Receiving the Light of Islam

My parents were Socialists in the America of the McCarthy era and among a small group of inter-racial couples at a time when that was rare. Their choice of politics and marriage, which set us apart from the general society most likely, was a factor that inoculated me from accepting the prevailing values. But despite the admiration I had for my parents' courage and their belief in promoting causes of social justice, there was something missing.
So as a pre-teen the search to fill the spiritual void began. So first it was through my mother's roots. She was a non-practicing Jew, who scoffed at this "chosen people" stance but left me to form my own conclusions. So I joined a Jewish school on Saturday mornings in the neighborhood. It only took a few sessions to realize this was not for me. Then I tried the paternal side -- my grandmother's Baptist church. That didn't impress me either, and so after visiting several other Christian denominations -- Protestant, Methodist, Unitarian, Quaker and Catholic, it all seemed so illogical I gave up the search and formed my own spiritual theory. There was a Creator, but organized religion was corrupt and filled with myths.
I went along with that until I was fifteen. In the 11th grade of high school, I was selected to attend a six-week summer session at the local junior college. The teacher, who had nominated me, suggested that I choose a class that would never be offered in high school. So with that in mind I signed up for an Arabic class.
The teacher, Dr. George Curti was an Italian Catholic. Most of those in the class were Arabic speaking, or Urdu or Farsi speaking, therefore already exposed to the Arabic script and language. I was not only the youngest, but this was my first exposure. But I learned well, loving every minute of it. Then on the last day of class Dr. Curti passed out a small pamphlet to the class. All he said about it, was he believed only God could author the words we were about to read. He then called on me to read it to the class.
I read this short but moving "verse" on the first page and was hardly half-way through it when my eyes filled with tears and by the time I finished it, felt all its meanings and the warmth and light of it flowing through me. At the time while not yet knowing what I had read, I knew that these words came directly from the Creator.
Until that time, my only exposure to Islam was the nonsense most in the west is exposed to. I had once bought three paperback books for ten cents each at a used bookstore -- one on Bhuddism, Hinduism and an English translation of the Quran. But my motive for buying them was not to study any of the three religions, but to add to my bookshelf a sort of "international" look. And while I read them all, I don't recall being any more impressed with Islam as I was with the other religious books in my collection. Even in this Arabic class, where there were the first Muslims I had ever met, I don't recall even one of them mentioning the religion. So I don't even know how many in the class were actually Muslims. However, I do remember vividly, that whatever religion those in that class were, all were deeply moved and effected by what I had just read. There was a profound silence and tears were in many eyes, long after the reading was completed. That silence was finally broken by Dr.Curti, who said, "I know I'm a Catholic, but looks like another Muslim comes out of my class. Never fails in every class I teach."
Dr. Curti let me keep the pamphlet, which I recall holding tightly on the long bus ride home that afternoon. As soon as I reached home I re-read what I know now was Surah Al-Hamd (first chapter in the Quran). Then I frantically grabbed a telephone book and began searching for anything that sounded Muslim. I found nothing under Moslem (the common spelling in those days), Islam or mosque in the telephone book. But with Allah's guidance, I somehow came across a name that sounded Muslim. Like an impetuous 15 year old would do, I dialled the number. I was soon on the line with a man who happened to be a Palestinian and he directed me to a small group of local Muslims who met in a small rented store every Friday night in East Los Angeles. Thus I began my journey to Islam.
The journey to Shiaism began very soon after embracing Islam. Although I learned to pray with this small group of Sunnis, my first exposure to the greatness of Hazrat Ali (AS) and Bibi Fatima (AS) gave me no doubts of their purity. And while I did not know of their descendants until later, in studying the one Sunni book I found in English that had numerous hadiths, I was very puzzled as to why Hazrat Ali (AS) had not been the first Khalifa. Although these were not Shia haters I was learning Islam from, and they spoke of Hazrat Ali (AS) with great respect they had no answers that satisfied me.
Meanwhile at 16 I was engaged to my husband who was among the small group of Muslims friends. His being Shia was not a factor in my choice, but his good moral character was most certainly the major factor.
Later when I graduated high school, and started college I enrolled in the Arabic class taught by Dr. Curti. I also enrolled in his Arab-world History class. It was in that class that I learned of Karbala and broke down weeping when I heard about what had transpired. Now the issue of mazhabs not only became clear but I openly declared myself a Shia.
Once someone said to our Holy Prophet, "I am a believer in you as the final Messenger of Allah." Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) responded, "Then you will find peace in this world and comfort in the grave."
"I am also a supporter of Hazrat Ali (AS) and will always remain close to him", the man said. "Then", responded the Holy Prophet (PBUH), "you will face hardships in this world, and after the day of judgement, paradise in the next world."
Finally the man said, "And I will always love and support, your two grandsons, Hasan (AS) and Hussain (AS)". "Then you will face martyrdom and guaranteed paradise", replied the Prophet.
I understood this is what it meant to be a Shia Muslim from the beginning. Like Islam in general, despite over-whelming propaganda against it, the truth always manages to find those who Allah Wills to receive it.
From: Loraine Mirza