Can you provide more details about your conversion to Islam and the circumstances at that time?

My conversion to Islam, for those engaged in religious propagation, is a complex story because scientific, emotional, and various other issues were involved. During my teaching at the University of South Texas, I met an Iranian student named Akbar Nowdohi, who was taking an "Introduction to Philosophy" course with me. Akbar didn't attend class for two weeks, and when I saw him at the university office, I asked him why he wasn't coming to class. He said, "Our people in Iran have had a revolution, and I think it's important that students here have accurate information about it. Therefore, I felt it necessary to introduce this revolution to students, and because of this, I can't come to class. I agreed with him and said, "Okay, that's right, but you have to read the lesson yourself." Later, I arranged with him that I would take care of introducing the Iranian revolution to students, and he agreed to read his lessons. After this incident, we became friends and collaborated on various activities until he graduated and returned to Iran. Later, I heard that he went to the front lines and achieved martyrdom there. We used to discuss his beliefs. He was a good student, spoke very sincerely, and had serious beliefs with no doubts. Since meeting Akbar, it took almost three years for me to convert to Islam. During this time, I attended mosques, talked to Muslims, and gradually understood the attractions of Islam more. I had learned how to perform prayers, and sometimes I prayed, especially enjoying congregational prayers. However, I hadn't uttered the two testimonies of faith. One day, after the Friday prayer in the mosque parking lot, several African American Muslims came up to me and said they wanted to get to know me, asked about how I got acquainted with Islam, and so on. I recited the two testimonies of faith in front of them and officially became a Muslim, and I cried! They were very happy, and on the very first day, they suggested that I lead their prayers! We decided to work more closely with each other. Later, with their cooperation, we founded the Muslim Student Association at the University of South Texas. Of course, the group we had there was mostly Sunni, but from the beginning, I had no doubt that I would become Shia because I had read Nahj al-Balagha and wanted to accept Shia Islam.

How did it happen that after meeting African American Muslims, you uttered the two testimonies of faith and formally became a Muslim? Did anything special happen to you?

No, this did not happen overnight, and I had thought a lot about Islam before. But meeting these African American Muslims aroused my enthusiasm for accepting Islam. I was very close to Islam before seeing them, and I was almost at the threshold of Islam. However, meeting them was interesting for me, and their sincerity encouraged me to accept Islam and drew me towards Islam.

#ProfessorLegenhausen #ConversionToIslam #ShiaIslam #IslamicTeachings #AhlulBayt #ReligiousJourney #MuslimCommunity #InspiringStories #SpiritualTransformation
Source: Hawzah
🌐 @rahyafte_en

#FieldReporter_TikTokApproach_Taskforce
#Rahyafte2023

On the page of this American youth who declared Shahada approximately two months ago, several others had commented. One mentioned declaring Shahada a few days prior in the same mosque in Nashville. Another expressed, "I can't wait any longer to declare Shahada." Congratulations to all of them and encouragement for those awaiting their turn. This was a message of support and motivation sent out.

✨✨✨✨

Follow the Rahyafteha website and channel.

🌐 @rahyafte_en

#Inspiration #FaithJourney #ShahadaMoments #MuslimCommunity #RahyafteganSupport #ConvertsJourney #Congratulations #Encouragement #SpiritualGrowth #IslamicLifestyle #UnityInFaith

We were taking a stroll when, in front of us, a large halal food store was inaugurated! With the increasing number of newly converted Muslims, they decided to open this store. Look, this store has everything. It caters to all the needs of my spouse and me. It's amazing how everything is well organized! Witness the power of God.

🌐 @rahyafte_en #HalalLife #MuslimCommunity #GodsBlessings #HalalStoreOpening #AmazingDiscoveries #FaithJourney

🔺 Venezuelan Journalist Converts to Islam and Embraces Shia Faith! 🌟 Watch the transformative journey of Monica Gajardo, who became a Shia Muslim after being deeply moved by an interview with General Soleimani. 📽️ Explore her inspiring story here: https://rahyafteha.ir/98735 🌐 @rahyafte_en #MonicaGajardo #IslamConversion #ShiaIslam #InspiringJourney #SoleimaniInterview

📰 In a rapidly growing Muslim population worldwide, Islam is experiencing significant growth, surpassing other religions. According to research by the Pew Research Center, Islam is currently the fastest-growing religion globally, with approximately 1.8 billion Muslims making up about a quarter of the world's population. By 2050, it is estimated that Islam will become the most populous religion. 🌍 #IslamGrowth #MuslimPopulation #GlobalReligions #PewResearch

🌎 Approximately 60% of the world's Muslim population resides in Asian countries (excluding the Middle East), while the rest are spread across the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and the Americas. 🌏 #GlobalMuslims #MuslimDistribution #Diversity #ReligiousDemographics

🎥 Soheil Asad, a dedicated preacher in South America, shared the news of Monica Gajardo's conversion to Islam. Monica, a former socialist Christian journalist from Venezuela, was profoundly influenced by an interview with Commander Qassem Soleimani about the 33-day Lebanon War. 🌹 #SoheilAsad #VenezuelanConvert #SoleimaniInterview #FaithJourney #JournalistConverts

📚 Monica delved into Islamic teachings, reading the Quran, Nahj al-Balagha, and other books to understand Shia Islam better. She was particularly drawn to the ideology and commitment expressed by Iranian vessels sent to Venezuela, demonstrating the Islamic Republic's support for the oppressed. 📖 #IslamicTeachings #ShiaKnowledge #ReadingJourney #IranVenezuelaRelations

🧕 Embracing the hijab, Monica exhibited a commitment to Islamic principles, emphasizing that the victory of Islam lies in the commitment of its followers to act on its teachings. 🌺 #HijabCommitment #IslamicPrinciples #VictoryofIslam

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Monica's family, known for their revolutionary and cultural activism, supported her decision to convert, with her mother also exploring Islam. The Islamic Center in Caracas, founded in 2009, actively promotes cultural, religious, and social activities to support the Muslim community in South America. 🤝 #FamilySupport #IslamicCenterCaracas #CulturalActivism #MuslimCommunity

🌐 Stay connected with Rahyafteha for more stories of faith and transformation! @rahyafte_en 🌐 #RahyaftehaPersian #FaithStories #GlobalHarmony #IslamicTransformation #InspireChange

🔴 Guidelines of the late Ayatollah Qazi (RA) Regarding the Months of "Rajab al-Murajab," "Sha'ban al-Mu'azzam," and "Ramadan al-Kareem"

📜 Guideline One:
"Adhere to the obligatory acts in their best times" - Perform the obligatory prayers at their optimal times along with their recommended prayers, totaling 51 units. If unable, strive for 44 units. Even if worldly affairs hinder you, do not neglect the "Salat al-Awwabin" (known as the midday prayer) because of its significant importance. Especially, the midday prayer holds great importance due to its timing and uniqueness among other prayer times. The "Salat al-Wusta" mentioned in the Quran is interpreted as the midday prayer, and "Salat al-Awwabin" refers to those who turn to God fervently, signifying those who adhere steadfastly to Him.

📜 Guideline Two:
There is no way around performing the night prayers (Tahajjud) unless you establish them. Do not assume that the night prayer is waived; it is an unbreakable fortress. Marvel at those who aspire to attain degrees of perfection without engaging in nightly prayers. We have not heard of anyone achieving a degree of perfection without engaging in nightly prayers and the night prayer.

📜 Guideline Three:
"Engage in reciting the Quran" - Read the Quran with a melodic and melodious voice, reciting it with a pleasant tone that stirs the soul. Imam Zain al-Abidin (AS) used to recite the Quran melodiously. Reciting the Quran with melody is beneficial for humans. In general, vocal singing is prohibited, but in this case, it does not fall under the category of forbidden singing, as forbidden singing leads one towards frivolity and distraction.

📜 Guideline Four:
Visit the holy shrine of Imam Ali (AS) every day. Also, visit the revered mosques in Kufa and Sahla. Maintain your worship in other mosques, as a believer in a mosque is like a fish in water. Just as the life of a fish depends on water, the life of a believer depends on the mosque. If a fish is taken out of water, it dies.

📜 Guideline Five:
After obligatory prayers, do not neglect the Tasbeeh of Lady Fatima Zahra (SA). It is a great supplication, at least recite it once after each prayer, and if possible, two or three times.

📜 Guideline Six:
Include prayers for the reappearance of Imam Mahdi (AJ) in your Qunoot during Witr prayers. Additionally, remember him in your daily prayers and supplications.

📜 Guideline Seven:
Perform the comprehensive pilgrimage (Ziyarat Jamea) on Fridays. This refers to the known comprehensive pilgrimage.

📜 Guideline Eight:
When reading the Quran, make sure to complete at least one Juz (section) every day during these three months.

📜 Guideline Nine:
Increase your visits and meetings with your brethren (referring to spiritual companions). Visit them extensively as they are your companions on the path, helping you through the challenges of the self and the narrow paths that entangle humans, providing assistance and salvation.

Reference: Anwar Al-Ma'arif, Vol. 2, pages 105-113 (with slight edits)
Quoted from "Tazkirat al-Awliya"

-https://eitaa.com/joinchat/3222994976C75d06fe7ee

🌐 Follow us at @rahyafte_en

#AyatollahQazi #Guidelines #SpiritualJourney #IslamicGuidance #Prayer #QuranRecitation #Ziyarat #ImamAli #ImamMahdi #Ramadan #IslamicWisdom #MuslimCommunity

📚 A Short Tale of Transformation

Sayyid Sharaf al-Din al-Musawi, the author of "Al Muraja'at," shares a brief story: A wealthy Christian from Lebanon approached me and said, "I want to become a Muslim. What is my duty?"

I replied, "Perform the two units of Fajr prayer and the three units of Maghrib prayer." He exclaimed, "Muslims pray seventeen units of prayer!"

I explained, "Muslims have strengthened their faith over time. Initially, the Prophet recommended two units of Fajr and three units of Maghrib for new Muslims, as recorded in historical accounts. Now that you have embraced Islam, performing these acts is sufficient."

Gradually, this newfound Muslim gained strength, attended mosques, and, like other Muslims, observed the five daily prayers.

As the month of Ramadan approached, he came to me and asked, "Should I observe fasting?" I responded, "No, fasting is for seasoned Muslims. Early Muslims, after a considerable time since the Prophet's mission, were mandated to fast."

Determined, he said, "I want to fast."

I encouraged him, "Fast as much as you are prepared for." Following this approach, he successfully observed the entire month of Ramadan in his second year as a Muslim. Now, he stands as a formidable member of the Lebanese Muslim community, diligently performing night prayers and financially supporting the essential needs of Southern Lebanon. 🌐 @rahyafte_en #TransformationStory #NewMuslim #SpiritualJourney #RamadanJourney #MuslimCommunity #LebanonFaith #IslamicLife #Rahyafte_EN

🛑 Users from India, the USA, and the UK are responsible for 85% of anti-Islamic content on social media.

A study by the Islamic Council of Victoria (ICV) – an organization representing about 270,000 members of the Muslim community in the state of Victoria, Australia – revealed that nearly 4 million anti-Muslim posts were shared on X (formerly Twitter) over a 24-month period between 2017 and 2019.

🔺Most of the Indian users producing anti-Muslim content are linked to India’s ruling party 🇮🇳, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). These users follow the party’s leaders in their stance against the Islamic faith and the Muslim community.

#Islamophobia #SocialMedia #AntiIslam #HateSpeech #MuslimCommunity #BJP
🌐 @rahyafte_en