A Journey from Sikhism to Islam: Embracing Faith and Finding Purpose

Growing up in a Punjabi Sikh family, I was surrounded by the rich traditions and history of Sikhism. My family was fairly typical, attending the Gurdwara regularly, especially during weddings and other significant occasions. From a young age, I was taught to take pride in my Sikh heritage, learning about the impressive achievements of the Sikh Empire, which once ruled vast territories in South Asia despite facing numerous challenges. I was also introduced to Sikh practices, such as the importance of growing one’s hair and learning to read Punjabi, but these teachings were never strictly enforced in my household.

As I moved through my teenage years, this foundational knowledge of Sikhism stayed with me, but I never delved deeper into it. It wasn’t until I reached college at the age of 16 that I began to question the religion I was born into. I started asking myself, “Why is Sikhism the truth?” Seeking answers, I turned to those around me. Some responded by recounting the accomplishments of the Sikh Empire, but this didn’t satisfy my curiosity. Others offered spiritual explanations, talking about concepts like reincarnation, but these ideas never resonated with my mind or heart.

It was during this period of questioning that my journey towards Islam began. I found myself drawn to the teachings of Islam, immersing myself in articles, books, and countless hours of lectures by Islamic scholars (ulamaa). With each piece of knowledge, my heart grew more inclined towards the faith. Alhamdulillah, with the support and encouragement of my Muslim friends and colleagues, I took my Shahada during the COVID-19 pandemic, officially embracing Islam, and my life transformed in ways I couldn’t have imagined.

For the first few years after my conversion, I tried to learn about Islam on my own, relying on the guidance of my Muslim brothers. However, I soon realised that I needed a mentor to truly deepen my understanding of the religion. My Imam from the university masjid introduced me to Mawlana Muhammad Isa at Light of Hira, a turning point in my spiritual journey.

Under the guidance of Light of Hira, I began to learn not only about the beauty of Islam but also about myself. Mawlana Isa and the community at Light of Hira provided the support and mentorship I needed to grow in my faith. They helped me navigate the challenges I faced as a new Muslim and celebrated the successes along the way.

One of the most profound experiences of my journey was being given the opportunity to perform Itikaf at the Islamic Da’wah Academy (IDA) during the last 10 days of Ramadan in the company of Shaykh Muhammad Saleem Dhorat, may Allah bless him always. Itikaf was a transformative experience that changed not only my spiritual practice but also my perspective on life. I entered Itikaf expecting it to be a time of increased worship, but I did not anticipate how much I would learn about myself, my relationship with Allah (SWT), and the importance of detaching from worldly distractions.

In the quiet of the masjid, away from the noise and routine of everyday life, I learnt the power of stillness. It was a period of deep introspection, where I began to reflect on the nature of my existence, the purpose of life, and how fleeting the material world is. Being in a state of seclusion allowed me to focus solely on my connection with Allah, free from distractions. I experienced, firsthand, the beauty of surrendering completely to Him—putting aside worldly desires and seeking nothing but His pleasure.

One key lesson I took away from Itikaf was the importance of trusting in Allah’s plan. During those ten days, I realised that much of my anxiety and struggles came from trying to control every aspect of my life. In Itikaf, however, I was forced to let go and trust that whatever Allah (SWT) has written for me is what’s best. I learnt to embrace contentment and patience, knowing that my role is to submit and leave the outcomes to Allah.

This seclusion also taught me the immense value of Dhikr (remembrance of Allah). In the quiet moments of reflection, when I recited Allah’s names and engaged in supplication, I felt a profound peace—a sense of closeness to Allah that I had never experienced before. I came to understand that true tranquillity doesn’t come from external circumstances but from a heart that is connected to its Creator. May Allah bless the Shaykh in the best of manners for his invaluable spiritual teachings that allow everyone spending time in Itikaf to grow in their closeness to our Almighty Creator.

Looking back, I realise that my journey from Sikhism to Islam was not just about changing religions—it was about finding my true purpose in life. The teachings of Islam have given me a sense of direction and peace that I never knew before. Light of Hira has played a crucial role in this journey, guiding me through the complexities of my newfound faith and helping me to become the person I am today, alhamdulillah. The experience of Itikaf was pivotal in this transformation, serving as a reminder that the most profound growth often comes from moments of stillness, surrender, and deep connection with Allah (SWT).