“So…I’m a convert. A little help please?”

There was something special about the night my friend took her shahada (declaration of faith). I remember it was after praying ‘isha (the night prayer) when the imam announced the news to the congregation; I cried as the whole masjid erupted in takbeers (Allahu akbar) to praise Allah and welcome a new member to our community. That night, I felt the support of community. I felt peace from Allah.