Category: Faith & Spirituality, Life & Society Topics: Allah Values: Knowledge Views: 2704
2704
Rewards of knowing God
Perhaps I am not your stereotypical revert in that I am a 44 year old single white male who is employed as a diesel mechanic. I feel that I have finally found the correct and truthful path to God after a very long search and the wonderful people at IslamiCity have been a blessing to me.
I was raised a Christian by wonderful, loving parents, of whom my mother was a minister but they also graciously allowed me to find my own way in life and I praise them for that.
I spent the majority of my youth in the typical pursuit of irreverent and materialistic things, as many young in western society are prone to do but at about the age of 30 started feeling that there was some higher purpose that I was missing, some spiritual truth that I was lacking and I began a search to find it. Always a student of intellectual reading material such as poetry, prose, philosophy and such I began my search by reading books. I started with the nature religions such as Wicca but quickly grew frustrated as there were as many different approaches to the spirit as there were authors to write them. I then became interested in Zen and Tibetan Buddhism. These kept me more engaged as there is an endless supply of material on the subjects and they do offer many good counsels and self improvement techniques but I still felt as if something were missing. I just could not come to grips with the no self and no God theories that they profess to. I felt that there was indeed a higher power, one I desperately wanted to commune with but also knew that the tradition of my wonderful parents was not my path.
One day about a year ago I happened upon a book on Sufism by Hasarat Inyat Khan while looking for some guidance after the untimely death of my dear father and found the introduced concepts to be totally enlightening, they just clicked and made perfect sense to me. That and all of the media attention after the terrible events of Sept. 11 served to fuel my desire to know Islam, and to know God. I see now the beauty and truth written in the noble Koran and after much research and the recommendations of a Muslim newspaper correspondent I had written to here in Denver, came to find IslamiCity and decided to take Shahada with one of the wonderful volunteers whom so graciously called me at my home and talked freely with me about my path.
I look forward to becoming a good Muslim, to my relationship with God and all of His followers and encourage all who may have thoughts of following this path to do so without regret. Life is so fleeting and the rewards of knowing God are so great.
Peace be upon you all.
By the grace of God, Brandon Sumner from USA declared his testimony of faith (shahada) at IslamiCity on September 27, 2002.
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Older Comments:
MARIAM FROM USA said:
Assalaam Alaikum brother, your journey to Islam was very touching. God guides those who he wishes. Knowing God is the most amazing feeling, to see the world around us and its beauty and understand the blessings in our lives is just an incredible awakening. Feel free to email me. Best wishes and many blessings onto you brother.
Mariam
Mariam
2002-11-28
EDY MULYADI FROM INDONESIA said:
Alhamdullihirabil'alamin,Shubhanallah. I hope he will become a good moeslem until the end and Allah put him with all suhada/sholihinin the heaven,Amin. I hope He becomes a good speaker for all muslimin.
2002-11-27
HABIB-UR-REHMAN FROM USA said:
Assalam-u-ALikum Brother,
I m so glad that the real path of reaching to God has came to u, but remmeber one thing that from now on any thing u have to find out about Allah and his final religion Islam, just after finishing ur daily five prayers, after each prayer ask Allah to guide u to his real path and let u meet with people of his real knowledge,
Insha Allah he will be helping u, infact He already helped u to show u His path,
May Allah Guide u and bless u and make u a soldier and a scholar of His Islam
Amen.
wa asslam,
Habib
[email protected]
I m so glad that the real path of reaching to God has came to u, but remmeber one thing that from now on any thing u have to find out about Allah and his final religion Islam, just after finishing ur daily five prayers, after each prayer ask Allah to guide u to his real path and let u meet with people of his real knowledge,
Insha Allah he will be helping u, infact He already helped u to show u His path,
May Allah Guide u and bless u and make u a soldier and a scholar of His Islam
Amen.
wa asslam,
Habib
[email protected]
2002-11-18
ROY FROM USA said:
Your story sounds almost exactly like mine. I too was raised Christian but felt unfulfilled; which prompted me to pursue other paths to God as you did. Islam was the last of the major world religions that I studied prior to becoming a Muslim. Like you, finding Islam after being exposed to other beliefs made it much more evident that I had found the truth that I search for. I am happy for you brother that ALLAH has allowed you to find the right path.
2002-11-16
SEAN FROM MALAYSIA. said:
Assalamu'alaikum,
Firstly I would to say congractulation by choosing the Islam as WAY OF LIFE. U choose the correct regelious.Only the islam will put U in proper situation.
Anyway I from Malaysia. I' Muslim. Hopefully we keep in touch and talk about islam in details. TQ.
Firstly I would to say congractulation by choosing the Islam as WAY OF LIFE. U choose the correct regelious.Only the islam will put U in proper situation.
Anyway I from Malaysia. I' Muslim. Hopefully we keep in touch and talk about islam in details. TQ.
2002-11-15
SALEHA EHSANYAR FROM USA said:
I congratue you from the bottom of my heart brother, welcome to the path of Ibrahim. Now you know the truth and can understand the taste of being a muslim. Pray from me to be more focused on my religious activities. May Allah bless all the people around the world and specially MUSLIMS.
Iman
Saleha
Iman
Saleha
2002-11-15
MARLINA WONG FROM MALAYSIA said:
Assalamualaikum ,Alhamdulilah,Amein Amein
Aqurire knowledge to purify our self and through knowledge we purify our action.Through action we purify our soul and increase our Iman.
Congratulation, you are one of the lucky one being choosen by Allah S.W.T.to knock on door of your heart..........
Aqurire knowledge to purify our self and through knowledge we purify our action.Through action we purify our soul and increase our Iman.
Congratulation, you are one of the lucky one being choosen by Allah S.W.T.to knock on door of your heart..........
2002-11-15
LISA FROM USA said:
Brandon, I"m so proud of you. God really made the truth evident in all of the books, if we read the message we will see that although human came up with different names for monotheistic messages, there is only one God to whom all of us should turn to for forgiveness, mercy and love. I am very proud of you for finding the truth, may the mercy and blessings of God be with you always. And may he use you as a bridge, and an educator to others.
fee aman allah,
your sister
Lisa
fee aman allah,
your sister
Lisa
2002-11-15
ABDERRAHIM OUAZZI FROM GERMANY said:
May Allah make it easy for you, in this hard time.
2002-11-13
MAJID FROM ENGLAND said:
Praise be to allah, the lord of the worlds
2002-11-11
MARIAM FROM AFGHANISTAN said:
Asalam-u-Alikum
Congratulations brother on your decision to take the Shahada. I wish you best of luck and success. Iam very happy that you found the real path of your life . May God bless you, and again I want to add that Iam very happy because as a member of Islamicity I thik that I also have a very small part in inviting the world to Islam.
Congratulations brother on your decision to take the Shahada. I wish you best of luck and success. Iam very happy that you found the real path of your life . May God bless you, and again I want to add that Iam very happy because as a member of Islamicity I thik that I also have a very small part in inviting the world to Islam.
2002-11-08
MARTHA E MANTILLA FROM U.S.A. said:
SALAM!
I AM VERY HAPPY WHEN A NEW PERSON FIND ALA, I FOUND ALA HERE IN USA NINE YEARS AGO, AND I NOW HOW GREAT IS TO NOW ALA AND TO HAVE REAL COMUNICATION WITH HIM AND REAL GUIDANCE, BECAUSE BEFORE I NOW HIM I WAS LOST, AND HE CHANGE MY LIFE FOR EVER INSHAALA.
CONGRATULATIONS SISTER!
SALAM !
MARTHA E MANTILLA
I AM VERY HAPPY WHEN A NEW PERSON FIND ALA, I FOUND ALA HERE IN USA NINE YEARS AGO, AND I NOW HOW GREAT IS TO NOW ALA AND TO HAVE REAL COMUNICATION WITH HIM AND REAL GUIDANCE, BECAUSE BEFORE I NOW HIM I WAS LOST, AND HE CHANGE MY LIFE FOR EVER INSHAALA.
CONGRATULATIONS SISTER!
SALAM !
MARTHA E MANTILLA
2002-11-08
MUBASSIR MANSURI FROM USA said:
Alhamdolillah.....
2002-11-08
BELQISSA FROM TEXAS, USA said:
Congratulations Brandon Sumner on your decision to take the Shahada. I wish you luck and success. I identify with your story 100%, for I went through similar situation. I am now a very happy muslima. May God bless you.
2002-11-08
HASSAN MOHAMED FROM USABRANDON SUMNER said:
Happy Ramadan to all brothers and sisters, Dear brothers i would like to you send this message to Brandon Sumner who became muslim a while ago.............. Dear Brandon i am so proud of you and all i can say to WISH you JANA (heaven) you're star so many ways good luckkkkkkk .............
2002-11-07
AHMED EL-AMIN FROM USA said:
As a moslum your words of faith move me, read and study the Holy Quran and Allah will guide and bless you
Assalaam Alaikum
Your brother
Ahmed El-Amin
Assalaam Alaikum
Your brother
Ahmed El-Amin
2002-11-06
GHAZANFAR AHMED FROM INDIA said:
Islamcity is doing a wonderful job. Your team is bringing forward much needed facts about Islam. By ALLAH'S will your reward will be greater than the effort.
Well done.
Well done.
2002-11-05
RUZE BEGUM FROM LONDON said:
ALHAMDUALLAH ITS GREAT TO HEAR THAT U HAD CONVERTED TO ISLAM AND REALISED THAT ALLAH IS DA MOST MERCIFUL AND HE IS THE ONE THAT CREATED THE WORLD.
AS THIS WOULD MAYBE UR FIRST RAMZAN I MUST SAY THAT DURING THE 30 DAYS OF RAMADAN IT IS THE MOST SPECIAL AS IT TOOK ALLAH THE MUST GRECIOUS AND MERCIFUL 30 PERCIOUS DAYS 2 CRATE DA HOLY QURAN AS ALL THE JIN WAS LOCKED UP AND IT IS OUR TIME 2 READ THE QURAN IN 30 DAYS KEEP FASTIN TO OBEY ALLAH.
MAY ALLAH SHOWER U WITH HIS BLESSING.
ASSALAM ALAYKUM
AS THIS WOULD MAYBE UR FIRST RAMZAN I MUST SAY THAT DURING THE 30 DAYS OF RAMADAN IT IS THE MOST SPECIAL AS IT TOOK ALLAH THE MUST GRECIOUS AND MERCIFUL 30 PERCIOUS DAYS 2 CRATE DA HOLY QURAN AS ALL THE JIN WAS LOCKED UP AND IT IS OUR TIME 2 READ THE QURAN IN 30 DAYS KEEP FASTIN TO OBEY ALLAH.
MAY ALLAH SHOWER U WITH HIS BLESSING.
ASSALAM ALAYKUM
2002-11-04
NURU MUHAMMAD FROM NIGERIA said:
Assalamu alaikum,
Congratulations! May Allah accept all your good deeds as well as ours. However, you still have another task of convincing your dear mother(whom I hope is still alive). It will be a difficult task but I hope at the end of the day WE would succeed.
May Allah guide us unto the straight path.
Bissalam.
Congratulations! May Allah accept all your good deeds as well as ours. However, you still have another task of convincing your dear mother(whom I hope is still alive). It will be a difficult task but I hope at the end of the day WE would succeed.
May Allah guide us unto the straight path.
Bissalam.
2002-11-04
FABIOLA FROM EGYPT said:
I think the comment u made was reaaly really good and I think now u know what islam is about, islam is not a bad religion islam is a good religion i think is a beautiful religion to me is very hard to explain about islam but i do know about islam but it hard for me to explain becasue i'm about to convert to islam and i would appreciated if someone can please help me to know more about islam I know about islma but not as much as i'm suppose to, so if someone their can help me please that would be very appreciated thank you very much take care and may god bless you salam alekum and peace upon you
2002-11-04
MANSOOR FROM USA said:
Brandon,
People like you and other reverts are much better
Muslims and much better human beings than any of us
who are muslim by virtue of birth.
You have understood Islam better than me.
May Allah reward you in this world and in the hereafter.
People like you and other reverts are much better
Muslims and much better human beings than any of us
who are muslim by virtue of birth.
You have understood Islam better than me.
May Allah reward you in this world and in the hereafter.
2002-11-03
YASKA FROM USA said:
hey brandon sumner,
first of all,
You are a very very lucky person.
I am a young muslim man who knows well the typical western youth, as of their daily lifestyle, well to tell you the truth, by being involved on such activities on daily basis such as the young typical materialistic youth in the western, it is so difficult to understand what is right and what is wrong, very few people practice their daily belief system and the rest are morally deal; i mean totally dead, they became like machines. My point is, it is extremely hard to be GOD concious people while people are chasing materialistic things in this world we live in.
first of all,
You are a very very lucky person.
I am a young muslim man who knows well the typical western youth, as of their daily lifestyle, well to tell you the truth, by being involved on such activities on daily basis such as the young typical materialistic youth in the western, it is so difficult to understand what is right and what is wrong, very few people practice their daily belief system and the rest are morally deal; i mean totally dead, they became like machines. My point is, it is extremely hard to be GOD concious people while people are chasing materialistic things in this world we live in.
2002-11-03
SANIA OMAR FROM USA said:
Alhamdullilah May Allah guide you to the straight path welcome to the true religion. I pray to God more will follow you.
Assalam Alaykum
Assalam Alaykum
2002-11-03
NASHINAS FROM USA said:
Please don't let the actions of some "muslims" discourage you. It is tough sometimes to see foolish/violent behavior from muslims. But be assured that most of us adhere to belief that we must be gentle with our fellow human beings, as long they don't intentionally hurt us. We should be aware at all times that Allah is watching us and will ask us to account for our behaivor in the last day.
Peace
Peace
2002-11-02
RAFATH FROM USA said:
Assalaamualaikum brother Brandon Sumer, I congratulate you for successfully beginning the beautiful journey of Islam and submiting to the Will of Allah our Creator. InshaAllah if we really submit to the Will of Allah and patiently persevere the path till the end of our time on this earth then that is the real success of this life. Ameen. May Allah make it easy for you your chosen path...Al Islam.
2002-11-02
VAID FROM USA said:
Dear Brandon,
You should be eternally thankful to Allah for showing you the right and the most profitable path.
I would like to share a Quranic revelation with you. As you probably know, Surah Yasin is considered the heart of Quran. Scholars have spent their lives trying to decipher the reason for the status of this surah. They think that a story revealed in this Surah is very compelling and heart of Surah Yasin. I would like to share with you this story which you probably know already. But I feel so well by repeating it many times.
You know there have been approximately 125,000 prophets. One of them came to a city probably in the present day Syria. As usual, most of the people rejected his message. There was one man living on the outskirts of the city who accepted the message and attested to the truth of the message. He was an ordinary man, so he was put to untold misery but he didnot flinch. Ultimately, he was martyred. Allah granted him heaven. Even there he was gloomy and looked sad. Allah asked him the reason for his despair as nobody is unhappy in the heavens. He told Allah that he was despairing because so many people in his city would miss the magnificent rewards and eternal happiness which he is seeing there and wished that they somehow came to know of these rewards before their deaths so that they can also benefit from this.
Allah was so pleased by his sincere concern for his fellow city dwellers for whom he was wishing the best even though they put him through great misery that he made this story the heart of The Quran.
May Allah show us all the right path.
You should be eternally thankful to Allah for showing you the right and the most profitable path.
I would like to share a Quranic revelation with you. As you probably know, Surah Yasin is considered the heart of Quran. Scholars have spent their lives trying to decipher the reason for the status of this surah. They think that a story revealed in this Surah is very compelling and heart of Surah Yasin. I would like to share with you this story which you probably know already. But I feel so well by repeating it many times.
You know there have been approximately 125,000 prophets. One of them came to a city probably in the present day Syria. As usual, most of the people rejected his message. There was one man living on the outskirts of the city who accepted the message and attested to the truth of the message. He was an ordinary man, so he was put to untold misery but he didnot flinch. Ultimately, he was martyred. Allah granted him heaven. Even there he was gloomy and looked sad. Allah asked him the reason for his despair as nobody is unhappy in the heavens. He told Allah that he was despairing because so many people in his city would miss the magnificent rewards and eternal happiness which he is seeing there and wished that they somehow came to know of these rewards before their deaths so that they can also benefit from this.
Allah was so pleased by his sincere concern for his fellow city dwellers for whom he was wishing the best even though they put him through great misery that he made this story the heart of The Quran.
May Allah show us all the right path.
2002-11-02
WISH TO REAMIN UNAMED FROM AMERICA said:
Mashalla,
i am glad that you have finaly found the religion that fills your spirutal needs
i am glad that you have finaly found the religion that fills your spirutal needs
2002-11-02
YASMEEN SULEYMAN FROM USA said:
Alhamduillah! May Allah continue to bless you richly Brandon.
2002-11-02
ISHTIAQ KHAN FROM USA said:
ASSALAMU ALIKUM BROTHER.
MAY ALLAH BLESS YOU WITH THE COMFERT OF HIS LSAT AND TRUE RELIGION OF ISLAM.YOU ARE VERY WELCOM BACK ON THE ORIGIONAL WAY OF ALLAH(SWT).ISLAM IS THE WAY OF LIFE WHICH IS A RELIGION AT THE SAME TIME.AND THIS WAS THE SAME MESSAGE AND THE WAY OF LIFE FROM ALLAH FOR ALL THE PROPHETS(PBUT) EVER SINCE THE CREATION TILL THE LAST DAY ON THE EARTH.AND ALSO ISLAM WILL BE OUR WAY OF LIFE IN THE HEARAFTER INSHALLAH.
ENJOY YOUR BOUNTIES FROM ALLAH(SWT).AND PRAY FOR ALL AS WELL.
MAY ALLAH BLESS YOU WITH THE COMFERT OF HIS LSAT AND TRUE RELIGION OF ISLAM.YOU ARE VERY WELCOM BACK ON THE ORIGIONAL WAY OF ALLAH(SWT).ISLAM IS THE WAY OF LIFE WHICH IS A RELIGION AT THE SAME TIME.AND THIS WAS THE SAME MESSAGE AND THE WAY OF LIFE FROM ALLAH FOR ALL THE PROPHETS(PBUT) EVER SINCE THE CREATION TILL THE LAST DAY ON THE EARTH.AND ALSO ISLAM WILL BE OUR WAY OF LIFE IN THE HEARAFTER INSHALLAH.
ENJOY YOUR BOUNTIES FROM ALLAH(SWT).AND PRAY FOR ALL AS WELL.
2002-11-02
ARIF FROM US said:
I greet you with open arms in Islam. May Allah (swt) give you peace and happiness, and show us the right path to guidance. Ameen.
2002-11-01
JEEHAN MUNAWAR FROM INDONESIA said:
Mashaalah, Allah have given you and showed you the right path, you are very lucky , may Allah always bless us all, and may alot more people know of the beauty of Islam, becos it is a very perfect and true religion with the beauty in it.
wasalam
wasalam
2002-11-01
MARIAM FROM BELGIUM said:
Assalamo Alykum.
I am a revert myself, since about 2 years.
I thank Allah for inviting more and more "western" people onto his path.
The fact that He does so with people who have the courage to THINK and STUDY has really surprised me. I realise now that Islam is not about emotions, but a reasonable choice to accept the Truth. Alhamdolillah.
Every day I pray that more people would stop thinking one way and fearing to consider any other path, even though they are obviously not happy and not totally convinced about the path they are on. I KNOW - I used to be like them: rather ignore the questions and doubts, rather pretend you did NOT notice inconsistancies... out of fear that you'd have to change.
But changing towards the Truth is so relieving, so rewarding...! You just have to do it and I hope, I pray that many many people will find the courage and will be blessed with an open mind in order to do the same, insh'Allah!
I am a revert myself, since about 2 years.
I thank Allah for inviting more and more "western" people onto his path.
The fact that He does so with people who have the courage to THINK and STUDY has really surprised me. I realise now that Islam is not about emotions, but a reasonable choice to accept the Truth. Alhamdolillah.
Every day I pray that more people would stop thinking one way and fearing to consider any other path, even though they are obviously not happy and not totally convinced about the path they are on. I KNOW - I used to be like them: rather ignore the questions and doubts, rather pretend you did NOT notice inconsistancies... out of fear that you'd have to change.
But changing towards the Truth is so relieving, so rewarding...! You just have to do it and I hope, I pray that many many people will find the courage and will be blessed with an open mind in order to do the same, insh'Allah!
2002-11-01
HASHIM ALHUSSAINI FROM U.S.A. said:
Assalamu Alaikum:
I've always believed that those who sincerely are seeking the truth will find it with Allah's help. Time and again stories like this prove me right. Enjoy the fruits of your labor, dearest brother. You can rest in the knowledge that you now are part of a loving family that lasts forever in God's grace and favor, insha'Allah.
In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
[1] By (the Token of) Time (through the Ages),
[2] Verily Man is in loss,
[3] Except such as have Faith, and do righteous deeds, and (join together) in the mutual teaching of Truth, and of Patience and Constancy.
Glorious Qur'an, Ch. 103: 1-3.
I've always believed that those who sincerely are seeking the truth will find it with Allah's help. Time and again stories like this prove me right. Enjoy the fruits of your labor, dearest brother. You can rest in the knowledge that you now are part of a loving family that lasts forever in God's grace and favor, insha'Allah.
In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
[1] By (the Token of) Time (through the Ages),
[2] Verily Man is in loss,
[3] Except such as have Faith, and do righteous deeds, and (join together) in the mutual teaching of Truth, and of Patience and Constancy.
Glorious Qur'an, Ch. 103: 1-3.
2002-11-01
KEVIN M. ALI FROM USA said:
As-Salaam Alaikum, Al-Hamdilillah Wa-Subhanallah.
Study the life of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and follow his sunnah. May Allah count us among those whom He is pleased, and cause us to be pleased with Him ( Allah).
Study the life of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and follow his sunnah. May Allah count us among those whom He is pleased, and cause us to be pleased with Him ( Allah).
2002-11-01
HAMID ISMAIL FROM SINGAPORE said:
My dear Brother,
Praise be the GOD ALMIGHTY for giving you a new and eternal meaning of life after your soul searching journey.It is not the end but a new beginning of discovery and closeness to GOD.He has given you a life to fulfill....don't be afraid for GOD will always be there.Keep an open mind a sincere heart learn everthing that you can .....if in doubt ask more than once and more than one ..........in the quiet of the nite praise GOD ALMIGHTY thank him for all that you have and ask him for guidance.He gains nothing if he punishes you and he loses nothing if he rewards you.Remember we need him more than he needs us.Walk to HIM ......and HE shall run to you.......run to HIM; HE shall be faster than the strike of the lightning.Praise be to ALMIGHTY GOD.
AMEEN
Hamid Ismail
Praise be the GOD ALMIGHTY for giving you a new and eternal meaning of life after your soul searching journey.It is not the end but a new beginning of discovery and closeness to GOD.He has given you a life to fulfill....don't be afraid for GOD will always be there.Keep an open mind a sincere heart learn everthing that you can .....if in doubt ask more than once and more than one ..........in the quiet of the nite praise GOD ALMIGHTY thank him for all that you have and ask him for guidance.He gains nothing if he punishes you and he loses nothing if he rewards you.Remember we need him more than he needs us.Walk to HIM ......and HE shall run to you.......run to HIM; HE shall be faster than the strike of the lightning.Praise be to ALMIGHTY GOD.
AMEEN
Hamid Ismail
2002-11-01
NARAWI FROM MALAYSIA said:
Congratulation Brandon!
See you up there insha Allah.
See you up there insha Allah.
2002-11-01
