In the heart of every human being lies a sacred, innate compass, the primordial nature that recognizes the oneness of the Creator and inclines naturally toward good. Islam teaches that every child is born upon this state of purity, a Muslim in their innate disposition, loving what is right and recoiling from what is wrong. It is only the influences of the world, the whispers of devils and societal pressures that can cloud this inherent truth, leading the soul into ignorance. As the esteemed Imam An-Nawawi (may Allah have mercy on him) explained, it is a journey of returning to that original, unblemished state.
This is the story of Mpawenayo Leon, a young man whose life is a testament to this very principle. Having worked for many years as a shoemaker, Leon carried a quiet fascination within him. He observed the peace and discipline of his Muslim clients, felt a natural draw to the message of One God, and found himself instinctively rejecting the idea of polytheism (Shirk). This, scholars would say, was his “FITRA” calling out, an echo from a soul that already knew its purpose but had lost the path.
For years, this calling remained a lonely dream. He longed to be Muslim but didn’t know how to take that first step. Who could he ask? The devils of doubt and isolation embroiled him in hesitation.
Then, he was approached by du’ats from IERA. Their warm, respectful approach was not an intrusion but an answer to an unspoken prayer. They didn’t bring a new religion to him, they simply helped remove the veil from the faith that was already in his heart. The effect was immediate and profound. In that moment of connection, Leon embraced Islam, his face radiant with a peace he had always sought. “It was a moment of pure joy,” he shared. “My dream finally came true. I always wanted to be a Muslim and they showed me the way.”
Today, Mpawenayo Leon is more than a convert, he is a returned soul. He is a hard-working, courageous and deeply good man, now striving to live the truth he was always born to know. His story is a powerful reminder that Islam is not an alien addition to human nature, but its ultimate fulfillment.
