The above quote by Khalil Gibran explains a great deal about how I came to Islam in 2,000. I was amongst the walking dead. It seemed so to me, that many people in my city walked about lifeless, and it was becoming that I was one of them. I felt that there was no joy left in my life. I could remember some happy times in my life. I remembered the mid-90's and a lost relationship I'd had with a girlfriend of mine. I longed for those days. I made a trip out to see her where she had moved to another state. It was a last desperate attempt to recapture my lost self. She disconnected the phone on me and wouldn't talk. Bewildered and bemused from the events, I contemplated death and dying.
I read in the Qu'ran a verse that said, "Don't speak of those who are have passed as if they are dead; Nay, they are living, if you but knew".
Knowing very little about Islam, and even less about the politics involved. And how controversial such verses would later become in public discourse. I understood the verse in my own unique way. As I took it as since I was already amongst the walking dead, why not live a life of dignity and righteousness? If I was going to lose all that I loved in life and if I was to be disregarded and forgotten by life, then what if I suffered the same affliction, yet under as a submitter to God rather than a defeated has-been.
I decided to put my trust in God, and to trust those who likewise, believed and submitted to God. Suddenly the world became light and I was willing to accept whatever hand life had dealt me. Since Allah was the source, all happiness and sorrow was only his offspring.
Such an idea would later lead me to yet another set a problems and entanglements. But for a period of years this train of thought allowed me a breath of fresh air, and though it was temporary; I knew if I could capitalize on such spiritual energy, I just may be able to open up a window into a new life more meaningful.
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