In the quiet heart of Kalinde Village, under GVH Mlawuli in Neno District, lives a man whose journey has touched the hearts of many — Chief Kalinde. Once known as a respected church leader at the Neno Pentecostal Church, he was admired for his powerful sermons and wise guidance. To his people, he was not just a chief, but a shepherd of both the land and the soul.
But Allah had prepared a path for him that would change his life, his faith, and his destiny forever.One peaceful afternoon, as the chief rested at home, a group of Muslims from a nearby community came to visit. They greeted him warmly and expressed their wish to share the message of Islam with him and his people.
Out of curiosity and respect, the chief welcomed them. He had heard many rumors about Muslims — that they handled funerals strangely, that they didn’t bury their dead properly, and that they avoided some traditional customs like eating intestines during funeral rites. These tales had made him doubtful about Islam.
But as the visitors began to speak, their calm words and wisdom touched him deeply. They explained how Islam teaches dignity, cleanliness, and prayer for the deceased. They described the beauty of Islamic funerals — how every action is done with respect, prayer, and purity.
Chief Kalinde listened closely. The more he heard, the more peace filled his heart. The clarity of their message removed his doubts, and for the first time, he saw Islam not as a strange religion, but as a faith of truth and compassion.
That very day, moved by conviction and peace, Chief Kalinde declared his faith in Allah and publicly embraced Islam. Before his people, he testified that there is no god but Allah, and that Muhammad (peace be upon him) is His Messenger.The decision was not without hardship. Soon, whispers spread through the village. Friends turned cold. Some church members mocked him, saying he had lost his way. Others accused him of following Islam for selfish gain.
“You have chosen the path of fire,” they sneered.
“Muslims are warriors and troublemakers.”
But Chief Kalinde stood firm. His new faith gave him patience and courage. He understood that truth often comes with trials, and he trusted Allah to guide and protect him through every storm
Despite the challenges, the chief’s life began to shine as a source of hope and inspiration.
1. Spreading the Message of Islam
Whenever visitors came to his home, Chief Kalinde welcomed them with kindness and spoke to them about Islam — its peace, discipline, and belief in one Creator. His sincerity and calm character won hearts.
One by one, people began to listen. Slowly, even his own wife and children embraced Islam — not by force, but through the truth they saw in his words and deeds. Today, his entire household stands as a proud Muslim family.
2. Changing Minds Among Leaders
Islam was still misunderstood in many parts of Neno District. Whenever he met fellow chiefs, Chief Kalinde spoke about Islam with respect and wisdom. His example as a just, peaceful, and caring leader helped change how others viewed the faith. His words corrected falsehoods, and his humility invited understanding.
3. Building a House of Worship
Together with his people, the chief decided to build a small masjid. They had no funding or outside help — only faith and determination. Using grass, mud, and poles, they raised a humble structure where they could gather to pray.
They cleaned it themselves, prayed there daily, and even built a small toilet beside it. Though simple, the masjid became the heart of their faith.
Chief Kalinde often says proudly:
“Our masjid may be made of grass, but our faith is stronger than cement.”
Their hope is that one day, Allah will bless them with a stronger masjid — one built with bricks, cement, and iron sheets. But until then, their prayers rise joyfully from their small house of worshipToday, Chief Kalinde is not only a community leader but also a leader in faith. His story is one of courage, truth, and transformation. From a church pulpit to the prayer mat, from preaching sermons to calling to Islam, his life reminds everyone that guidance comes only from Allah.
May Allah keep Chief Kalinde firm upon the straight path, strengthen his community, bless their masjid, and make him a light for others who seek the truth.
