Storie Of New Muslims

Continue from part one
Don Trammell, Ex-Christian, USA (part 2 of 2)

Six long months passed by before I would step foot on Egyptian soil once again. In the previous months, the company that I worked for filed for bankruptcy, and the thought of getting back down to Cairo seemed further and further away, but I was determined to continue my reading, learning and questioning. Finally, on a warm summer night, while surfing the Internet, a feeling or an epiphany came over me. I felt that I was wanted no longer to hold on to the things of my past or to live my life the way that it was. Some people talk about seeing a light, or hearing a voice, or something of this nature and I would be the first to say that it sounds very theatrical but I too felt something more than just a whisper but a push or an opening of my heart. I wanted to scream, to shout, to cry, to dance, to run, to laugh all at the same time. I had a complete flood of emotions that to this day, I cannot explain, nor do I really need to. Some things are better enjoyed rather than analyzed. I sent an email to Noha, to tell her what I felt and to ask her what I should do. She was gentle and kind and understood me completely. She told me to relax, to settle down and to gather my feelings. From this day forward, I decided that I had to return to Egypt , to my people, to my home, to find what was calling me there.

My chance to return came while working as a consultant for a telecommunications consulting firm. I was to consult for a top Egyptian company in the marketing section. I enjoyed the work with Hatem, with whom I had a business relationship that was cultivated a several months earlier through my other Egyptian friends, Hany and Hisham, and I were very happy to work for a friendly face. I departed for Egypt at the end of August with the hopes of completing my journey, with the hopes of answering the call that I could not explain.

I started working the next day at the offices where I met some really nice people who immediately made me feel at home. On this day, I met two people that would be instrumental in helping me to make the steps that would point me down the road, Mohammad and Sherief. Upon hearing that I wanted to know more about Islam and to possibly convert, Mohammad invited me to a men’s group where they talked about the Quran and the blessed prophet. After the end of the meeting, we all prayed the evening prayer, Isha. This was my first time to actually participate in a group prayer, and to hear the Fatihah (the first and one of the most important chapters of the Quran). It was so moving and solemn. I could not help but cry as the words from God moved my heart. The next day, I related the story to Hatem and Sherief and they were very supportive. I continued to read and ask questions and felt that my trek was drawing to a close.

September 11th was the catalyst that began to bring things to a close or to fruition. After the attack, all of my work mates came to me and offered their condolences and said that this is not Islam, but something very terrible and please not to think that Muslims are bad people. I could feel the pain and sadness expressed by many. Measured by the climate followed the attacks, people in the West would not believe that Muslims really felt that way. I felt that these words of comfort spoke for many Muslims around the world. As the next few weeks drew on, it was clear that maybe the Middle East was not a safe place for an American, as sentiment against American policy, not Americans, were running rather high. I began to feel rushed and that I would not convert at all, and this was the reason in the first place to come to Cairo. Hundreds convert all over the world everyday but for me, it had to take place in an Islamic Arab country. Pure symbolism, but important symbolism nonetheless. Sensing my frustration, Noha introduced me again to a business acquaintance, Sameh (my dear brother). Sameh gave me a crash course in Wudu (ablution), how to pray, how to behave, what to do and what to give up forever. On October 2, 2001 , Sameh picked me up to go for a ride, and we ended up at Al-Azhar famous Mosque, and there I made my declaration that there is no God except God and Muhammad is His messenger. There was not a dry eye in the place. It was quite an experience for all involved.

I look forward to the day when all those who helped me on my journey to Islam and myself will celebrate together in paradise.

Last but not least, I would like to than my mother for her understanding of my decision to embrace Islam. Your faith in God has been a source of inspiration for me throughout my entire life. Your unwavering reverence for God is a shining example for those who ask “where have all the faithful gone.” They could look to you for guidance. Thank you for helping me to be the man that I am and the man that I am striving to become. May God show you mother the straight path of Islam as an extension of what you are now and a further fulfillment of the purposes and wisdom of your goodness.