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“A US Soldier Reminded Me Of Allah And Made Me Pray!”

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“A US Soldier Reminded Me Of Allah And Made Me Pray!”

In this episode, Moazzam Begg explores one of his lowest points in Guantanamo. While he slowly fell into depression, Allah subḥānahu wa ta'āla (glorified and exalted be He) sent His mercy through the most unlikely people to remind him of his strength, and reignite his faith and resolve.

[As part of the MuslimMatters x CAGE Dhul Hijjah Activism Drive: Close Guantanamo, we bring you a series, Guantanamo Memories, of stories from behind bars.]

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In times of need, Allah subḥānahu wa ta'āla (glorified and exalted be He), through His immense Mercy, sends to us signs to bring us back to Him. On one occasion it was the US soldiers who actually reminded me of my duty to Allah subḥānahu wa ta'āla (glorified and exalted be He).

During a particularly difficult time in isolation I became weak in performing my prayers. I’d had no contact with another Muslim at all for two years. A soldier who watched over me seemed to have noticed this also.He may have seen other prisoners in Guantanamo who far excelled me in worship and reciting the Quran.

He asked me: “Why aren’t you praying?”

It took his simple words to wake me up out of my depression. This was surely from the mercy of Allah subḥānahu wa ta'āla (glorified and exalted be He).

Another time, a soldier, a Southern Baptist, said to me that when afflicted by a calamity people often complain, “Why me O Lord?” But he said: “Maybe they need to say, “Why not me O Lord?” when they are living a life of ease.”

He was not a Muslim and even attempted to convert me to Christianity. His words however, resonated deeply with me.

The Messenger of Allah ṣallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam (peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him) told us: “Surely, Allah brings success to this religion even with assistance of the fajir (disobedient).”

Sometimes help can come from the most unlikely of places. And for me, it came at a time when I was in most need of it.

It reminded of the verses in Surah Ankabut when Allah ṣallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam (peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him) says: “Do the people think that they will be left to say, ‘We believe’ and they will not be put to the test?”

My test in Guantanamo may have come to an end but for many others it’s still ongoing.

Don’t forget to join MuslimMatters and CAGE this month as we work to Close Guantanamo. Check out how you can act today

Related Reading:

 – Dhul Hijjah Global Activism Drive: Close Guantanamo

Dhul Hijjah Global Activism Drive: Close Guantanamo

 – “You Are Worth Less Than An Iguana!”

“You Are Worth Less Than An Iguana!”

 

 

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.

CAGE advocates for due process, the rule of law and an end to the injustices of the War on Terror. CAGE is an independent grassroots organisation striving for a world free of injustice and oppression. We campaign against discriminatory state policies and advocate for due process and the rule of law. We work closely with survivors of abuse and mistreatment across the globe, documenting their abuse and enabling them to take action and access due process. We carry out cutting edge research and provide a voice for survivors of the war on terror, challenging the dominant narrative of suspect communities and the perceived threat of terrorism. We empower communities through educational workshops, community events and informative seminars.

1 Comment

1 Comment

  1. Montgomery J Granger

    July 5, 2022 at 9:15 AM

    Not surprising. Christians, Jews and Muslims share the same God. Appreciate the story. I prayed for the detainees while I was at Gitmo, prayed for my own salvation as well. I prayed for God’s holy grace upon us all. Peace be with you.

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