As salaamu alaikum,

Last Friday, I was honored to be a guest at our neighboring masjid, Masjidun Nur Islamic Learning Center. Masjidun Nur is a community of what we call the “pioneers”, or the Muslims who have laid the groundwork in Islam under the leadership of Imam Warith Deen Muhammad (may Allah have mercy on him). This is a beautiful community of elders who have held Islam down in the city of Camden, NJ, and I am always honored when they ask me to come to deliver the Friday khutbah (sermon). On this particular day, there were 4 young men and 1 woman who were interested in taking shahadah, and the administration requested that I assist in bringing them into the fold of Islam. That was done by a brief explanation to make sure they understand what following this religion entails. It is always a delightful moment to see new Muslims embracing Islam, and it is personally rewarding according to the statement of our beloved Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم:

فَوَاللَّهِ لأَنْ يُهْدَى بِكَ رَجُلٌ وَاحِدٌ خَيْرٌ لَكَ مِنْ حُمْرِ النَّعَمِ ‏”‏‏.

“By Allah! If a single person embraces Islam at your hands (i.e. through you), that will be better for you than the red camels.” [Bukhari]

Here is the video below. May Allah accept this effort of mine, and may He make these new Muslims sincere, convinced, and diligent in their journey in Islam ameen!