THE LIGHT OF FAITH

I was raised in a religious family where love and respect to one another was 
taught. My father would always repeat the saying: "Oh for God and parents to 
be pleased with me." "Ya Rida Allah Wa Rida Al'Waliden." My father told me 
once: "Your grandfather left me little worldly belongings but he was pleased 
with me." So the subject of please God and parents was a paramount 
importance to me. My life went on quietly until my teenage years. I was 
worshiping God in a traditional manner. After that period I began to indulge 
in youth practices, both good and bad. I became a slave to bad and vulgar 
language and indulged in uncontrolled sexual relations. Smoking cigarettes 
led to smoking "Hash" and, later, to opium, and such transgressions which 
displeased God. Praise to Him the Most High "Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala".

My health deteriorated rapidly. I felt that I was destroying myself with all 
my sinful practices. This left me with the feeling that I was at the point 
of no return. During that time I saw my grandfather fall to his death from a 
second floor window, under the influence of alcohol. I also saw the effects 
of drug "Hash" addiction on my uncle. Also a close friend of mine died in a 
motorcycle crash as he sped to avoid missing an appointment with a street 
girl. Reading books and memorizing Arabic poems have been my favorite 
pastime. I learned some painting, sculpture and decoration and took part in 
some are exhibitions. I was proud of my high-class acquaintances in various 
fields.

...Inspite of this I was a sinner and transgressor, displeasing God both 
morally and spiritually. In my childhood I learned that God is forgiving and 
merciful, but that He also punishes severely and that I could not escape His 
wrath because of my disgraceful behavior. Yet the abundant and indescribable 
love of the merciful One found me, and He brought me back onto the true path 
before it was too late.

In the beginning I never understood that God in His rich mercy had provided 
the atonement for my sins personally. Of course I had read some things about 
Christ , like many millions of my people, but my information was shallow and 
incomplete until I obtained a Holy Bible in my beautiful Arabic language. 
Upon thorough consideration and sincere examination I found it to be the 
true book of God written by holy men inspired by the Holy Spirit of God. I 
understood that the Book itself was translated from the old manuscripts 
which are available even today; and more importantly, the contents of the 
Holy Book is God's Truth for the benefit of the whole world. From this dear 
book of God I learned about the most high God's personal love for me as a 
sinner, and about Christ's death who sacrificed Himself to atone for my 
transgressions and iniquities. I learned also that I can receive forgiveness 
and pardon of my sins if I accepted this "Truth and believed on Jesus 
Christ, peace be upon HIM. "Alaihe Al'Salam.".

A violent struggle followed between the things I had learned at home and the 
Divine Truth I had found in God's Holy Word, the Bible. I was under 
conviction for my sins and I longed for a life of holiness and 
righteousness. During my search of assurance of Salvation and forgiveness I 
saw the Savior, stretching out His hands to heal the wounds of sin, who is 
able to set me free from the bondage of sin. It was a struggle between the 
old blind-minded fanatical man clinging to traditions, and between receiving 
the New Life which is in Christ. I reasoned....that if God Almighty had 
prepared the way for my salvation and redemption of my sins - why not accept 
it?

Thank God for the light of the true faith which invaded my heart. This light 
was far more superior than my sincere examinations and efforts to reach the 
truth. I believed in Christ with all my heart and lifted up my heart in 
prayer and supplication to God, the compassionate and merciful one 
"Al'Rahman Al'Rahim", with intercession to forgive my sins and iniquities. I 
asked g to transform me and made me a new creation, making me different from 
the old in both words and in deeds. Thank Almighty g (the Precious One) that 
by grace and faith He has answered my prayer.

I have now come to enjoy God's true acceptance of me and the privilege of 
coming near to the Most High in supplications and prayers. My life has 
become meaningful. Before, I thought I wasn't going to live long, but 
now...I feel a surge of activity and enthusiasm to live and honor the One 
who loved me and gave Himself for me as atonement for my sins to set me 
free, to cleanse me. So I can now know and enjoy God's pleasure and care.

Dear readers - brothers and sisters. We have many things in common. You may 
be seeking to please God or maybe you are under a load of sin and searching 
for the truth. You may be seeking life in all its fullness and abundance, 
desiring to get rid of your fanatical attitude and open your heart to the 
light of the true faith. Come to the love of God and believe in Christ as 
your personal Savior. Hear Him say to you; "I have come that you may have 
life in all its fullness" and He invites; "Come to me all ye who labor and 
are heavy laden and I will give you rest." I trust you will accept HIS 
personal invitation of love to you, before the time is too late.

If you have any questions to ask or if you would like a copy of the Holy 
Gospel or a Correspondence Course in Arabic or English (absolutely free) 
please write to:

The Living Word
P. O. Box 65, Worthing,
W. Sussex, BN11 1AX, England