Alhamdulillah, some moments are so pure, they stay with you long after they pass. This is one of them
MashaAllah, today in the small, quiet village of Sitio Patal — tucked away in Barangay Camias, Porac, Pampanga — we witnessed one of those moments that truly touches the heart. On the 9th day of Islamic lessons for a group of new Muslims, standing humbly at the front of the class was none other than Brother Sander — once a student of iERA’s da’wah programs, now a teacher himself.
To witness this was deeply moving. Imagine the joy of seeing someone who once sat silently at the back of the class, soaking in every word, now standing with confidence and compassion, passing on the same knowledge that once ignited a flame in his heart. Today, that same fire is lighting the hearts of others.
The setting in Sitio Patal was simple — a modest gathering space nestled in nature, where new Muslims sat on woven mats, notebooks in hand, and light in their eyes. Many of them are indigenous Aetas, proud of their heritage and now even prouder to be part of the ummah. For some, it was their first time hearing Surah Al-Fatihah. For others, it was learning how to pray or understanding who the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ is.
And guiding them through it all was Brother Sander — patient, smiling, and full of humility. You could tell he knew exactly how they felt. Because he’s been there.
He began his own journey to Islam through iERA’s outreach programs, curious and searching for meaning. Through sincere guidance and the welcoming arms of fellow Muslims, he found his path. And now, he’s ensuring that others don’t have to walk theirs alone.
Alhamdulillah, after several days of teaching, the new Muslim reverts of Sitio Patal. The class successfully graduated. It’s an excellent training initiative that directly addresses the lack of foundational Islamic knowledge among new converts and equips them with the basics they need to practice their faith confidently.
It’s stories like this that remind us of the long-term impact of da’wah done right — when we don’t just invite people to Islam, but stay with them, support them, and nurture their growth. Brother Sander is now a living example of that journey — from being guided, to guiding others.
May Allah continue to bless and protect him, increase him in knowledge and sincerity, and raise many more like him. And may Sitio Patal stand as a shining example of what happens when the light of Islam reaches sincere hearts.
Ameen.
Alhamdulillah.
🙏 Please help and support the da’wah and New Muslim Support work of the iERA program.
🌐 Visit www.iera.org to learn more or contribute.
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