08/31/03

My dear brother in Islam,

            Sometimes we find that rocks can be molded, enormous stones sculpted, and brick walls taken down and rebuilt.  But more often that not, we think that these items are forever stuck in their shapes, unchangeable, bounded to their state for the rest of their lives.  Thus, unfortunately, is the case with people’s hearts, minds and actions, from the person drowning in error and unable to see the light of hope to the “perfect” person who can’t find anything to improve on.  Amidst the rush of daily lives, so many of our hearts have assumed this form today.

            One would think that it must take a miracle to revitalize these hearts, and that is exactly what we got at the Tarbiya and Ilm Camp 2003.  We come here from all parts of the country with differing challenges and tribulations that we all had faced, and left the camp as if with one heart with closer relationships than life-long friends.  These nine days were the closest I have ever felt to being in the company of the Prophet (SAW).  Whatever one needed, this camp offered it: knowledge, spirituality, work, brotherhood, discipline, fun, responsibility, tranquility, peace, exercise, love – the only way to describe it was that it was the most complete portrayal of Islam as a comprehensive way of life that I have ever seen or experienced.  The company of scholars makes one feel as if the camp is radiating light, and I feel as if Shaytan was forbidden from coming anywhere near us for the whole nine days.  My heart is shedding tears knowing that in a few moments, I will have to leave all of this behind.

            Nevertheless, this camp is anything but a nine-day vacation that will disappear at its close.  I am walking out of this camp knowing that, with the will of Allah, this camp will be a stepping stone for turning my life around and redefining my very existence.

            I unhesitatingly, unwaveringly, unconditionally recommend this camp for each and every young Muslim at every imaginable stage of development who is ready to embrace a life-changing experience.