Islamic Events
Ilm Summit 2010: The Power of A Smile
By Mahmoud Sabha
Salamu alikum
There was nothing in this world I dreaded more than going to Ilm Summit 2010. I had been away from my house for school for 4 months, traveling all summer, and never got to spend much quality time at home. My parents kept bringing up the point that I am never home and always on a trip. On top of that I never liked people hyping up any event, because usually I come to realize that it was just a big flop. However I figured that I had already decided to attend this conference long time ago so it would be best to not make any rush decisions. I got on that flight and headed for Houston, against my wishes.
Keep supporting MuslimMatters for the sake of Allah
Alhamdulillah, we're at over 850 supporters. Help us get to 900 supporters this month. All it takes is a small gift from a reader like you to keep us going, for just $2 / month.
The Prophet (SAW) has taught us the best of deeds are those that done consistently, even if they are small. Click here to support MuslimMatters with a monthly donation of $2 per month. Set it and collect blessings from Allah (swt) for the khayr you're supporting without thinking about it.
It was business as usual and I just stuck to the friends I knew from my area. The first night I heard a few awesome speeches from the scholars in attendance, yet my overall feeling remained the same.
As it came time for prayer, the students were moving chairs around trying to make room for everyone. My “whatever” attitude paralyzed me into simply being a spectator in a productive crowd rushing to and from every spot. As I stared into nothingness, someone from behind me laid his bear-like hands on my shoulder. I turned around to see the bright smile of Sheikh Waleed Basyoni, a man who had no clue who I was.
Instantaneously my doubts and ill feelings towards this summit completely changed into love, admiration and genuine brotherhood. Although I was someone new to both Ilm Summit and AlMaghrib in general, I felt just as welcomed as the most experienced man amongst them.
Thank you Sheikh Waleed
Salam
Keep supporting MuslimMatters for the sake of Allah
Alhamdulillah, we're at over 850 supporters. Help us get to 900 supporters this month. All it takes is a small gift from a reader like you to keep us going, for just $2 / month.
The Prophet (SAW) has taught us the best of deeds are those that done consistently, even if they are small. Click here to support MuslimMatters with a monthly donation of $2 per month. Set it and collect blessings from Allah (swt) for the khayr you're supporting without thinking about it.
Family Troubles Of The Prophets: A MuslimMatters Series – [Part II] My Kids Are Out Of Control
The Coddling Of The Western Muslim Mind: [Part 1] The Cult Of Self-Esteem
Islam, Decoloniality, And Allamah Iqbal On Revolution
Addressing Abuse Amongst Muslims: A Community Call-In & Leadership Directives | The Female Scholars Network
Death The Greatest Teacher: Three Life-Lessons From The Child I Lost
Ensuring The Safety Of Our Communities: A Call For Immediate Corrective Action From American Muslim Organizations
Safeguarding Children In Today’s World: An Islamic Perspective On Child Sexual Abuse Prevention And Protection
International Criminal Court Warrant Galls Genocidaires
The Fall Of Barsisa: Lessons On Spiritual Corruption And The Abuse Of Religious Authority
[Podcast] Navigating Christmas: Advice to Converts, from Converts | Hazel Gomez & Eman Manigat
Study Classical Texts The Traditional Way [Session 1] | Sh. Yaser Birjas
Sami Hamdi: “Muslims Must Abandon Harris” | Transcript and Summary
IOK Ramadan: The Importance of Spiritual Purification | Keys To The Divine Compass [Ep30]
IOK Ramadan: The Power of Prayer | Keys To The Divine Compass [Ep29]
IOK Ramadan: The Weight of the Qur’an | Keys To The Divine Compass [Ep28]
-
#Culture1 month ago[Podcast] How To Free A Jinn & Other Questions | Ustadha Raidah Shah Idil
-
#Islam1 month ago
Study Classical Texts The Traditional Way [Session 3] | Sh. Yaser Birjas
-
#Life4 weeks ago
Ensuring The Safety Of Our Communities: A Call For Immediate Corrective Action From American Muslim Organizations
-
#Life1 month ago
Processing Spiritual Abuse In Islam: A Comprehensive Guide For Individuals, Communities, And Organizations
Amad
September 14, 2010 at 4:15 PM
That’s a beautiful photo. Who took it?
Ify Okoye
September 14, 2010 at 5:49 PM
Not sure who took it, but according to Danish, the little girl is a regular at the classes in Qabeelat Mubeen in Tennessee.
Adam
September 14, 2010 at 4:40 PM
That was straight from the heart—Awesome post bro. BarakAllahufeek!
Wael - IslamicAnswers.com
September 14, 2010 at 4:42 PM
Nice little story. A good warning about the danger of the “whatever” attitude, and a good solution.
Daughter of Adam (AS)
September 14, 2010 at 11:00 PM
I love hugging random sisters! It’s my goal at every conference I attend to try and meet someone new and befriend them if only for long enough to have a simple conversation.
You just have to look for the kind of person who would NOT be offended by the gesture..
I always thought guys wouldn’t appreciate things like hugs and smiles so much but I guess they do! masha’Allah :D
shiney
December 9, 2010 at 6:06 PM
Assalamu Alaikum sister! really, you like saying hi to random sisters? I’m not that social and the last time i tried to say salam to random sisters at the store or the mall, they gave me the wierd looks lol! =) but sometimes, ppl surprise me by behaving as if they’ve known me for ages! it really makes me feel good and welcomed=)
Justin
September 16, 2010 at 2:38 AM
May Allah reward our brothers and sisters who seek knowledge.
Daily Hadith Online
Beast
September 22, 2010 at 2:00 PM
Shaikh Waleed Basyouni has an amazing smile masha’Allah and is a gem. Great post.
Mahmoud Sabha
September 24, 2010 at 3:08 PM
Yes Sheikh Waleed has a great smile! I loved his joke, “that if you ever lose your smile, you only have to look under your nose to find it!”
Zuleyka
December 2, 2010 at 6:38 PM
Little thing with huge impact. So sweet.. :)
anonymous
December 9, 2010 at 6:08 PM
wow…the power of a smile! personally though, i think ppl shld have a lot more value for islamic knowledge than they do. I am DYING to go to Ilm Summit but i’m not that qualified. As i was reading this post, i was getting so mad at you for not wanting to go but alhamdulillah, Allah gave you the hidayah, through a smile:)
Mantiki
December 9, 2010 at 7:04 PM
A shame that the smiles of females must be hidden in public.
Mahmoud Sabha
December 9, 2010 at 9:00 PM
Women smile in public and private :). usually more than men too.
Mahmoud Sabha
December 9, 2010 at 8:54 PM
Yes alhamdulilah Allah completely changed the situation for me! Now I just miss it more than ever :)