faith, and Alhamdulillah, what a fulfilling journey it has been. 

It was my first time attending a Friday class led by Ustaz Sameer on 21 July 2023, and little did I know that it would be an experience that would resonate deeply with me. I had been seeking guidance and knowledge in my journey towards Allah ﷻ, and this class was exactly what my heart needed.

In this weekly class, we go through the book, “Fiqh: A Complete Guide to Fardh Prayers” by Mohd Uzair Taufik and Alhamdullilah, the week’s teachings imparted more than just theoretical knowledge; it was an invitation to embark on a personal journey of faith, to strengthen my bond with Allah ﷻ in a way that felt real and transformative.

Here are some key insights that touched my heart and transformed my perspective:

A Divine connection and seeking beneficial knowledge

Throughout the class, it resonated with me that, as Muslims, we were specially chosen to know Allah ﷻ. This realisation filled me with gratitude, knowing that the Creator of the universe desires a personal connection with me. One of the ways to establish this connection is to seek beneficial knowledge through which we Know and Affirm our Lord. It made me realise that my quest for understanding and learning is not just about acquiring information but about nourishing my soul and building a genuine relationship with Allah ﷻ.

Living the Shahada and building a heartfelt relationship with Allah ﷻ

Acknowledging our Lord as the benevolent Owner of All fills me with gratitude. I began to reflect on the countless blessings in my life and how He fulfils my greatest & smallest needs. The class reminded me that as His slave, my purpose is to live for Allah ﷻ, and nurturing my relationship with Him is at the core of my existence. 

And how do I do that? The answer is “La ilaha illAllah.” We discussed in depth the meaning behind La ilaha illAllah, “I bear witness that there is none worthy of worship except Allah.” It’s not just a statement of belief; it’s an active commitment to living my life in a way that reflects my love and devotion to Allah ﷻ. Love for Allah calls for action; it urges me to show my devotion through sincere deeds and intentions.

Worshipping with purpose and finding peace

Life is a beautiful journey, and this is a journey to understand that worship encompasses every aspect of our lives. This was a transformative realisation; from daily tasks (waking up, showering, working out, going to work, eating, drinking, spending time with my family and friends, etc.) to the five pillars of Islam, every action can become an act of devotion when done with the remembrance of Allah ﷻ. The notion of internal worship through dhikr gave me a sense of tranquillity. I discovered that turning my heart towards Allah ﷻ during my daily tasks provided a sense of peace and fulfilment. At the same time, when I don’t actively think of Allah ﷻ, my heart feels heavy and uneasy.

Gratitude for Allah’s ﷻ mercy

Learning about Allah’s ﷻ vast mercy and the understanding that Allah desires ease for me, even in my learning struggles, comforts me. Allah’s ﷻ Mercy extends to our congregational prayers. The flexibility granted when joining late and accepting shortened recitations fills my heart with gratitude. For example, suppose you are struggling to learn Al-Fatihah or verses from the Quran to recite in your prayer, especially as a Convert. In that case, you may start by reciting “Bismillah” seven times, which is equal to how long it will take you to recite Al-Fatihah or saying “La ilaha illAllah” enough times so that is equal to the length of time it will take an Imam to finish the Al-Fatihah during congregational prayer.

I’m so grateful that Allah ﷻ has guided me towards Converts Central (CC), its people and Ustaz Sameer. My experience with CC has been transformative for me. I am now on a path to strengthen my bond with Allah ﷻ, seeking beneficial knowledge and living the Shahada with heartfelt devotion. We also call upon you to join us together in this blessed pursuit.

AS I CONTINUE MY JOURNEY OF FAITH, I CARRY THE KNOWLEDGE OF ALLAH’S ﷻ MERCY AND LOVE, KNOWING THAT MY RELATIONSHIP WITH HIM IS THE ULTIMATE PURPOSE OF MY LIFE.

I am grateful for this profound wisdom and am eager to embrace the guidance it offers me to pursue a more meaningful and connected life with Allah ﷻ.

Alhamdulillah.

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