Al-Risala (English), Nov-Dec 2000

me. I had been taught, argued with and even insulted, but never invited. May God guide us all. So when he invited me, it clicked. I realized this was the time. I knew it was the truth, and I had to make a decision. Alhamdulillah, God opened my heart, and I said, “Yes. I want to be a Muslim.” With that, the man led me in the shahadah—in English and in Arabic. I swear by God that when I took the shahadah, I felt the strangest sensation. I felt as if a huge, physical weight had just been lifted off my chest; I gasped for breath as if I were breathing for the first time in my life. Alhamdulillah, God had given me a new life—a clean slate—a chance for Jennah, and I pray that I live the rest of my days and die as a Muslim. □ The Day of Defeat and Victory It was He who created you. Yet some of you are unbelievers, while others have faith. He is cognizant of all your actions. He created the heavens and the earth to manifest the Truth and He formed you and gave you good shapes. To Him you shall all return. He knows what the heavens and the earth contain, and knows all that you hide and all that you reveal. He knows what is in your hearts. Have you not heard of those who disbelieved before you? They tasted the fruit of their unbelief, and a grievous punishment is yet in store for them. That is because, when their apostles brought them clear signs, they said: ‘Shall mortals be our guides?’ They denied the truth and