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Many articles on this web explain how easy it is to convert to Islam. There are also articles and videos that discuss the obstacles that can prevent one from accepting Islam. Real converts tell their stories, and we can share their elation and excitement. There is even an article that explains exactly how to become Muslim. Converting to Islam is covered from many different angles and this series of articles discuss the benefits that come from converting to Islam.
Many advantages are gained by converting to Islam, the most obvious one being the sense of calmness and well being that descends upon any person who realises they have discovered one of life’s most basic truths. Establishing a relationship with God in the most pure and simple way is liberating and exhilarating, and it results in serenity. However it is not the only advantage of converting to Islam, there are other benefits that one would experience and we will discuss them here one by one.
1. Converting to Islam liberates a person from slavery to manmade systems and lifestyles.
Islam emancipates the mind from superstitions and uncertainties; it liberates the soul from sin and corruption and frees the conscience from oppression and fear. Submission to the will of God, does not curtail freedom, on the contrary it gives a very high degree of freedom by freeing the mind from superstitions and filling it with truth and knowledge.
Once a person accepts Islam they are no longer slaves to fashion, or consumerism, and they are free from the slavery of a monetary system designed to subjugate the people. On a smaller but equally as important scale Islam liberates a person from the superstitions that rule the lives of those not truly submitted to God. A believer knows that good and bad luck do not exist. Both the good and the bad aspects of our lives come from God and as Prophet Muhammad, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, explains all the affairs of a believer are good, "If he is granted ease then he is thankful, and this is good for him. And if he is afflicted with a hardship, he perseveres, and this is good for him".[1]
After a person is freed from manmade systems and lifestyles he or she is free to worship God in the correct manner. A believer is able to put his trust and hope in God and sincerely seek His mercy.
2. Converting to Islam allows a person to truly experience God’s love.
Converting to Islam allows a person to achieve God’s love by following His guide to life - the Quran, and the authentic teachings and traditions of Prophet Muhammad. When God created the world He did not abandon it to instability and insecurity. He sent a rope, firm and steady, and by holding tightly to this rope an insignificant human being can achieve greatness and eternal peace. In the words of Quran, God makes His desires perfectly clear, however human beings have free will and are free to either please or displease God.
Say (O Muhammad to mankind): "If you (really) love God then follow me (i.e. accept Islamic Monotheism, follow the Qur'an and the Sunnah), God will love you and forgive you your sins. And Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful." (Quran 3:31)
And whoever seeks a religion other than Islam, it will never be accepted of him, and in the Hereafter he will be one of the losers. (Quran 3:85)
There is no compulsion in religion. Verily, the Right Path has become distinct from the wrong path. Whoever disbelieves in Taghut[2] and believes in God, then he has grasped the most trustworthy handhold that will never break. And God is All-Hearer, All-Knower. (Quran 2:256)
3. A benefit of converting to Islam is that God promises Paradise to the believer.
Paradise, as described in many verses of Quran, is a place of eternal bliss and it is promised to believers. God shows his mercy to the believers by rewarding them with Paradise. Whoever denies God or worships something with, or instead of Him, or claims that God has a son or daughter or partner, will be doomed in the Hereafter to the hellfire. Converting to Islam will save a person from the torment of the grave, suffering on the Day of Judgement and eternal hellfire.
"And those who believe (in the Oneness of God) and do righteous good deeds, to them We shall surely give lofty dwellings in Paradise, underneath which rivers flow, to live therein forever. Excellent is the reward of the workers." (Quran 29: 58)
4. Happiness, tranquillity and inner peace and can be achieved by converting to Islam.
Islam itself is inherently associated with inner peace and tranquillity. The words Islam, Muslim and salaam (peace) all come from the root word "Sa - la – ma" denoting peace, security, and safety. When one submits to the will of God he or she will experience an innate sense of security and peacefulness.
Perfect happiness exists only in Paradise. There we will find total peace, tranquillity and security and be free from the fear, anxiety and pain that are part of the human condition. However the guidelines provided by Islam allow us, imperfect humans, to seek happiness in this world. The key to being happy in this world and the next is seeking the pleasure of God, and worshipping Him, without associating partners with Him.
In the next article we continue our discussion about the benefits of converting to Islam by mentioning forgiveness and mercy, and trials and tribulations.
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