I studied Islam for 1 month. And I lost all my hair.

I studied Islam for 1 month. And I lost all my hair.

Introduction

For one full month, I devoted myself to studying my religion, Islam. Alhamdulillah! Alhamdulillah! Alhamdulillah! Throughout this month, I immersed myself in the Quran, engaged with religious scholars, and traveled to the three holiest places in Islam: Mecca in Saudi Arabia, Medina, and Jerusalem. In Mecca, for the first time in my life, I shaved my head completely to make a point. Here's my journey.

Background

I'm on a six-month challenge to study the top six religions: Buddhism, Hinduism, atheism, Judaism, Christianity, and finally, Islam. Unlike other religions, my understanding of Islam began not with a learned scholar but with my mother.

The Journey Begins

Islam is the fastest-growing religion globally, with more than 2 billion followers in every country. It all began in Saudi Arabia, on top of a mountain in a cave. There, Islam was revealed to Prophet Muhammad by an angel who spoke the first word of Islam: "Read." This divine command was to read the Quran, to understand and discover, and so I read.

The Lesson of Discipline

One thing that stands out in Islam is discipline. Every morning for 30 years, I watched my mother wake up at 5 a.m. to pray, no matter how tired, sick, or busy she was. This practice is common among billions of Muslims who pray five times a day, every day, for their entire lives. Such unwavering discipline is seldom seen elsewhere.

Another aspect of discipline is cleanliness. Before each prayer, Muslims wash their feet, hands, and heads multiple times a day. According to Prophet Muhammad, "cleanliness is half the faith." Fasting is another discipline Muslims adhere to. Every year, Muslims fast for one month, abstaining from food and drink from sunrise to sunset. Though challenging, billions of Muslims commit to it.

Some Muslims show an extraordinary level of commitment by memorizing the entire Quran word for word. While I did not achieve this, my wife and her family members did. Discipline, consistency, and commitment are core tenets of Islam, echoing lessons from Harvard Business School. My own discipline, whether in making videos or going to the gym, is an extension of what I learned from Islam.

The Principle of Equality

The second lesson I encountered in Islam is equality. Every year, millions of Muslims from around the world gather in Mecca for pilgrimage. Here, we strip away materialistic accessories and wear two white sheets, symbolizing the clothes Muslims wear when buried. Men even shave their entire heads to purify themselves from sin.

In Mecca, I joined this tradition, shedding my hair and feeling euphoric at a barber shop. We all looked the same, irrespective of our social status, ethnicity, or nationality. Prophet Muhammad emphasized that no one is superior to another, except through piety and good actions. In this grand assembly, people from over 100 countries engage in the same rituals. This profound sense of equality is incredibly unifying.

Reflection

The Islam I witnessed in Mecca and through my mother is genuinely beautiful. You don't have to be Muslim to learn from Islam. You can be inspired by the discipline my mother showed or the equality observed during pilgrimage. The world could greatly benefit from more discipline, equality, and unity.

Conclusion

This concludes my six-month religious challenge, which has profoundly changed me. I am now more tolerant and accepting of new ideas and people. If you wish to undertake a similar challenge, everything I read and did is available for free at N.O Religion.

Keywords

• Islam
• Discipline
• Equality
• Mecca
• Quran
• Pilgrimage
• Cleanliness
• Fasting
• Commitment
• Prophet Muhammad

FAQ

Q1: What inspired you to study Islam? A: I was inspired by my mother, who has faithfully followed Islamic practices for over 30 years.

Q2: How did you prepare for your pilgrimage to Mecca? A: I read the Quran, consulted religious scholars, and followed the rituals associated with the pilgrimage.

Q3: What was the most challenging part of your study? A: Fasting for one month was particularly challenging, especially during hot weather.

Q4: How does the discipline in Islam compare to other religions? A: The level of discipline in Islam, especially in daily prayers and fasting, is unparalleled.

Q5: Can non-Muslims learn from Islamic principles? A: Absolutely, principles like discipline and equality can inspire anyone, regardless of their religion.

Q6: What was the most rewarding part of your journey? A: Experiencing a profound sense of equality in Mecca and feeling genuinely connected to millions of other Muslims.