IntroToIslam: Spreading Islam, one heart at a time

On Friday 15 March, 2019, the Muslim community in Christchurch, New Zealand, experienced a tragedy like never before.

In less than 20 minutes, a gunman stormed not one but two masjids during Friday prayer, taking the lives of 51 worshippers and injuring 89 others as they stood in prayer.

The first attack at the Al Noor Mosque in Riccarton, at 1:40 PM was followed almost immediately afterwards at the Linwood Islamic Centre at 1:52 PM.

​In response to the tragedy which created headlines globally, the United Nations General Assembly in 2022 designated 15 March as the annual International Day to Combat Islamophobia.

The massive carnage – the work of an Australian terrorist – left a deep scar on the small but growing Muslim population of New Zealand.

But through resilience and faith, Islam didn’t fade in the ‘Land of the Long White Cloud’….it flourished! 

Six years on – an estimated 3,000 people embrace Islam in New Zealand each year.

With that growth comes an urgent need for support, education and guidance and that’s where well-known Sydney Muslim community figure Brother Ahmed Bassal and his Dawah initiative IntroToIslam come in.

Recently, Br Ahmed and IntroToIslam were invited to Christchurch to teach new Muslims about Islam – helping them understand their faith, build a strong foundation and become part of a welcoming community.

They visited Al Noor Mosque (the site of the first attack), were shown the locations of some of the shootings – and even the new emergency exits installed for protection. 

But most importantly, they met hundreds of new Muslims seeking knowledge – people who, despite tragedy, have chosen Islam as their path.

But IntroToIslam’s work doesn’t stop in New Zealand.

“We recently also travelled to Europe, training future teachers from Frankfurt and four other German cities to ensure that new Muslims  receive the mentorship and support they need,” Br Ahmed told AMUST.

“And here in Australia, we run free courses in Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide, and for those in other cities as well as remote areas, we  provide lessons via Zoom – again, free of charge.”

I know firsthand how vital this work is.

I accepted Islam five years ago on the Night of Power – Laylatul Qadr – during the COVID lockdown (2020). 

That night, it was none other than Ahmed Bassal who guided me as I took the Shahada over the telephone – a moment that changed my life forever.

Since then, Br Ahmed has remained a strong mentor and support in my journey, just as he and the rest of the IntroToIslam team have been to literally thousands of other new Muslims.

I can tell you from personal experience – and the statistics back it up – that the first year after you accept Islam is the most critical.

Not many people can take this journey successfully on their own.

Having a support network – whether through IntroToIslam, another Dawah team or religious organisation…. or simply your friends at the local mosque – makes all the difference. 

If a revert has a ‘strong’ first year, they are far more likely to remain steadfast in their Islam for life.

Alhamdulillah, not once in the five years since I took this life-changing leap of faith have I even considered rejecting Islam!

For 15 years, IntroToIslam has been operating entirely on volunteer efforts. 

Every course, every lesson, every trip is fuelled by a love for this Ummah.

For example, they were recently invited to return to Christchurch to train new teachers who will continue this mission long after they leave.

It’s not a cheap exercise and if the opportunity ever arises for you to donate to IntroToIslam or one of Australia’s other great Dawah initiatives, Inshallah you will be able to assist by making a contribution to this vital work.

In the case of IntoToIslam, every donation helps this fine organisation continue teaching new and potential Muslims across the globe.

https://www.launchgood.com/v4/campaign/teach_hundreds_of_new_muslims_to_pray_3

May Allah bless your generosity and multiply your rewards.