From Cross to Prostration

Being crazy about Pakistan Cricket Team and not dedicating a post to Mohammad Yousuf is no justice done to my cricket fanaticism.

Yousuf Youhana was well known as the backbone of Pakistan Cricket Team along with Pakistan skipper Inzamam-ul-Haq. He and his family embraced Islam from Christianity in 2005 in Saudia Arabia where they performed their first pilgrimage (Umrah). He then changed his name to Mohammad Yousuf as his parents were disgusted at his decision and had announced their right to take away the family name he possessed. Ever since, the world not only saw the change in name but also a complete make over of his personality.

On accepting Islam he said ‘ Islam is a wonderful religion. I hope every man in this world accepts it’. Later, after every century he made, the world could see that the man who gestured the cross of Christianity was now thanking God by Sajdah (Prostration). Heroes of cricket could not stop themselves from accepting the fact that there was an immense tranquility building up in Mohammad Yousuf. His career kept him on his toes, but did not stop him from learning the principles of his beloved new religion. Saeed Anwar former cricketer of Pakistan, who is presently active in Tableegh (Inviting people to Islam) said in one his lectures ‘When Yousuf accepted Islam people criticized on many of his actions but I always replied that he is a true muslim. He comes to me and discusses the amount of Zakat (Charity) to be paid and my brother teaches him Namaz (prayer)’His wife was recently seen during the Test Match against West Indies sitting in the spectators seat wearing the Shari’ah Hijab (Muslim women veil).

In the same test match Yousuf broke the world record of Sir Viv Richards of scoring the most runs in calendar year. In his exclusive interview Yousuf said, “I can only try, but in the end it happens exactly the way Allah wants it to be. I did not accept Islam to gain pleasures and fame of this world, but the truth lies in the fact that when you follow Allah and Mohammad (PBUH)’s path, Allah not only gives you Paradise in the Here-After but also gives you dignity in the present world. My concentration in my five daily prayers has helped me concentrate in my batting. Whatever I am today is because of the prayers of my parents, my wife, my children and Pakistani people.”

All Muslims around the world are proud of Mohammad Yousuf for presenting Islam in a beautiful manner. May Allah help him in his every struggle and give him salvation in this life and the Here-After. May Allah shower His mercy upon him and his family and help them in understanding Islam in the Right Way. Ameen

Go after knowledge;

Should you become poor it will be your wealth.

Should you become rich it will be your embellishment.
Never consider sin to be small. Regard sin as great.

He who thinks slightly of sin has considered Allah to be insignificant. -

Mawlana Ashraf Ali Thanwi