Dr. Waffie Mohammed
The first Trinidad national to have earned a doctorate in the study of Islam, Dr. Waffie graduated from the University of Karachi with a PhD in Islamic Studies, obtained in parallel with Al-Kamil certification from the Aleemiya Institute established by Dr. Fazlu R. Ansari.
On his return to Trinidad, Dr. Waffie contributed to the development of the Muslim communities located throughout the country and the region, while at the same time serving the wider national communities. This led to his appointment to the Senate in 1981, and his later appointment as Director of the Muslim World League regional office for the Caribbean and Latin America, a position in which he contributed to global Muslim development, until his retirement in 2003.
Dr. Waffie is currently serving as the Principal and Director at the Markaz al Ihsaan Institute of Islamic Theology. He also serves as a spiritual leader of the local chapters of the Qadri and Nakshbandi Orders within Islamic Spirituality Circles.
The author of numerous books, articles and publications dedicated to Islam and contemporary social issues, Dr. Waffie also has a growing number of pioneering works in contemporary Islamic studies. Dr. Waffie blogs often at http://drwaffie.blogspot.com
How can a person become a Muslim?
- By Dr. Waffie Mohammed
- Published 08/19/2010
Any one who wants to accept Islam, and become a Muslim will be required to say the following:
I testify to the fact that there is no god but Allah, and I testify to the fact that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.
Some people believe that when one makes this declaration he/she must immediately become an ideal Muslim. It is necessary to know that it takes time to learn all that is necessary for a Muslim to know and practice, so that, after the declaration of Faith, the new comer to Islam will learn how to pray and fast, etc.
Upon declaring the shahadah, as it is called, a person becomes a brother or sister in faith; and will be treated as such by every Muslim.
To change ones faith and belief is a very courageous thing, but if a person is convinced that there is only one Creator of the universe, i.e. the God of Abraham, then he/she should not hesitate but declare his/her belief in that God.
Because it requires courage and will to do so, the Prophet (pbuh) reports that anyone who accepts Islam, will have all his/her past sins forgiven.
