New converts share their experiences and reasons for embracing Islam Allow me to greet you with the universal greeting in Islam “As Salamu Alaykum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuh! First of all, I would like to introduce myself, I am Arvin “Ahmed” Cayabyab a native of Pangasinan, Philippines and an architect by profession. Alhamdulillah, I had my first Ramadan last August and it was also the month and year that I embraced Islam. As a Muslim, I felt I was a new-born child. As a seeker with faith, I accepted Islam and totally surrendered myself to Allah. Aside from that, I searched and patiently read the Holy Qur'an. I attended and listened to the lectures and following verses really touched my heart: “And whoever seeks any religion other than Islam, it shall never be accepted from him, and he shall be of the losers in the hereafter.”(Qur'an, 3:85) “ Allâh bears witness that Lâ ilâha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He), and the angels, and those having knowledge (also give this witness); (He is always) maintaining His creation in Justice. Lâ ilâh illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He), the All-Mighty, the All-Wise. Truly, the religion with Allâh is Islâm. Those who were given the Scripture (Jews and Christians) did not differ except, out of mutual jealousy, after knowledge had come to them. And whoever disbelieves in the Ayât (proofs, evidences, verses, signs, revelations, etc.) of Allâh, then surely, Allâh is Swift in calling to account..” (Qur'an, 3:18 to 19) Allah tested my perseverance and patience to convey the message of Islam to my family especially to my wife, who' proved very hard to convince. Her heart and words are like stone but I did not give up telling her the message of true religion. Every time we had conversation she would get angry and would not want to talk about religion. There were times I cried just to beg her to listen and I am not ashamed to share this. Alhamdulillah after Ramadan, Allah (SWT) swiftly gave my reward, Masha Allah, I myself administered the shahada to my wife together with our children. As a Muslim, I felt so different. I learn a lot, worshipping and praying to Allah and follow the true religion because, I do believe that praying and worshipping Allah purifies the soul and refreshes the body. It refined my character and inculcated the excellent virtues of truthfulness, honesty, modesty and humility. It keeps me away from falsehood and from all forbidden actions and evil deeds. Well, I cannot also deny that when I became a Muslim, I have encountered trials and persecution in my life. Some of my friends cannot understand me anymore. They misunderstood my ways and actions in conveying those messages of Allah Almighty. But I still continue to spread the truth and Insha allah I know that Allah will guide them to understand and accept Islam. Alhamdulillah some of my Christian friends now embraced Islam. I found contentment and happiness in my life with the guidance of Allah. No words could ever express my gratitude to Aallh. Trials will always be part of our life, but I am not afraid to face them anymore because Islam has proven to be the only refuge of peace and comfort. I pray to Allah that my heart will continue yearning to spread Islam and keep calling mankind to the straight path. __
