#Society

Lessons from a Rockstar

Published

April 18, 2017

As we stood in line to ride our next roller coaster, Ahmad and I didn’t realize that someone was listening in on our conversation. We stood there talking about a lot of different things on that hot summer day trying to pass the time of the long wait. I don’t even remember what we were talking about, but it was enough to have the person in front of us in line turn around and ask, “Are you guys Muslim?” Just his pronunciation of the word “Muslim” made my hair stand up. His dirty tank top, ripped up jeans, scruffy face, and long, shaggy hair made us wonder what kind of ignorant statement might come next.

“Yes, we are,” we responded.

He then continued, “I used to play in a rock band. We used to jam in my buddy’s basement. And I remember a couple years ago, I was going through some really tough times in my life. That’s when I noticed that my buddy had a Quran on his shelf. So I walked over and picked it up. I opened it up to any random page, and I put my finger on any random verse.”

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What happened next blew us both away. This scruffy looking wannabe rockstar then proceeded to quote a verse from the Quran in English, with no mistakes as if he sat and memorized it. Or at the very least, it penetrated his heart for him to know it word for word after all these years. Allah’s words had clearly had an impact on him. We both recognized the verses from Surat al-Kahf.

“Say, ‘Shall We tell you about the greatest losers in respect to their deeds? Those whose efforts have been wasted in this life and who believe nevertheless that they are doing good.’”

He continued, “And that verse just hit me! I thought, man, what am I doing with my life? What am I really doing?” He then continued his story, “Then some time passed, and I went about my life. And about a year later, I started going through some really tough times again. So I went back to my buddy’s house and grabbed the Quran off his shelf again. I opened it to any random page and put my finger down on any random verse,” he said as he gestured opening a book and pointing into it. “Same exact verse man!! Same exact verse!” He then looked up towards the sky and pointed his finger up and said, “I hear ya man. I hear ya.” Ahmad and I started laughing at his unexpected story.

We spoke to him for a little bit longer and before we knew it, it was time to get on the ride. After we said our goodbyes, never to see this man again, Ahmad and I were amused with the whole situation and this man’s story. We joked about how crazy we thought our whole conversation was.

It wasn’t until later when I thought about our conversation that I felt that there was a lesson to be learned from the rockstar that Allah sent us that hot summer day. I had to ask myself, when was the last time I turned to the Quran when I was going through tough times – taking the opportunity to hear what Allah has to say to me? I thought to myself, don’t I have as much right to the Quran as he does? It reminded me of a couplet I heard once before:

“Say, ‘Shall We tell you about the greatest losers in respect to their deeds? Those whose efforts have been wasted in this life and who believe nevertheless that they are doing good.’”

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Related Topics:Allah connection Dawah Inspiration interaction interactions Interfaith Quran Spirituality strangers Surat al-Kahf

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6 Comments

leena

April 18, 2017 at 11:27 AM

why didn’t you invite him to Islam?

Reply
- AA
  
  April 20, 2017 at 10:32 AM
  
  Right. My thoughts exactly.
  
  Reply
Arif Kabir

April 18, 2017 at 2:42 PM

Beautiful, beautiful story. Thank you so much for sharing. Allah truly guides those whom He wills in a manner He wills.

Reply
Abdul Muhaimin

April 19, 2017 at 10:31 AM

Oh man , He didn’t know he was reading the verses of Surah Al kahf which is supposed to save us from the Toughest times of Mankind, Fitna of Masih Ad Dajjal! Allahu Akbar!

Reply
Syed h

April 21, 2017 at 5:35 PM

The Shining Light ( pbuh).

O Rasoolallah (pbuh), my Nabi, my Shining Light.
The world was illuminated by your arrival so bright.
Your life shines brighter than the brightest sunlight.
No words can express the beauty of its might.
Every aspect every angle so serene and right.
O Rasoolallah (pbuh), my Nabi, my Shining Light.
Memories beautiful memories come to me.
As I go through the journey of Your blessed life.
First there is Badr the day Allah called Yaum ul Furqan.
When you begged Allah for victory crying all through the night.
Allah loved those words of Yours begging His mercy.
For the 313 unarmed who were ready to fight and fight.
Abu Bakr (ra) stood up saying Go Rasoolallah Go.
We are with you whatever the battleground how ever tight.
Then it was Umer (ra) crying out in union with Siddiq.
Go Rasoolallah Go You will find us by your side.
O Rasoolallah (pbuh), my Nabi, my Shining Light.
These words these emotions pleasef You very much.
But you looked towards the Ansaar waiting inspite.
Sa’ad bin Muadh stepped forward and said firmly.
O Rasoolallah we will jump in the oceans if You say so.
We are steadfast in wars and ever upright.
Victory came your way my Nabi, my Shining Light.
Down the lane of memory comes another sight.
So beautiful so memorable that it stands out right.
When Khaled, Amr bin Aas and Uthman came together.
To accept Islam and hold on to it tight.
The words You said have a fragrance unexplained.
“Makkah has thrown out its gems” Your voice held delight.
O Rasoolallah (pbuh), my Nabi, my Shining Light.
To me the final beauty is the scene at Makkah.
That same Makkah You had to leave over night.
But You were now returning as a hero my Nabi.
Your entry in that city is engraved in me deep inside.
Your head was bent low in humility and humbleness.
With Uthama bin Zaid sitting behind holding You slight.
On Your blessed lips was praise and glory for Allah.
The One and Only whose beloved You are infinite.
O Rasoolallah (pbuh), my Nabi, my Shining Light.
Umm Imad.

Reply
sadia baig

August 3, 2017 at 1:44 AM

This seems to be an inspirational message towards young generation who are gradually involving in such activities . May ALLAH reward you for this

Reply