i just want to know, because, me personally, i've never been at peace. it's like i fight everyone and everything. it's like i have a storm inside me and it won't go away. then i see that islam means peace or submission to God and i wonder though. does it really "give" you peace? for the muslim born and the converts, what has being muslim done for you? how has it changed or shaped your view of people of non believers, people like me? for the people who have converted, how has your life changed? has your inner self changed any? are you more calm or more tolerant, than most? i don't know, at times when i think of muslims, i think that most of the older muslims like imaams and such are pretty humble, like they have this sense of calm and tranquility...this sense of happiness with life. that same peace that i myself has yet to feel. and that's why i ask, has islam given any of you, that same sense peace in your life?
Greetings Blackbeard,
Yes, Islaam has indeed given me peace. Submission to Allaah (God) gives one peace and tranquility. If you have faith in Allaah and believe in Him sincerely, then you have attained the best peace you can in this life--contentment.
Narrated 'Abdullah: I visited Allah's Apostle while he was suffering from a high fever. I said, "O Allah's Apostle! You have a high fever." He said, "Yes, I have as much fever as two men of you." I said, "Is it because you will have a double reward?" He said, "Yes, it is so.
No Muslim is afflicted with any harm, even if it were the prick of a thorn, but that Allah expiates his sins because of that, as a tree sheds its leaves."
Collected by Bukhari
Whatever happens to the believer is for his own benefit, whether he/she understands it or not.
Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah's Apostle said, "If Allah wants to do good to somebody,
He afflicts him with trials." Collected by Bukhari
Being a Muslim has done wonders for myself and not only that but for my family. There are times when a believer backslides, yes, it happens, but what is important is learning from that mistake and seeking repentance. No matter what you are not perfect and you will never be. The best person was that of the beloved Prophet Muhammad (may the peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him).
Islaam has changed and shaped everything and how I see the world and how I interpret it. It made and continues to make me more conscious of Allaah and more humble about my ownself and efforts. It instilled within me the care for others (Muslim or non-Muslim) and the necessity to help them. It gave me courage to stand up for what is right, it gave me morals that may seem 'too much' to the average person, but are so beautiful and healthy for human society. I can go on and on. Islaam is comprehensive, but moderation and being gradual is important.
Islaam is a lifetime journey and it is not easy. At times, I thought it is too hard, but that is why you have the support of your brothers/sisters who can motivate you and redirect your vision to the full picture when you have lost sight of it and focused on the narrow point.
I swear by Allaah I have learned more about other religions, cried more, stood up more, etc as a practicing Muslim than ever before. However, keep in mind there is a difference between Islaam and Muslims. Not all Muslims practice Islaam. That is where some folks get lost at.
And Allaah knows best.
May Allaah guide you to the path which is straight and give you contentment in heart. Ameen.