Some Who are Born Muslim by Iftikhar Ajmal Bhopal By neQiniso Abdullah A passionate Islamic worker in Texas who died in March, 2001 (from his book of Poetry "In Praise of Allah") Some who say that they were born - - - Into the Islamic fold Allow the binding fear of God - - - To gradually lose its hold. They early learn to fast and pray - - - And recite the Holy Book, They make the Hajj and pay Zakat - - - And swine they will not cook. So after this they proudly say - - - That they are Muslims true And venture forth to western lands - - - Where Muslim men are few. Their eyes and minds are then amazed - - - At everything they see, And soon their hearts admire the men - - - Who cause such things to be. But those men seek to make this world - - - Their haven of delight, And therefore they create their own - - - Standards of wrong and right. So when a Muslim looks to them - - - As models for all men, Unwittingly he begins to slip - - - - - - Gradually into sin. At first, perhaps, he misses a prayer - - - Or rushes one on through. Then, busily pursuing the western ways - - - Perhaps he misses two. He reads the Book a little less - - - And less he gives the poor; The challenge to raise his standard of life - - - Now means a little more. Perhaps he’ll even being to gamble - - - Or taste some wine or beer, His acts distinguish him not from those - - - Who have no Godly fear. The path he follows gradually leads - - - The way the worldly seek, And his religion becomes a task - - - To practice once a week. What! Six days he gives himself - - - And God he gives but one! But still he claims to be a Muslim - - - ‘Cause he’s a Muslim’s son. He who serves his own desires - - - But one place will he dwell; God shall seize him by the neck - - - And throw him into Hell! Your father’s nor your mother’s faith - - - Will save you from the Fire, If you consider this world to be - - - Your innermost desire. But wait! Wherever you are, your life - - - Can surely be turned around, And the God you placed upon your tongue - - - Can in your heart be found. Conversion not only occurs with those - - - Who do not know the way, It occurs also with those well-versed - - - Who gradually go astray. Forget, therefore, how you were born - - - God judges not your birth. By the purity of your heart at death - - - Will He determine your worth. Those who say that they were born - - - Into the Islamic fold, Like others, they must submit themselves - - - As clay for God to mould