|
20 December 2012
By Imaan Ali
Islam attaches great importance to knowledge and
education. When the Quran began to be revealed, the
first word of its first verse was 'Iqra' that is,
read. Allah says, (what means): "Read! In the Name of
your Lord Who has created (all that exists). He has
created man from a clot (a piece of thick coagulated
blood). Read! And your Lord is the Most Generous. Who
has taught (the writing) by the pen. He has taught man
that which he knew not" [Quran, 96: 1-5]
It is all about a young man, Justin Kahm who reverted
to Islam around 3 years ago. Justin is 24 years old
and was agnostic before he reverted to Islam. He is
based out of USA and grew up on a farm near the town
of Circle, Montana, and moved to Billings, Montana at
age 15. He currently lives with his parents and
enjoys video games, Japanese animation, learning about
history, geography, politics, and world affairs. He
was the recording secretary for the 2012 Stewart
Alexander Presidential campaign with Socialist Party
USA.
I had a chance to interview him and talk about his
quest to seek knowledge brought him to discover
Islam.
Justin: 'wa'alaikum Salam Imaan: How did your interest in Islam start and what attracted you to Islam? Justin: I have been interested in Asian cultures for a long time. At first I was primarily interested in east Asian cultures (especially Japanese), but eventually expanded my horizons to learn about western Asia and the middle east. This is when I started learning more about Arab culture, and more specifically, Islam. Imaan: What was the defining moment when you decided to revert to Islam? Justin: I got a book from the library called "A Brief Illustrated Guide to Understanding Islam" which explained how to revert, by reciting the Shahada. I had come to the conclusion that Islam made more sense than any other religion due to its complete monotheism and universal principles after reading several books about Islam. The one that I probably learned the most from was "Islam: A Short History" by Karen Armstrong. "A Brief Illustrated Guide to Understanding Islam" also gave some examples of scientific proof of Islam, which I found intriguing, and also about the great challenge to replicate a Surah like that of the Quran which has never been fulfilled. Imaan: What was the reaction of your parents/friends? Justin: I haven't discussed it extensively with my parents and tend to keep my religious views private, but I have educated them somewhat about the core beliefs of Islam and why I consider it to be the universal truth. I have discussed it with several of my friends as well, and have explained to them the core differences between what Muslims believe and what Christians believe, about how we view Jesus (PBUH) as a prophet of Islam and not the literal son of God in the flesh. Imaan: How challenges did you face at your work place or cultural or with any other people? Justin: Around the time I reverted to Islam, I worked in a hospital cafeteria, and the issue did not come up very much, although I did change my diet to one of fish and vegetables in order to avoid haraam meats, and I explained to my co-workers why this was. I also explain this when turning down pork and alcohol whenever it is offered to me. Imaan: what level of support help did you get from the Muslim community or Muslims? Was it positive? Justin: I have met many other Muslims through social networking sites that have been extremely supportive and a source of inspiration. I continue to learn more about Islam through them. Imaan: what are your future plans or how do you see Muslim Ummah in the future? Justin: I see Islam continuing to grown in the United States and we are becoming a powerful political lobby. After years of being ignored hear, I feel many of our voices are finally being heard. I plan on working with other American Muslims in areas of interest such as foreign policy and anti-war activities, as well as with others who are sympathetic towards Islam. |
Add Comments