Dawn had barely broken over the mist-shrouded banana plantations when the iERA Uganda Du‘āt set out on their morning outreach.
The air was damp with recent rain, and emerald leaves glistened under a soft, gray sky. As they walked from hut to hut, sharing the message of Islam, they heard voices from a nearby garden: two men tending their banana shoots.
A Curious Encounter in the Fields
Felix and Jordan paused their work to greet the visitors. Their hands, stained with rich, dark soil, gestured warmly. “Tell us about your faith,” Felix invited. Intrigued, the du‘āt sat on a fallen log, explaining Islam’s core beliefs—monotheism, compassion, and the Prophet Muhammad’s message.
Jesus—A Shared Figure of Reverence
Jordan’s eyes lit up. “Do you speak of Jesus in Islam?” he asked. The Du‘āt smiled and recounted how Islam honors Jesus (ʿĪsā) as a great prophet, born miraculously, who called people to worship the one true God. They explained his miracles, his humility, and how he, like all prophets, proclaimed surrender to Allah’s will. Felix pressed further: “But why then call pastors ‘prophets’ if they are not?” This question opened a candid discussion about differences in titles, the meaning of true prophethood, and the importance of returning to the original teachings.
Unity in Greeting and Generosity
As the rain clouds drifted away, the conversation turned to everyday practices. The du‘āt described the universal greeting of “As-Salāmu ʿAlaykum”—a prayer of peace exchanged at every meeting. “It knits hearts together,” they said. Felix nodded thoughtfully. “On Eid,” he admitted, “I see Muslims feeding the poor, celebrating together. Other faiths leave each person to fend for themselves.” Jordan added, “And your prayer rows—shoulder to shoulder—show such unity and equality.”
Embracing the Declaration of Faith
The moment of decision arrived beneath the towering banana fronds. With solemn sincerity, Felix declared, “I recognize there is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is His messenger.” Choosing the name Jamīrū, he pledged his life to Islamic principles. Beside him, Jordan uttered the same words and became ʿAbdallāh—“Servant of Allah.” Their voices rang clear in the damp morning air.
The Journey Ahead: Learning and Community
Not content with this single step, Jamīrū and ʿAbdallāh promised to immerse themselves in New Muslim classes, eager to study Qur’ān, prayer, and the Prophetic way of life. The Du‘āt offered to guide them through the fundamentals: performing wudu (ablution), mastering the movements of ṣalāh (prayer), and understanding Islamic ethics.
As the sun finally pierced the clouds, the two new brothers stood at the edge of the banana grove, hearts refreshed by rain and faith alike. Their roots—once firmly planted in the earth—now stretched toward something higher: a life illuminated by surrender to Allah, guided by the Quran, and supported by a global community united in peace.
