Islam and me

I was born into Islam. I was lucky enough to have Muslim parents. I definitely took being a Muslim for granted. Just because you were born a Muslim doesn't make you a Muslim. Of that I am certain.

Growing up, Islam was always a part of my life, but more in the background. I learned the 5 prayers when I was seven but didn't really understand the significance of them. I went for Quran reading classes at a really early age, but since my Ustazah kept falling asleep while teaching, my mind was more on the playground than the Quranic verses.

Islam in the 80s was not as prominent as it is today. Public schools then were not really proponents of the faith. Religious class was a class muslim students were obligated to take but no real emphasis was ever given to the true significance of Islam.

I consider myself lucky that I made the decision to go to boarding school when I was 16. The reason was definitely not to delve deeper into Islam, but more for independence purposes. Being the only daughter, I wanted to venture out on my own and away from the protective cocoon my parents created for me.

To my utter amazement, Islam was not a mere class at boarding school, it was a way of life. Every facet of your everyday life is Islam. From the instant you wake up until you go to sleep, Allah is never far from your mind. I learned so much....not from the teachers.....but from the other students. They were the greatest teachers because they do not preach. They also do not look down on you. They teach by example and by having me join them. Religion is not spoken in a formal setting, but more after a good game of netball, or during a walk by the beautiful lake or even late at night, right before we all fell asleep.

I had finally found my faith. I had finally found my true religion. And at the ripe old age of 16 to boot. Oh, well, better late than never.....