First time I discussed Islam with someoneWas in the final year of Junior School. I don’t know why, but I brought in a small children’s book on Islam to show to my teacher. All I remember was that she was nodding and smiling, and that I was feeling fuzzy and proud inside.

First time I met a brother who changed my life

Was in my A-Level Chemistry class. I rarely mingled with the Muslims, actually preferred to avoid them, I would always sit with Pritesh, Parita, James and Lucy. But on one special Friday afternoon, I noticed in the corner of the lab our teacher was getting frustrated with someone called Imran. I heard Imran politely apologise, and then leave the class, only to come back after about 25 minutes. After the class had finished, I went up to Imran and asked him why he had left. He told me that he had to go pray Jumm’ah. I asked him what Jumm’ah was. A week later, I had moved to Imrans’ table.

First time I realised I was doing da’wah to a non-Muslim

Was to an old college mate, called James, he was one day telling me how he thinks that God’s corporeal existence stems from mankind’s non-utilization of the rest of his brain. I thought that sounded mighty dumb, so I rationally proved God’s existence and then attempted to discuss how Islam defines man relationship with God.

First time I did da’wah to a Muslim

Was to a Hafiz of the Qu’ran. I started to explain to him the basics of the deen, yet it must have only been a few weeks since I properly started to offer my salah. He was a really humble brother and would just patiently listen.

First time I tried to discuss Islam with my Papi

Was not done very well. My over-zealousness made him think I joined Hamas.

First time I realised a sisters worth

Was outside a brothers house. I had just become practising and was invited to a brothers house to learn more about the deen. While I was waiting outside his house, I didn’t realise a sister was patiently waiting for me - since I had blocked the path. I had never realised what a khimar or a jilbab was until that moment. It didn’t just mean modesty for her, because it also meant modestly for me. Her small showing of fortitude had sent a wave of humility over me.

Just for the bro’s

First time I met Babs-M… He got proper confused.

First time I met Ande ka Phande (formely tak dinedan tak) He seemed to have gotten lost (and bruvs, was that place we ate at, even halal?)

First time I met the Traveller: He looked proper youthful.

First time I met Jacare:  He was proper youthful. And it took me about 3 months to actually figure out his name.

Finally,

First time I listened to Zain Bhika

I thought “Why are they playing Micheal Jackson songs at this Islamic event”.  I know this has to be blatantly true for the rest of you. It took me about 3 months to realise that it wasn’t Jacko.