Thinking Anew: Welcome Back Malcolm!

Thinking Anew: Welcome Back Malcolm!
published in Tri-State Media

By Faraz Khanfor more articles and speeches by the authorvisit http://speakers.liberalartsforum.com

"Takbir!"

the old man shouted while raising his right hand on a full pivot amidst a packed crowd.

"Allahu Akbar!"

was the unanimous and unison reply from the congregation. The old man breathing heavily raised his hand once more and from the top of his lungs he called "takbir!" and "Allahu Akbar!" No, this was not a jihad call in Afghanistan nor a cricket match between India and Pakistan. Moreover, this surely was not a scene from Fox news portraying the Muslim fundamentalists.

The storefront city mosque lacked ornate glass chandeliers yet it was beautifully illuminated by the faith of indigenous and immigrant jumua attendees. The congregation represented people from different parts of the world living in peace. In absence of any chairs, they all sat humbly on the thin carpet synergized by the proclamation of shahada (conversion to Islam). There were people of all ages, colors, and tongues facing the Qibla together. Men, women, and children all had gathered without a barrier to divide them. There was neither talk of a fundraiser, free food nor fun and games. They had come to congratulate a brother, a new face yet a familiar name at the mosque.

Surprisingly he was not a scholar or a celebrity from the Lives of Rich & Famous. He was neither a Hollywood actor nor a star athlete from the NBA. Yet the crowd in the mosque was engulfed by a strange euphoria – an elated state of heart that can only be experienced not explained. In front of the crowd stood a tall young black man with a bright angelic smile. So bright and uplifting was his smile that total strangers only responded back with a mirror reflection of that same smile. It was as if some sort of magnetic force pulled people towards him.

Being a stranger amongst strangers, the young man looked very calm and gentle. "Brother Malcolm" the Imam of the mosque addressed the young man. The Imam then turned to the microphone. He said in his accent, "Brothers and sisters, I swear by God, this is a gift from Allah". Brother Malcolm returned the Imam's sentiments with a smile. The Imam continued, "Allah says in the Qur'an, "'O mankind! We created you from a single pair of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, so that you may know each other. Verily the most honored of you in the sight of Allah is one who is the most righteous of you '". As the Imam recited the verse in the Qur'an the crowd simply shook their heads in affirmation. The Imam recited another verse and translated "Surely, believers are a single brotherhood." He then stated the hadith, "The similitude of the believers in their kindness, mercy, affection and compassion toward one another, is like a body, when one organ ails, the whole body is drafted to take care of the problem."The Imam further reminded the gathering about obligation of brotherhood in Islam, visiting the converts, helping those in need, educating the converts and welcoming them to the mosque.

After his speech on brotherhood and in a rush of excitement, the Imam turned to the young black man and gave him a huge hug followed by a kiss on his forehead. "Brother Malcolm is the future of Islam!" the Imam declared to the crowd. They all chanted "Allahu Akbar" as women and children joined men in an emotional outpouring of gratification and praise. The Imam asked Malcolm to say a few words. The crowd then hushed to listen to the young Malcolm who stepped up to the podium. They were all focused on him…

This event happened a few years back. People still have some vague memories of Brother Malcolm's shahada. However, since then no crowd has gathered to see his angelic smile nor listen to his speech. No one recalls visiting or inviting Malcolm to their house. There are no Imams offering hugs and kisses. There are no uncles making phone calls to inquire about his health. Yesterday, Brother Malcolm was the center of attention.

Today Malcolm lives an obscure life. Where is Malcolm in our community? Perhaps he is dead but there was no funeral prayer in the mosque for him. Maybe he is busy with better things. Once proclaimed, "the future of Islam" he is missing amongst Muslims. Perhaps he was told a lie about the meaning of brotherhood in Islam. It is the brotherhood that exists in books, lectures, articles, sermons, but not between Muslims. Where is Malcolm? Why is he missing from our community? What is holding him back?

We all recall these heart-felt shahada stories full of shouting takbirs and hugging the converts in our community. We have all felt the euphoria with the proclamation of shahada of a brother or a sister. We all have witnessed many brothers and sisters like Brother Malcolm who have stood in front of us while we have shown our backs to them. They have come to us and we have run away from them. We have neglected duties of brotherhood in Islam to them. How sad is that they come to quench their thirst for God and we only grow in our thirst for this world.

Perhaps Brother Malcolm awaits a warm welcome. He will lead and inspire us. He will uplift our souls with his angelic smile and good demeanor. Let us join hands and welcome our brothers and sisters to the mosque. Let us greet those who come to the mosque in search of God. Let us visit those who are sick, call those who are missing, and pray over those who have passed away. Let us practice brotherhood. The future is bright. Welcome back Malcolm!