Assalaamu’Alaikum ,
August 25, 2017 after feeling called to Islam, I officially took the Shahadah. I can not say that I have been anywhere near perfection in the journey, however, striving continues to maintain nearness to Allah (swt). Honestly speaking, I have done much writing, perhaps a form of freelance journalism one could say when it comes to speaking against oppression and for essentially a better and just (Al-Adl) society.
Feeling called to Islam generates a sense of humility and not pride, however, a sense honor and seeking out what Allah (swt) desires for the direction and outcome of my existence. That as a Muslim, we are to be humble servants to Allah(swt) alone, and to fulfill what He, the One (Al-Ahad), desires for our individual manifestations. While reflecting upon His Creation, one begins to wonder how we all, as one human race along with the animal species are interconnected.
“The Pilgrimage (22:18)
أَلَمْ تَرَ أَنَّ ٱللَّهَ يَسْجُدُ لَهُۥ مَن فِى ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٰتِ وَمَن فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ وَٱلشَّمْسُ وَٱلْقَمَرُ وَٱلنُّجُومُ وَٱلْجِبَالُ وَٱلشَّجَرُ وَٱلدَّوَآبُّ وَكَثِيرٌۭ مِّنَ ٱلنَّاسِ ۖ وَكَثِيرٌ حَقَّ عَلَيْهِ ٱلْعَذَابُ ۗ وَمَن يُهِنِ ٱللَّهُ فَمَا لَهُۥ مِن مُّكْرِمٍ ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ يَفْعَلُ مَا يَشَآءُ ۩ ١٨
Do you not see that to Allah bow down ˹in submission˺ all those in the heavens and all those on the earth, as well as the sun, the moon, the stars, the mountains, the trees, and ˹all˺ living beings, as well as many humans, while many are deserving of punishment. And whoever Allah disgraces, none can honour. Surely Allah does what He wills.
— Dr. Mustafa Khattab, The Clear Quran
Salaam,
Aaron/Harun