Around 3 o’clock in the afternoon, da’wah volunteers from IERA visited a well-known local drinking spot in a village in Magu District. Their purpose wasn’t to criticize or condemn but to reach out with compassion, sharing the message of Islam in even the most unlikely places. As they entered, one of the regulars was surprised to see Muslims in such an environment and asked if they, too, had come to drink. The da’wah team gently explained that they had come to speak about the beauty, truth, and guidance found in Islam.
The man listened attentively, intrigued by their calm approach and meaningful words. After a while, he asked a heartfelt question: “How can I become a Muslim when I love alcohol and you’ve just told me Islam forbids drinking?” It was a moment of vulnerability, revealing both his doubt and his desire for change. The team responded with empathy, explaining that Islam does not expect perfection at the beginning. Instead, it invites people to take the first step accepting the truth and then grow through learning and sincere effort. They emphasized that being a drinker doesn’t prevent one from becoming a Muslim, and that understanding why alcohol is forbidden is part of the journey.
Touched by the wisdom and mercy of this message, the man’s heart opened. He saw that Islam wasn’t about harsh rejection, but about gradual transformation, guidance, and sincere connection with the Creator. After learning about the harms of alcohol through both the Qur’an and the Bible, he confidently declared his desire to accept Islam. With hope in his heart, he recited the shahada and took his first step into a new life. By Allah’s grace, we pray he will overcome his struggle with alcohol and grow in faith, step by step, guided by truth and supported by his new community.
