Islam, as a religion, aligns with the concept of fitra, a term that refers to the natural, primordial state of every human being. It symbolizes the innate purity in which every child is born. As taught by Imam An-Nawawi (may Allah have mercy on him), every child enters the world as a Muslim, inherently loving goodness, embracing oneness (At-Tawhid), and instinctively rejecting falsehood and polytheism (Shirk). It is only later, through external influences and the temptations of devils, that individuals are led astray, losing sight of this natural disposition.
Rukundo Justin, a young and ambitious motorcyclist, had always been drawn to the beauty of Islam. Living and working in a Muslim-majority environment, he admired alot about Muslim. Despite his interest, Rukundo didn’t know how to take the first step towards embracing Islam.
One ordinary day, while waiting for customers by the roadside, Rukundo’s life took an extraordinary turn. A group of duats from the Islamic Education and Research Academy (IERA) in Burundi approached him. They greeted him warmly and began engaging in a casual conversation about Islam.
“It was a moment filled with joy, and my dream came true when I met the duats,” Justin recalls. “I always wanted to be a Muslim, but I didn’t know how.” This had always been within him and without hesitation, Rukundo embraced Islam on the spot, reciting the Shahada.
His conversion was not just the beginning of a spiritual journey; it was a return to his fitra, his natural state of purity. The transition, however, was more than just a declaration. The duats guided him further, ensuring that he understood the basic tenets of his new faith. A few days later, they took him to a nearby madrasa, where he could learn the essentials of Islamic worship and practice.
Rukundo Justin, now a dedicated and practicing Muslim, has fully embraced the values of his new faith. His days are filled with hard work as a motorcyclist, but his heart is filled with peace, courage, and a renewed sense of purpose. His story is a testament to the idea that every soul is born upon the truth, and sometimes, all it takes is a reminder to return to that original state of belief.
His transformation also reflects the power of dawah (calling to Islam) and the profound impact a kind word or conversation can have on someone. Rukundo’s journey shows us that Islam is not just about rituals or rules but about rediscovering the purity and oneness that reside in every soul, waiting to be reawakened.
As Justin continues his journey in faith, he serves as an inspiration to others. His story is a reminder that Islam is the natural state of humankind, and no matter how lost one may feel, the path to the truth is always open for those who seek it.
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