Do Not Follow Heraclius (part 2 of 2): Contemporary issues and external pressures |
    Description: If a person believes that Islam is the truth he must convert without delay. By Aisha Stacey (© 2012 NewMuslims.com)Published on 23 Jul 2012 - Last modified on 23 Jul 2012 Viewed: 586 (daily average: 220) - Rating: - Rated by: 4 Printed: 15 - Emailed: 0 - Commented on: 0 Category: Articles > How to Convert to Islam > How to Convert to Islam and Become a Muslim |
 Prophet Muhammad’s dear uncle and supporter Abu Talib, and Heraclius,
the Emperor of the Byzantine Empire both chose not to accept Islam. In both
cases we can be fairly certain that it was a decision they did not take lightly,
however they both chose to bow to external pressures. Instead of fearing God
alone they found themselves afraid of what others would think, say or do.
Today, more than a millennium later many people find themselves in the same
position. They know or sense that Islam is the correct or true religion yet
they refuse the gift that God has bestowed upon them.
There are many pressures in
contemporary society that make converting to Islam a daunting prospect.
External pressures can put modern day people in the same position as Abu Talib
and Emperor Heraclius. However, God does not call someone to Islam and then
abandon them. If a person knows beyond doubt that Islam is the right religion
they can also be sure, beyond doubt, that God has the authority and power to
continue to guide them and ease their journey. Sometimes the mountain in front
may look large and looming but what is a mountain except a part of creation
totally submitted to the will of God.
“See you not that whoever is in the
heavens and whoever is on the earth, and the sun, and the moon, and the stars,
and the mountains, and the trees, and living creatures, and many of mankind
prostrate themselves to God…” (Quran 22:18)
God makes converting to Islam
easy but we, human beings, the sons and daughters of Adam have an uncanny way of
making our own lives difficult and filled with obstacles that in reality do not
exist.
“…God does not want to place you in
difficulty…” (Quran 5:6)
“…Whoever puts his trust in God then He
will be enough for him…” (Quran 65:3)
This Quranic statement about
trust is easy to say and easy to understand however when it comes to putting
that complete trust into action it is not always easy. This is for two
reasons. Of course, when a person is close to accepting Islam, Satan bombards
him or her with tricks and illusions designed to lead the person away from the
straight path to God. And secondly, people who do not fully understand the
nature of God tend to fear the reaction of their family, friends or colleagues.
Abu Talib was afraid that he would be thought of as a man without honour if he
rejected the religion of his forefathers, and Heraclius thought he would lose
his position, his power or his life. These things are of little consequence
when compared to eternal bliss or damnation, however human beings are constantly
fighting a battle to detach themselves from this illusionary world.
When a person converts to Islam
some big changes are bound to happen. The transition to Islam is emotionally
charged. Each person begins to feel like a changed person and consequently
begins to act differently. Questions, thoughts and scenarios fill our minds,
and Satan works overtime. Abu Talib might have addressed the same issues,
Heraclius may have wondered whether his life would be in danger if he pressed
the point or revealed his intentions to follow the teachings of Muhammad.
Now days we ask ourselves a
different series of questions but they disturb our rest just the same. Should
I dress differently? Should I tell my family, am I still allowed to go out,
drink alcohol, date? Hundreds of questions, but the reality is that these
questions are really not relevant to whether a person wants to convert to Islam
or not. If a person believes Islam is the truth then he or she should convert
to Islam without delay. The details come later when a person establishes a
relationship with God, when he understands the nature of our Creator.
Each person has a predetermined
lifespan. We do not know when we are going to die and the next minute might
literally be our last in this world. For this reason alone a person must not be
like either Heraclius or Abu Talib. Both men let their love of this illusionary
world dictate their hereafter. Conversion should take place and trust in God
should guide the new Muslim towards a lifelong relationship with Him.
Revealing that you are Muslim is
not a condition of accepting Islam. At the same time however we must be mindful
of the changes Islam requires and ask God to ease the way. Old habits must be
broken slowly but surely and learning about the nature of God and His laws will
allow each person to change into the type of person God loves. Although
becoming a Muslim is an instantaneous event becoming the best Muslim possible
requires a lifetime of learning and studying.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qBgqnrUvN-U&feature=related http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7xKm91vNTSc&feature=related http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OAjnAeqVfBc&feature=related http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JcPTUbES2J4&feature=related http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5NOuEy-rGzU&feature=related http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IYMKQKSV0bY&feature=related http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_J5_VETwfew&feature=relmfu http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LQFXuZRLMTY&feature=relmfu |
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