In the busy streets of Lilongwe, just after the Dhuhur prayer, a Dawah team stepped out of the mosque into the warm afternoon. As they walked, they crossed to a small shop opposite the mosque where they usually bought items. There, they met Arnold, the shop owner, who welcomed them warmly. Arnold lived in Chinsapo and was a member of the Seventh-day Adventist community. Although his shop was neat and organized, there was a sense of concern in his expression.
The team began by asking about his business. Arnold explained the challenges he was facing, especially the low number of customers coming to his shop. He spoke openly about how difficult it had become to sustain his business. The Dawah team listened attentively and then gently guided the conversation toward faith, explaining that such challenges could be a test—fitnah—from Allah. They told him that both ease and hardship come from Allah as a way to test belief and patience.
They continued by reminding him that when facing difficulties, a person should rely only on Allah. They explained that all the messengers brought the same message: to worship Allah alone and to believe that He is One. Arnold then shared that he had believed his struggles were caused by the evil eye from neighboring shop owners. However, as the discussion went on, he began to understand that everything that happens comes from Allah and is part of His test.
By the end of the conversation, Arnold reflected deeply on what he had heard. He accepted that all things, whether good or difficult, come from Allah. With sincerity and conviction, he took the Shahada, declaring that there is no God but Allah and that Muhammad is His messenger. What began as a simple visit after prayer became a powerful moment of guidance, marking the beginning of a new chapter in his life.
