Back to the Moraine Valley event. Several people showed up: Muslims and non-Muslims. Many were there to listen to the subject “Prophets of Islam”, while others just gathered out of curiosity. The presentation went smooth, but to my surprise no one wanted to ask any questions after it. I started wondering where the hostile crowd went, but sure enough after some encouragement, people started asking few questions here and there. There was one group that remained silent while diligently taking notes – a group of middle-aged men and women. I felt that they were church members and were attending to listen and learn. But none from the group asked any question and I was eager to engage them. After I was done talking to the people, I headed towards them and I was addressed immediately by a seemingly well-educated and eloquent lady, who asked, “You said you believe in the original book of Jesus.” “Yes, Ma'am,” I replied. “Where is it then? I want to read it,” she questioned. “You tell me, where is it? I want to read it too,” I answered. Then we delved into a discussion over the origins of the Bible and the difference between versions and the original text, and many other relevant topics. At the end, I could feel that the discussion shook the lady a little bit, and her eyes were filled with tears. She said, “Why has no one ever told us this before?” I didn't really have much to say at this point except inviting her to study Islam more. Suddenly, a man from the group told her, “So what do you want? If you're ready, why don't you become a Muslim?” “All what I want is peace,” she said. “And that is Islam,” I said. Then I turned to the man who called out to her to become a Muslim and said to him: “What about you? Why don't you become a Muslim?” To this he raised his hands and said, “I submit to the will of God.” I said, “Well, that is Islam too.” We exchanged phone numbers and emails, and I wished them the best in their pursuit for the truth. Couple of weeks later I received an email. The lady gave her shahada. Alhamdulillah. – Muslimmatters Yaser Birjas, originally from Palestine, is an immigrant to the US and an instructor at AlMaghrib Institute. He graduated from Madina's Islamic University and has also worked in relief programs post
