Bisme Allah ar-Rahman Ir-Raheem,

Dear Brother Ahmad,

Assalamu Alaykum

Insha"Allah this finds you well and my sister also. I apologize for not opening this sooner - so much has been going on and I have been a little behind because of it.  Insha"Allah will send on to you an article for Queensland Muslim Times which may give you a little understanding of the here and now.

With regard to your questions - Insha"Allah will answer them as they are written:

What was your view toward Imam Khomeini (RA) before your conversion?

It grieves me to tell you dear Brother that I was unknowing of this very dear and wonderful man.  Yes, I had heard of him, but we were given a lot of propaganda.  e.g.  The women"s magazines and media generally, had uplifted the position and perception of the Shah almost to that of cult idol previously, and I remember that, but it had not really touched me at all.  Similarly, when the Revolution was taking place and the Imam (r.a.) came into view, we had quite the opposite media propaganda (as you may well imagine).  Again, I was unmoved by the media.  I had the desire to know the truth of the matter, but as so much else was happening, I did not pursue this line of questioning.  Then I met a young woman who had been in Iran during the time of the Shah, having worked there.  She told me that having seen the huge gulf between the ordinary Iranians and that of the Shah and his people, she was glad that the Revolution had taken place.  She told me of many things she had seen.  In hindsight I have found the Imam"s words to uphold what I was told: One hair strand of hair of the slum-dwellers and those who gave martyrs, is far superior, in honour, to all palaces and palace-dwellers of the world.....  

So, in essence, I suppose the revolution in my life commenced with this awakening, this recognition that truth in all matters had to be searched for, one dare not be spoonfed as the public generally is, with deceitful media blurb.

How were you influenced by Imam Khomeini (RA) during your search of Islam?

My immediate search was to establish what Islam was. At this point in time I did not even fully realise the difference between sects - my whole focus was on learning Islam"s basic teachings, like a baby who has commenced to open its eyes.

However, in all my early days, I noted that not one single cleric or Muslim with whom I had normal contact said anything adverse about either the revolution or Imam Khomeini.  In fact, one of my dear sisters (Sunni) had a photograph of Imam Khomeini in her living room.  She actually went through a hard time over this eventually.  Some very strident Sunni women told her how bad it was to have a photograph at all, but to have one of the Imam???!!!  I remember this as a defining incident.  My sister told the others that this was a hero of Islam, that she was proud to have his photograph in her home for all the world to see, and if they did not like it, then perhaps they should leave, because they had not produced someone as true to Islam and the pathway of the Holy Prophet of Islam (pbuh) as the Imam (ra).    

What aspect of Imam Khomeini"s character is most significant to you?

His steadfastness in the way of Allah - which signalled  absolute belief in and submission to the Lord of the Worlds, regardless of cost, and which not only reflected the lives of Ahlul-Bayt (a.s.), but was a Guide in preparing the way for the 12th Imam may peace be upon him.

What would you say if you are asked to define Imam Khomeini (RA) just in a single word or a short phrase?

My first thought was "Guidance" but quickly followed by "Paternal".   Surely Paternal Guidance would be exactly how I would like to define him... He was surely a father to a nation, but I like to think of him as a father figure to all who are seeking truth and standing for Allah.

Were you a Muslim when Imam Khomeini (RA) passed away? How did you feel when you heard about his departure?

No, I was not a Muslim at that time, but I remember seeing his funeral cortege and the absolute anguish and grief which accompanied him.  I had never seen this before - a whole nation weeping.  I too felt a sadness, but did not know why at that time. 

Do you have any memories of visiting Imam Khomeini"s house (whether the one in Qom or in Tehran) or his holy shrine?

Yes, my memories are beautiful.  The first time I visited his holy shrine (2003) I felt a deep sadness that the world no longer had the presence of this man who had been clothed in humility and righteousness.  I felt a deep sadness that I had not been able to know or follow him as a Muslim, and somehow I hoped that he knew that - as I left I felt a deep peace and knew that being able to just visit his shrine was a blessing which I had never thought possible.  Subsequent visits to his shrine and his home have filled me with great happiness....a confirmation of what can happen to a person, a nation, or indeed the world, if the hand of faith is placed within the grasp of Almighty Allah as our gracious Imam"s life and death has witnessed. 

Thank you dear brother Ahmed, may Allah s.w.t. bless your work and your life,

wassalaam,

your sister in Islam,

Shifa