Poem: “Conversion”

Conversion

Rafael to Rahael, one day it took.

As I inhale then exhale,
I pray by the book.

From nothing to Islam,
I like what I saw.

From unstable to stable,
I like what I’ve withdrawn.

From bad to good,
I try to be on my din.

To humble from mean,
I do not for green.

I do for blessings for the hereafter,
You know what I mean?

As I read and learn, I teach in turn.
Umma and sabr is what I have earned.

9 Comments

  1. Iman M Kamel on October 24, 2010 at 3:41 PM

    Assalam Alaykum

    I enjoyed reading your poem very much. You were comparing being non religious to being religious or were you comparing conversion from one religion to another? I would like to read a poem about life before and after islam perhaps with more attention to detail, or maybe something about the Sabr(Patience) that you have earned from converting to Islam? I look forward to reading more.

  2. Kayelynn on May 3, 2020 at 4:17 PM

    Great writing and I’m glad that you’ve found peace in converting to Islam. It’s always interesting to see what different people find comfort in or how they change once they find that new niche. Your writing was honest and direct as you tracked your positive journey. You’re an awesome writer!

  3. Dyemone on October 20, 2020 at 12:18 PM

    I really enjoyed reading this poem about being non religious to religious. Definitely gave me a new perspective. I hope you continue to write in the future.

  4. kassidilenae on November 17, 2020 at 11:17 AM

    Thank you for taking the time to write this! I admire the peace you have found. It is almost impossible to go through life without faith. The world can be dark and cruel, but your determination and obedience is inspiring! I hope that you keep this joy you have found!

    KC

  5. Samantha on January 30, 2021 at 9:10 PM

    Hello,

    I love how open you are in speaking about your conversion to Islam! This poem really illuminates the journey that you are on, and the path that you life is now going to take! This was so wonderful to read.

    Best,

    Samantha

  6. BF on April 12, 2021 at 4:00 PM

    I love the traditional style of the poem. It is very European. I love the flow and pace of the poem.

  7. Zach on April 26, 2022 at 1:44 PM

    I love your openness on this subject and the journey you are on. I can imagine the difficulties that you faced at times. Thank you for sharing!

  8. San on February 26, 2023 at 10:48 AM

    The introspection and humility involved in expressing such an intimate experience are courageous and admirable. I could easily see this becoming a personal mantra – short, memorable, key phrases that touch something more profound than the intellectual portion of life.
    If you continue writing about this experience, I would love to see more imagery regarding specific ways you have found each verse to come true or manifest in our life. Maybe playing around with tempo more would be a fun challenge too, but I quite love the pace.
    This piece is clearly honest and true, and you’re doing God’s work for both yourself and others by being true and kind to yourself. Keep up the wonderful work, and I can’t wait to see where you go.

  9. Kennedy Critz on February 23, 2024 at 11:41 PM

    Great read!! Job well done.

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