Not understanding the language in which our Prophet ﷺ spoke, I wonder.
Praying regularly at the mosque by the grace of Allah, the feeling of devotion is not always present. And what if not understanding Arabic, the language in which the Quran was revealed, was the cause?!
It’s true that it would help me in many ways…
Indeed, at every prayer I did not understand the meaning of the verses recited by the imam, I had no understanding of the Friday sermon, no stirring of the heart upon leaving. Reading the Quran in Arabic, reflecting on it, and even listening to scholars’ audios—all of this was impossible for me…
On the other hand, in worldly life, I gain nothing… it is a language no longer commonly practiced and requires quite a bit of money to learn (in depth). It also demands time and effort.
Anyway, despite everything, I decided not to overthink and took a one-way ticket to Egypt, a country known for having the best teaching methods for learning Arabic. With a bit of savings, I gathered my courage and dispelled my preconceptions. Here I am in Cairo.
Knowing absolutely no one, I placed my trust in Allah and went to a merkez (institute) reputed to follow the sunnah to begin my studies. I will spare you the details of searching for an apartment and buying some furniture.
What can I say? Shortly after, I felt an extraordinary fulfillment in my life, certainly tested, but held firmly by the cable of my Lord. I do not waver, I do not doubt! It is hard, there is much to learn quickly, but it is Allah who strengthens.
Time passes and inevitably, by the grace of Allah, I progress, the world around me changes, I see things so differently, I become more grounded religiously speaking, the more I advance in my learning the more I realize my ignorance… And the baaraka felt in one’s life is indescribable, I will say nothing personal as these are things unique to each individual but no one regrets it, I have met many brothers, all with different situations but for each, no regret alHamdou-Li-Lah.
Leaving behind a comfortable life, habits for Allah can only be a source of peace. Although taking the step is difficult, the outcome is rewarding.
Egypt has opened doors for me by the grace of Allah…
TO BE CONTINUED…