Each time I fly back to Lahore from Karachi, I find myself drawn to the little bookshop at Karachi airport — a quiet corner that’s become my favourite pre-flight ritual. Its hushed shelves offer a small sanctuary from the airport’s restless hum.
On this visit, I picked up “The Power of Du’a” by Aliyah Umm Raiyaan and managed to read through half of it during my 90-minute journey. It was a treat — written by a convert to Islam, the book stirred a part of my mind that rarely gets its due: reflection.
What struck me most was that those born into Islam often treat their faith as a birthright — something inherited and assumed, enough to carry them through life. But those who consciously choose to enter its fold cherish every word of Allah and His Messenger (SAW). They submit with awareness.
This book left an imprint on me, stirring a desire to know more. It made me want to understand every message from a Generous Lord who loves us and commands us to seek knowledge. For He Himself is Al-‘Aleem, Al-Hakeem — the All-Knowing, the Most Wise. It’s not about perfection, but about intention and will.
Many of us grow up learning Islam not directly from the Qur’an or Sunnah, but through elders, habits, and hearsay. What we know of faith often comes filtered — told and retold until the original meaning gets lost in noise. Rarely do we stop to verify, reflect, or ask why. Like the childhood game of Chinese whispers, each generation passes down an increasingly distorted version of the truth: rituals continue, but their meaning fades. The result is a faith that feels repetitive, rules that feel restrictive, and an identity that feels inherited rather than chosen. As the Qur’an warns: “When it is said to them, ‘Follow what Allah has revealed,’ they say, ‘No, we follow what we found our forefathers upon.’ Even though their forefathers understood nothing and were not guided” (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:170)
There is a world of difference between being born into Islam and truly embracing it. One is passive; the other active. One assumes; the other asks. One memorizes; the other internalizes. The Qur’an poses the challenge: “Will they not then reflect on the Qur’an, or are there locks upon [their] hearts?” (Surah Muhammad, 47:24) and reminds us: “Say, ‘Are those who know equal to those who do not know?’” (Surah Az-Zumar, 39:9). The Prophet (SAW) affirmed this path when he said: “When Allah intends good for someone, He gives him understanding of the religion.” (Sahih Bukhari & Muslim)
So how do we know if we have drifted from essence to echo? We mix culture with religion, assuming the two are the same. We fear asking questions about our faith. We follow rituals without understanding their purpose. Yet Allah reminds us not to follow blindly: “Do not pursue that of which you have no knowledge. Indeed, the hearing, the sight, and the heart — all will be questioned about it.” (Surah Al-Isra, 17:36).
And here lies the beauty of Islam — it is preserved, offering clarity and guidance across generations. The Qur’an remains unchanged, and the Prophet’s (SAW) words and actions are carefully recorded. The challenge, then, is not access, but engagement. Even reading a few verses of the Qur’an in one’s own language each day can open doors to understanding. Studying the Prophet (SAW) not merely as a historical figure but as a moral guide allows us to align our lives with truth: “Whoever travels a path seeking knowledge, Allah will make easy for him a path to Paradise.” (Sahih Muslim)
Scholars can guide us, but the true source of understanding always lies in revelation. As Imam Malik wisely remarked, “Everyone’s opinion is accepted or rejected, except the one in this grave,” pointing to the grave of the Prophet (SAW). Still, genuine understanding is not always easy to attain. Barriers exist — not knowing Arabic, feeling uncertain about where to begin, fearing uncomfortable truths, or assuming we already know enough. Even so, Allah honors sincere effort: “Indeed, Allah does not change the condition of a people until they change what is within themselves.” (Surah Ar-Ra‘d, 13:11) “As for those who strive for Us — We will surely guide them to Our paths. And indeed, Allah is with the doers of good.” (Surah Al-‘Ankabūt, 29:69)
The journey begins with small, deliberate steps. Read the Qur’an with reflection — don’t just recite. Listen to the life of the Prophet (SAW) with your heart, not just your ears. Join a study circle or follow authentic scholars who connect back to the Qur’an and Sunnah. Ask questions respectfully and sincerely. Make du‘ā for understanding, as Aliyah Umm Raiyaan emphasizes in The Power of Du’a — for du‘ā is the bridge between confusion and clarity. “Actions are judged by intentions, and each person will have what they intended.” (Sahih Bukhari)
Islam is not a whisper passed down through generations. It is a clear message, a living revelation, and a light for every heart that seeks it. Rediscovering Islam is not a betrayal of our traditions or families — it is honoring the truth they hoped to pass on. We are called to move from ritual to relationship, from echo to essence. To be Muslims not just by name, but by knowledge, conviction, and love for the One who revealed this path.
It is not about perfection, but about intention. And when you start walking toward Allah, He runs to meet you: “And My servant continues to draw near to Me… until I love him.” (Hadith Qudsi) Truly falling in love with Islam reveals its essence: mercy in every verse, every action of the Prophet (SAW), and flowing through every facet of this blessed deen.
Islam is not meant to be a drawing-room debate, argued over but never lived. It is to be experienced, felt, and understood. Pray to uncover its everlasting beauty until you feel the universe itself echoing the truth of La ilaha illa Allah. Do not assume Islam is about rules or punishment — that is not the Qur’an’s invitation.
Rediscovering Islam is not a betrayal of our traditions or families — it is honoring the truth they hoped to pass on. Let this be the beginning — not of another borrowed tradition, but of your own real, radiant, intimate Islam.
