Steven Gets guidance of Chinese and Islam

REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, this Chinese guy did not expect her hatred of Muslims embrace Islam to bear fruit. In his eyes at that time, Muslims are nothing more than a group that gave him and his family a bitter experience.

Steven was angry and determined to reciprocate. He studied Islamic philosophy, understand the ins and outs of that religion, and debating with anyone who is a Muslim. Until finally, Steven discovered the truth of all he had learned.

Steven berislam 11 years ago, when she was just 19 years. Truth of Islam which led to the religion of God, rather than admiration in anything or anyone. “I learned (Islam), not inspired by anything,” he said.

In fact, he claimed to hate the Muslims at that time. 1998 riots saw as a form of facial imaging which is a predominantly Muslim Indonesia. “It was a bitter experience for Chinese citizens. At that time, I lost several relatives who were killed because massacred. ”

A few years before the national crisis, when Steven was sitting in elementary school, his parents sent him to Catholic boarding up late grandmother’s will. A teenager, he followed the teachings of the Catholic seminary to deepen. There, the philosophy of Islam to be one area of ​​science be explored.

Post-traumatic events of 1998, Steven mempertekun pendalamannya of Islamic Philosophy to pay for his anger. “I certainly could not retaliate with violence is a physical war, especially by killing. Because of that, I was determined to beat back their creed, “he growled.

Thus, Steven studied Islam for ‘revenge.’ Blessing pendalamannya, he was always ready and confident to argue with any Muslim who met. “Another weakness of Muslims found in those days, when most of them unable to answer fundamental questions about their own religion,” he said with concern.

Steven continues to equip themselves. He continued to study, until finally know that the true teachings of Islam. Muslim hatred he had felt did not prevent him to accept the truth of Islam.

“All who taught Islam properly. Seeing the Muslims who do not behave well, I see it as a mistake that comes from them. They do not behave according to Islamic teachings, “he said.

sumber:

http://www.republika.co.id/berita/dunia-islam/mualaf/12/02/01/lypm2o-mualaf-steven-bermula-dari-filsafat-islam-1

 

Steven Eric Krauss Lured Protestant Christian Perfection Adherent of Islam (Part 1)

steven eric krauss

About 13 years ago, Steven Eric Krauss is a young man most responsible. In 1998, young people who are undergoing periods of college was hit by uncertainty. In his heart grew a doubt the truth of religion was embraced since birth, Protestant Christianity.

Both parents Krauss is a Protestant Christian. Although born of Protestant families, but seldom admitted Krauss worship as did the followers of that religion. He was away from the activities of worship, because of her religion as an institution, does not give anything in life.

”It’s hard to find any kind of religion that I can use for everyday life, “he wrote in an article titled My Journey to Islam – How Malay martial arts led a theologically dissatisfied American Protestant to Islam. Since adolescence, Krauss are already feeling not satisfied with the teachings of Christianity.

He said the religion of his parents were weaker and less able to shed some light on the divine and the relationship between man and God. “In my opinion, the Christian philosophy that relies heavily on a strange relationship with Jesus, who is God, but also human beings,” he said.

Krauss claimed to have difficulty accepting that a Christian worldview can not pray directly to God, but rather in the name of Jesus. ”Why did God have to take shape as a human being,”he said. These questions are then encouraged to seek better answers about God. He was more looking for the spiritual value of a religion.

Came later when I was in junior college, he shared a room with a Jew who is studying the martial arts. Pencak silat learned that his friend is the kind of martial arts that exist in Malaysia. When the martial arts are very close to the teachings of Islam.

Each time, the young Jewish home, she always told Krauss about the uniqueness of silat and spiritual dimensions of existing wealth. From these stories, finally Steven was intrigued. One Saturday morning, he chose to go with a friend of one room in a martial arts training sessions.

Although initially he had not realized that his heart was thrilled with Islam, Krauss acknowledged his first martial arts training on February 28, 1998 that’s what drove him to become converts. When he met with Cikgu (teacher in Bahasa Malaysia) Sulaiman.

The martial arts teacher that introduced him to Islam. Whereas before, that religion has never occurred at all in the mind Krauss. Feeling increasingly interested in martial arts, he also devote more time to practice and meet with the teacher.

He and his roommate was also a teacher came to the house of Solomon to learn more. Ever, in the summer of 1998, they spent time with the family of Solomon. Every day, he was in contact with a Muslim family. He saw the way they worship, and the lifestyle of a true Muslim.

The result, his knowledge of silat and Islam even more. According to Islam a religion that became part of the life of adherents, it is different from that separate Christian daily life with religion.

initially, he felt alien to Islam. Especially when he was still adopts a liberal and not very interested in things that are dogmatic. However, over time, it is regarded as a dogma in Islam, it turned out to be a submission to God. A way of life that is run by its adherents.

It took one and a half years, or more precisely on July 30, 1999, Steven bersyahadat. He later took the name of Islam, Abdul-Lateef Abdullah. He realized that American culture and then come be a challenge. The country’s culture is very accommodating Adi-nafus worldly lust.

In America, happiness is not far away from consumption and what is already possessed by the material. The market system is the benchmark of American society. However, instead focusing on the Islamic way of living a healthy and positive. Islam could be the answer for social problems. This is what distinguishes Islam with other religions.

”Islam also provide the knowledge, explanations, and guidance of every aspect of life (physical, spiritual, mental, financial, etc.). Only Islam gives a clear purpose in life,”said Abdul-Lateef Abdullah.

Since becoming a Muslim, he finally realized that Islam really can be hold in life. Whatever is done adherents is a great way to always remember God. Way of life Islam allows its followers to keep doing it every time, starting from waking up to go back to the contest.

With the remembrance of Allah, the Muslims are able to get away from all kinds of actions and behaviors that are less healthy and less likely to be useful. They are very focused on the energy provided by God. ”By remembering God we become stronger and healthier in every aspect of our lives and we will be spared from thoughts and behaviors that are not good,”said Abdul Lateef.

Similar to the experience of other converts, he admitted that he had to adjust his life to the Islamic way of life. He was grateful, given facilities to cope with it all. So, Abdul Lateef can still live among the people of other Americans, but still holding fast to the teachings of Islam.

So it is with his family. When first informed of his decision to convert to Islam, his family and close friends began to ask many questions and very concerned with his life. However, they just do not see the decision as something negative. With the long and deep, eventually they can understand.

It was truly captivated by the truth and perfection of the religion of Islam

source

http://www.republika.co.id/berita/dunia-islam/mualaf/12/01/15/lxumfl-steven-eric-krauss-terpikat-kesempurnaan-islam-bag-1

 

1 Month In New Arabia, Mr. Richard Patterson An Entrepreneur And U.S. Pilot converts to Islam

 

Sabili CYBER-RIYADH: Just stayed one month in Saudi Arabia, where he was treated well in an atmosphere of religion, an American businessman who is also a pilot, Richard Patterson, converted to Islam.

Richard, who is now named Abdulaziz, has a company that provides services to help critical care and has a wealth of $ 50 million, and two private planes and two helicopters, which are used for special medical flight.

Richard arrived in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in fulfilling a contract with the Saudi Arabian Red Crescent Societies, to train students in providing emergency relief in the air.

During his stay in Saudi Arabia three people from the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Endowments, Da’wah and Guidance invites Richard out for dinner. All three Saudis are also members working in the project “Guide Me to Islam” (Lead I Towards Islam), talking with Richard about Islam and the essence of true Islam.

“I came to Saudi Arabia for the affairs of commercial transactions. I was so happy to make the best decisions of my life to God, to declare myself to Islam,” said Richard aka Abdulaziz, during the ceremony of conversion to Islam.

He praised the Saudi clothing and described it as comfortable and beautiful clothes.

When Abdulaziz in his country (America), he always used to hearing negative things about Islam through media channels, which aims menjelekan image of Islam.

“Just read about Islam is not enough to understand Islam. Meeting with these people represent and reflect the true spirit,” said Abdulaziz.

He considers himself lucky to find Islam through Muslim friends who accompanied him and discovered in Arabia that Islam is the religion of truth and tolerance.

“Muslims and Saudis kind, humble and open to others,” said Abdulaziz, adding that he felt they were like his own family, and never felt diasingi or mistreatment of them.

For Abdulaziz, the most interesting part of Saudi society is that they are a religious people, who help others to know the religion as part of their everyday lives.

“I wish I could bring all my friends to Saudi Arabia so he could experience what I find and change their view of Islam,” he said again.

Abdulaziz called on fellow Muslims so that employers can invite other foreign businessmen who converted to Islam.

Abdulaziz criticized the attitude of Muslim businessmen who are not serious business associates invite their foreign, to enter the noble religion of Islam. “We can provide books about Islam to the delegates during the business meeting to help clarify the true image of Islam today to someone else,” said Abdulaziz.

A teacher who became translators Abdulaziz, Esam Abdul Razzaq said that celebrities and key figures play a bigger role in their communities to show a certain image.

“Successful people have credibility among members of their community, because they are considered important. Therefore, when they choose to embrace Islam, would trigger the curiosity of others, who want to know more about this religion,” said Abdul Razzaq more. (Arn)

 

Michele Ashfaq from New York United States: Islam is Beautiful and Simple

There are wise words that say, one good example is more powerful than a thousand suggestions. Wise words to describe that to give an example by showing a good attitude and behavior, will leave a deeper impression on other people, than if we spit a lot of words and give advice.

That’s what Michele experienced, women from New York, who knew and eventually attracted to Islam because he was impressed with the character of the man who now became her husband. Muslim men were not only teaches etiquette and hygiene, but also gives a real example on Michele through everyday behavior.

“He just told me many things about Islam, but I’m the one who then started reading Islamic books sent by the father-in-law of Pakistan now. That’s what I initially wanted to find out what it is Islam, “says Michele Ashfaq who previously embraced the Catholic religion.

Before getting to know Islam, Michele admitted through a phase of life that are not targeted. He was puzzled what else to do but raised as a Catholic, but believe in their religion and pray. In the confusion, Michele had moved the congregation, he follows the pilgrims Baptist Church along with his grandparents.

“When I was 17 or 18 years, I experienced a strange event. He was in pernjalanan to the Catholic church when it was suddenly as if someone had whispered to him not to go into the church, “says Michele.

Since then, he began to feel reluctant to come to church. Once arrived, he would be late to church, or there are things that make it off go to church.
“When I studied back, was incredible that they happen for a reason. At that time I was in a state of binging and do not know anything about Islam. My people are naive and do not know anything about other religions. All I know, that time I lived in a very remote town in southern West Virginia with my grandparents. And I live just round the church-house, the house-church, “said Michele.

As described above, Michele know Islam from Muslim man from Pakistan who is now her husband. Next, Michelle learned about Islam from books he read.

Michelle was deeply impressed with the simplicity of Islam. “Islam is simple and easy. That’s what drew me to Islam. I can read and understand the Quran. In stark contrast to when I was at church, we were not advised to read the Bible or books to be understood. We were just told to listen to just what diceramahkan pastor. At that time, I’m a just a lot of asking questions, “added Michele.

Two things he asked seriously when it is about confession of sin and why he should believe in Jesus as savior. He still remembers how her mother forced her to meet with the pastor at the church and to confession as did the Catholics in general. For Michele, it’s very strange tradition. “For what I came to a man and confess my sins. I knew he was pastor, but he’s not my father! “Said Michele. At her age when she was a teenager, he felt the tradition that is not true.

Then, about the conviction of Jesus as a savior for Catholics. Michele questioned what about the followers of Prophet Abraham, the people who existed before Jesus came. “If they told me if I do not believe in Jesus, then I’ll go to hell, then what about the people before Jesus existed? Though Abraham was also a prophet and has also had a follower, “says Michele.

That’s two big questions about Catholic doctrine, and he was not ever get a satisfactory answer and reasonable. From the spiritual side, it makes Michele frustrating situation.

“But the moments that most makes it frustrating is when he did not meet with my husband. I really do not know what I should do, do not know where to worship, time was running very slow, and I ask God, why all this happened, why I so can not be going back to church, I never even dreamed of goal to become a nun, “said Michele.

Anxiety was answered when Michele Michele explore Islam. He said, “When you study the religion of Islam, it feels like you’re learning how to live life as human beings,” said Michele, another thing that answers all the anxiety Michele is memberkan charity or prayer requests.

From start to convert to Islam until now, 12 years Michele has embraced Islam. Mothers who are blessed with three children and worked as a first-grade teacher in North Carolina states that Islam has brought a distinct change for him.

“It’s hard to explain with words about the difference that I experienced after converting to Islam. I felt peace in Islam, is extraordinary. I have a direct relationship with Allah, “says Michele.

“But the biggest difference is the time to read Al-Quran. Al-Quran contains instructions and advice, if you have any questions there are answers in the Quran. (Oi)

source:http://www.eramuslim.com/berita/dakwah-mancanegara/michele-ashfaq-islam-itu-indah-dan-sederhana.htm

 

Mr. Dawud Wharnsby from Ontario Canada to Islam Quran Inspired

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Dawud Wharnsby

REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, Always looking for ways to express yourself. Such is life David Wharnsby. The man who was born and raised in Ontario, Canada’s childhood more happy to express what he feels about many things, rather than having to listen to the lessons at school. At that time, she preferred writing stories and drawing cartoons

Teenagers, the way David expresses itself evolved into photography and theater. Through the theater’s musical talent and well-honed writing. At age who are still teens, he began looking for what exactly is the purpose of his life. This headstrong teenager began to read various scriptures and writings that relate to spiritual studies.

At the age of 18 years, adolescent literacy introvet it stand all night just to write, listen to music, and studying the books containing the teachings of Hinduism, Buddhism, and Taoism. Various spiritual concept began stuffing the head of David. It was then he spends in his musical expression.

David began to write many songs and poems. A self-taught, he studied a wide range of musical instruments which are then combined with the lyrics and voice are pitched as simple introspection. Through his songs, he started a lot of performing in various cafes, universities, and folk festivals.

In 1991, David began to plunge himself in various social activities. Starting from a puppet player and teacher for the children, itinerant singers, to help people with disabilities. This makes adventure activities into different areas.

He also started across Canada, the United States, even to England. Through how to make music, David began to show interest in the philosophy and spiritual teachings of Eastern countries. He was looking for a true spiritual philosophy.

The age of 20 years, David finally found the Koran and then decided to embrace Islam. After saying two sentences creed, he was using the name of Islam, ie, Dawud Wharnsby Ali. Religion for him is not just for human institutions. But something that should be applied in life.

”As word of Islam, I see it as a verb, a word that refers to the action,”said David in an interview with a magazine in 2006. According to him, Islam should be something done by its adherents, not something that just owned it. ”Islam should be implemented in life.”

For David, Islam seems not only a religion attached to it. He wanted to translate Islamic languages ​​through their behavior and way of expression. The Qur’an became his inspiration in music. David wrote many songs with percussion as an instrument, a form of nasheed.

He also wrote many songs that inspired kids from the Koran. Children’s songs originally recorded with just a guitar alone. “That I do to make a wide range of listeners can feel comfortable with the materialism of his songs,”he said.

In 1995, David managed to spawn an album titled Blue Walls and The Big Sky. In the following year, he launched his second album entitled A Whsiper of Peace. On his second album, he already begins to show the religious elements in his songs.

Call it, the song Al Khaliq, The Prophet, or Takbir / Days of Eid. The songs nuanced religion that continues into albums later, the Colours of Islam (1997), Road to Madinah (1998), Sunshine, Dust and The Messenger (2002), The Prophet’s Hands (2003), A Different Drum (featuring The Fletcher Valve Drummers) (2004), Vacuous Waxing (featuring Bill Kocher) (2005), The Poets And The Prophet (2006), Out Seeing The Fields (featuring Idris Phillips) (2007).

Albums that, for David was the result of one way to interpret the Koran. ”For me it is important to be honest to yourself to my opinion about music and its usefulness”said Dawood. In music, he’s a lot of contact with other musicians such converts, Yusuf Islam (Cat Stevens) and Idris Philip (Philip Bubel).

Although the means to interpret the Koran through music was opposed by some quarters. But he felt that the bulk of adherents of Islam does not object to the way it is. ”For me it’s important to be a variety of values ​​through music and song,”said Dawud.

The music lovers in Turkey, Malaysia, Pakistan, Australia, France, the United States, and Britain really liked the development works. Besides busy with projects his personal album, in 1998, David also joined the multimedia company based in Chicago, United States, Sound Vision.com.

In that place, David worked as an education consultant, directional audio, and become a production assistant for more than 15 in dokumentar and television programs for children. Currently David is working on two album projects that will emerge in the years 2011 and 2012.

 

Robinhood Fernando Carino Padilla, Filipino actor who converted to Islam

“The past is a problem then. I’m not a ‘kid’ again. I am now a ‘man’, the nickname ‘Evil Man’ did not seem to wear, but that’s part of my past,” said Carino Robinhood Fernando Padilla, actor Filipina who had been idolized by many people in the era of the ’90s through the film-action movie that starred.

Better known by the name of Robin Padilla, past the man who was born of Protestant Christian family, was dark even though his life as a famous actor wallowing in luxury. But the popularity of luxury and it’s a plunge into the world of night full of sinners. He was trapped in the lives of street thugs and drugs, thus making its popularity had declined.

The actor who was nicknamed “The Bad Boy of Philippine Movies Action” for his role as a member of a cold-blooded gangster in a film, the police have to deal with the Philippines because of football that has been categorized terjangnya criminal. In 1994, Philippine police arrested him and Padilla was convicted on charges of illegal possession of firearms. The court sentenced him to 21 years in prison, but in 1998 he was released.

Past experience in prison was a life-changing Padilla. He became acquainted with Gene Gallopin, a Muslim and human rights activists to Muslim minority communities in the Philippines. Robin began to know Islam from the long discussions about religion with Gallopin who is also a convert, so Robin decided to convert to Islam and used Islamic name Abdul Aziz.

Islamic actor born in Manila, Philippines, 23 November 1967 is not much revealed by the mass media, so many fans were surprised Padilla who really know their idol actors turned out to have become a Muslim.

Shortly after Padilla bersyahadat, named his wife Liezl, also converted to Islam. Couple converts were blessed with five children, began life as a Muslim family. Padilla is still continuing his career as an actor, but after becoming a Muslim, he also did a lot of socio-religious activities.

Activities in the field of religion, made Padilla repeatedly exposed to bias. He was even accused of having an affair with the Abu Sayyaf, a Muslim group in the Philippines who is identified as a radical and terrorist groups. But for Padilla, there may be bias it is a challenge for him to live a life as a Muslim-majority country was Catholic pendudukanya.

Padilla also formed an advocacy agency to help the Filipino Muslim community. He has been appointed as an ambassador for Malaria Eradication Movement by the Department of Health Philippines because gait Padilla organizations in tackling the outbreak of malaria in the country.

Padilla also managed to collect a fund of one million pesos kegiataan Fililpina in raising funds to build a Muslim cemetery in Norzagaray town, Bulacan province.

Establishing Madrasah

In education, Padilla mewakafkan his land in Fairview Park, Quezon City to establish educational institutions of madrasas for Muslim children preschool age.

“The students will get to read Al-Quran lessons from teachers selected. They will live in a dormitory in the same location, shall be exempt from school fees, books are given free, including boarding fees, “said Padilla.

The idea to establish madrasas came after he visited the islands of Basilan and Jolo in southern Philippines, which is part of the Mindanao region, an area in the Philippines is predominantly Muslim.

“From my visit to Mindanao, I found the root of the most pressing issues in there. The lack of education makes kids retarded Muslims there,” Padilla said.

At the beginning of its establishment, there are only five teachers at the school, who have undergone training on international Islamic schools in Turkey. Padilla said he actually wanted to hire teachers, local university graduates, but the costs were more expensive.

“When the foundation management Fountain International School in Turkey to hear the plan we set up Muslim schools in Manila, they declare willing to help provide training for teachers free of charge,” said Padilla.

Asked about the conflict in Mindanao between the Philippine government and Muslim community, Padilla said, “I saw the short-term solution to resolve the conflict in Mindanao, the Philippine military withdrawal from the territory. Throughout the military forces still exist, there will be no peace in Mindanao, “he said. (Kw / TT)

source:http://www.eramuslim.com/berita/dakwah-mancanegara/aktor-filipina-mengenal-islam-dari-balik-jeruji-penjara-kini-giat-berdakwah.htm

 

Viacheslav Polosin, Pastor of Embracing Islam

Viacheslav Polosin

REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, Viacheslav Polosin is a priest who entered the ranks of high officials in the Russian Orthodox Church.

Men born in Moscow, June 26, 1956, began working for the Orthodox Church in 1980 as a “Reader” (responsible to read the quotations of Scripture in worship).

Graduated from Moscow University, Faculty of Philosophy, Department of Sociology in 1978, he later studied theology at a seminary in Moscow. Graduated from there in 1983, was appointed as a deacon Polosin (tasks pelayananan church), and then was appointed pastor.

Polosin had been appointed pastor at several parishes in Central Asia until 1985. He had been head of the church in the city of Dushanbe, but then deported from the territory by the Soviet government authorities as assessed defied Soviet communist rule. He then worked as a part-time translator in the Department of Publishing Office in Moscow diocese.

June 1988, when the persecution of religion by the Soviet government began to subside, Polosin again became pastor of a new church which almost collapsed in the city of Obninsk, Kaluzhsky region. He was performing his duties as pastor until promoted to the High Priest in 1990.

Travel ‘career’ Polosin as religious leaders did not stop there. In March 1990, he was elected as a deputy and a member of the Supreme Soviet of the Russian Federation, representing the region Kaluzhsky. He became Head of Religious Freedom until 1993, and as long as it plays a role in legislation on Freedom of Religion.

Since 1990, Polosin participated in the founding of the Christian Democratic movement in Russia to take charge of the movement until 1993. At the same time, he completed his studies at the Diplomatic Academy Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia and received his MA in political science.

Active in politics, Polosin left the church activities since 1991 because of difficult devote time to activities in the field of politics and religion.

After the Supreme Soviet disbanded in 1993, declined the offer to return Polosin activism in the church as pastor.

He chose to become part-time consultant for the Internal Affairs Department of the Church and became advisor to the state government who are members of the Duma Committee for Public Associations and Religious Organizations.

After successfully defending his thesis “Dialectics of a Creation Myth and Political Myth” he earned his PhD in 1999 equivalent. After that, he wrote many religious themed articles and issues of religious and political.

One of his book is “State Religion Myth” which investigated the effect of the creation myth on the political developments in society, as well as the advantages of the monotheistic ideology to build a country.

Still in 1999, Polosin made a startling announcement. He and his wife returned to monotheism and Islam. Major decision that he marked with the name of Islamic “Ali” in front of his name.

After converting to Islam, Polosin was selected as one chairman of a social and political movements in Russia’s Muslim community, Refakh. He also became editor in chief Muslim Newspaper, published in 1999. In 2003, Polosin elected as President of the Journalists Union of Muslims of Russia, as well as an adviser to the Council of Muftis of Russia.

sumber :

http://www.republika.co.id/berita/dunia-islam/mualaf/12/01/18/lxzj10-viacheslav-polosin-pastor-yang-memeluk-islam-1

 

Christina Morra: I say the Creed in the plane (1)

REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, My name is Christina Morra and was born into a Christian family. I have three brothers and three sisters. We stopped going to church when I was six years old. We believe that it is better to read the Gospel at home because we can not find the church with doctrine can we obey, so we better stay home. I am convinced that the religious attitude of the family that caused me to embrace Islam. I also believe that the journey to Islam began when I was newborn. One case that I learned in Islam is the concept of nature. This means that every child born in a state of purity, free from any sin. Therefore, we can call a child or baby as a Muslim.

Only a mother who taught her bapaknyalah to be a Jew or a Christian. I was so interested in this Islamic belief because I agree wholeheartedly. The fact that Muslims are trying to come back in a state of purity and become the best person can be right in my view.

I got to know Islam from some of my Muslim colleagues on the internet. Not all of my Muslim friends, but Thank God I’ve got some good Muslim friends. Previously I did not know anything. Only, I am reminded of a Muslim who worked with my father. At that time I learned to say “hai”.
I was attracted to this person who looks gentle and peaceful, and dressed completely in white. Slowly a new me that greeted the children is a good deed.

I once wrote an article related to the inclination and my interest to learn about different cultures and humanity. When I learned in high school. The article got the attention of our tutor. My English teacher also praised the article. When the time passed, my relationship with Muslims is also increasing. I became more interested in learning about Islam.

While in college, I took a religion course. Unfortunately, the material presented does not provide much information about Islam. I feel to be learned is Islam. Therefore, I took a course of classical Islam. I also learned the Persian language because it is so interest to learn the language. Cool with interest that I struggled to make me decide not to continue studying the field of architecture.

My good friend, Ehsan, one whom I knew through the internet, is a good friend to learn the Koran. I am asking a lot of issues relating Islam to him. He came from Iran to see me in America. We met in Texas. I also met with Iranian citizens crowded in there.

source:

http://www.republika.co.id/berita/dunia-islam/mualaf/12/01/12/lxoas5-christina-morra-kuucapkan-syahadat-di-dalam-pesawat-1

 

Muallaf Osman Andrew Young: So Artists Calligraphy

Adventurous spirit brought Osman Andrew Young traveled to explore exotic places around the world, met with a variety of people including those who according to Osman as the “best people”.

For Osman, Islam is not a stranger because he had studied the history of Arabic at the University of St. Andrew, Scotland. His trip to various places in the world, not only introduce further in Islam but also introducing the art of calligraphy which he elaborated until now.

At the age of 18 years, Osman had to travel overland along the North Africa. He visited Tunisia, Algeria and Morocco. Without the provision of good Arabic, without the provision of money and not knowing what to do, Osman has always met with the people who helped him, and touched by their kindness in his heart, so sometimes he stayed for days at a place.

“One time, in a village in the interior, several small children who for days my attention, emerged from a house and brought food,” said Osman.

Experience suggests that he personally experienced during travel to Muslim countries in North Africa, is the first contact with the Muslim community.

Osman is very interested in the ancient writings that he met in every way, from the ancient Greek letters, letters hieroglyphic Egyptian and Arabic forms of the letters which he had seen during his adventures in North Africa. His curiosity was so great to be able to understand the foreign letters, especially letters of the Arabic alphabet.

“Although I am not too familiar with the Arabic letters, I still remember the letters that had studied the history of Arabic. Therefore, when I studied classical Arabic, I could easily memorize Surat Yusuf. I do not understand its meaning, but I am very interested in the beauty of the sound of words the letters of the Koran, “said Osman.

Finished college, Osman had moved and lived in London, but only six months. He feels isolated physically and emotional, his soul is not connected with life in the city. He then read the ad about the opportunity to work in Egypt. Osman took the chance. He headed off to the Egyptian capital, Cairo.

On the way to Cairo, OSMA had stopped briefly in Sudan. Already she saw as a country that most of its territory is desert, but there he met with people whose attitude is warm and friendly.

“All the people are Muslim. They pray and behave well. They are simple people, and wear traditional Muslim dress,” said Osman who is often invited to eat into the house residents. Muslim communities in Sudan friendliness make him feel at home as at home. He compared life in Europe which he said masyarat individually and sometimes rigid.

“In Sudan, the behavior of people who either creates openness that can accept you, no threat. You will feel safe there,” said Osman.

In 1984, Osman during the five-day trip to the mountains of Jabal Mara in Darfur. He climbed mountains, and visited the villages that were located up to many hours on foot from one village to another. Osman witnessed the extraordinary beauty of his way to Jabal Mara.

“Not just the beauty of the landscape, but here, in the middle of a very remote area, you could see a farmer who prayed alone. The sight made my heart was touched, this person does not show off in worship. Darfur is an amazing place and very interesting,” he said.

He also witnessed other visitors whose numbers approximately 50 people, always perform prayers together. At night, when Osman sleeping in his sleeping bag, he heard the faint of people read the prayer.

However, an unforgettable experience when he did climb into the mountains of Jabal Mara, when she met someone who knew when he ate at a small shop. The stranger then took Osman to a small cottage. He gave his place to sleep for Osman, while the stranger sleeping on the floor instead. In the morning, on awakening, Osman saw the stranger was praying with khusyuknya.

After a stopover in already, Osman arrived in Cairo, Egypt. In the State of this pyramid, Osman met with the community of converts who advised him to take part in the event of Al-Quran reading and recitation. Initially, Osman did not pay much attention to that suggestion. New year later Osman follow that advice.

During the previous year, Osman as drawn from life and the world because I was busy thinking and writing. Osman train his flexibility by doing yoga, meditation and spending time with membaca.Tapi sometimes he still feels his soul is empty. Osman then discussing with a friend over the phone, which again suggests Osman to join the show read the Quran and remembrance, and Osman finally agreed.

“The timing is right for me. I see people come together, to run over and sit on the road. With a little nervous, Osman met with two big men dressed in shalwar khamis (suit trousers and long shirt typical of Muslims) and turban in his head. The two men were warmly welcomed Osman.

Osman still remember the first time he attended the event which suggested his friend, he joined the prayer, and afterwards, Osman so enjoyed reading the Quran and remembrance. “I feel like to hear something so familiar to my ears. The voices seemed to chime in and bring a very strong impact for me,” he added.

“It’s hard to explain, very beautiful and amazing. Even in the part they dwell for a moment, I seemed to see the light that encourages feelings of my spirituality. I feel like coming back to the show,” Osman continued.

He completely re-assembly and diligently follow the Quran and remembrance, until really felt he had found Islam and decided to become a Muslim. While following the assembly, Osman also studied calligraphy. He was very eager to learn calligraphy. “This is a wonderful way to express thoughts, ideas and feelings,” he said.

Calligraphy eventually become part of Osman’s life now. “My heart was adrift since it first came to the assembly that the Quran. At the same time I discovered Islam, I found my identity, and the ability of the continued rise in beautiful calligraphy,” said Osman. (Ln / IG)

sumber:

http://www.eramuslim.com/berita/dakwah-mancanegara/osman-andrew-young-si-petualang-yang-akhirnya-jadi-seniman-kaligrafi.htm

 

Muslim convert Joseph Burke (2): Muslim Advocate and Helping Each Other So Routine Eats

REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, After embracing Islam, Joseph Burke admitted his family were so surprised. “But I think they can understand my decision,” he said. Joseph’s family has an open mind and they always respect all people, especially the monotheistic beliefs.

“I think they looked at me to worship based on the way I believe and they appreciate it,” he said. But Joseph also feels the need to explain to his family why he decided to embrace Islam. “Maybe that would get rid of skid also understanding that we have in the United States about Islam, and their exceptional very supportive.”

Now Joseph is not only a Muslim, he was active in Islamic activities and organizations. Today he became director of one branch of the Council on American-Israel Relations (CAIR) in the U.S.. “We, part of the advocacy group for American Muslims, are basically trying to try to remove some slippage understanding while helping Muslims in the case of freedom or civil rights,” said Joseph. “We’re trying to bring Muslims to sit down with U.S. society and introduce them to the wider community.”

When plunging preaching, he and his colleagues are always working mengkui carrying Islam to the American taste. The struggle for the rights and freedoms sipili Muslims is the main activity. “Every Muslim who was discriminated against because they are good Muslims in the workplace or government agency, we try memantu them. Now we are dealing with several such cases.”

Although he admits discrimination against minorities is often encountered, but one big thing that he acungi thumbs up life in America is the law on religious freedom and accommodation to worship according to his religion, especially in the workplace.

“But the problem, many workers did not know this and we make them understand what it’s like what forms of worship and accommodation of religion, such as praying or hijab or beard for men. We continue to socialize it to make sure they understand and they may ask for this right in workplace, “said Joseph.

In another sense, many Muslims are facing problems at work because the boss would not let them pray, scarf, or even grow a beard. “That’s what happened, such as wearing hijab in a work environment that has a uniform policy. But the law on our side and that’s what we try edukasikan,” said Joseph.

source:http://www.republika.co.id/berita/dunia-islam/mualaf/11/12/27/lwu51c-mualaf-yusuf-burke-2-mengadvokasi-dan-membantu-sesama-muslim-jadi-santapan-rutin