THE GUIDE

 

We have indeed sent down signs that make things manifest: And Allah guides whom He wills to a way that is straight.  (Quran 24:46)

I spoke to a young man who said only this: 
On the street I saw a woman who was so beautiful I stopped breathing.  I just stood and stared.  She was fully covered in a khimar and long, loose, flowing dress.  She was beautiful, elegant, graceful.  I followed her without ever realizing I was doing so.  I just wanted to look at her.  I didn’t try to speak to her, didn’t think to speak to her.  My thoughts didn’t go that far.  I just looked. Looked and followed.
 She went into a building so I did too.  I lost sight of her though; and then I realized what I’d done, and I stopped and looked around. There were only men.  No women around at all, except I caught a glimpse of one or two through a doorway, but none of them were the one I’d seen before.  I was confused.
 I spoke to one of the men and asked what the place was.  He said it was a masjid.  I just looked at him, so he began to explain.  That was how I first learned about Islam.  And now I am Muslim.  I have a wife, kids. I never saw that woman again.  I guess she was only my guide.