This post was submitted by Jacian Fares of Project Ninja.

Keep up prayer and pay the poor-rate and whatever good you send before for yourselves, you shall find it with Allah; surely Allah sees what you do. (Chapter 2: Verse 110)

People wonder why I chose Islam--of all religions or lifestyles.

Why Islam?

My name is Jacian Fares. I come from the Al-Fares family of Hebron. My father was born in Lebanon, my mother is a Spaniard. I was the first generation born in America (Dearborn, Michigan in fact). My father took no stock in religion nor did he live the Deen. My grandparents are devote Muslims, I do imagine his choice and path in life had saddened their hearts. Needless to say my siblings and I were born without a specific religion. We were to be raised as American kids. Under odd circumstances I was the only one of the three of us to go live in Lebanon for six years, during which I was a teenager. I shall call this time period my first encounter with Near East culture.

My second phase of encounter came when I was in the U.S. Marine Corps. I lead the invasion into Iraq--not a war I agreed with, but I was a soldier just doing his job. In Fallujah and other areas of the Al Anbar province I came to know locals. I had witnessed other Arabs during Ramadan over the years. I had watched how devoted to their Deen they were. Unfortunately I was shot in Iraq and lost a kidney--but it is as Allah wills. I had always believed everything happens within reason. 

Allah has granted a grade higher to those who strive and fight with their goods and persons than to those who sit at home. (Chapter 4: Verse 94)

When I had come home I was depressed and feeling like I had nothing to follow in life. I was used to having routine and now it was taken from me. My relationship at the time went down hill. So I was alone. My grandparents had hinted at Islam. As well as my aunt. Finally a girl I had met from the Al-Hussaini family in Kuwait suggested, too. During August of 2008 I read the Quran. And it just clicked. It made sense to me, more so than a bible or a Torah. It was very straight to the point. Muslim life has routine. I needed this change in my life, to find my true self. 

This Quran guides to the best path, and brings good news to the believers who lead a righteous life, that they have deserved a great recompense. (Chapter 17: Verse 9)

Finally I had routine. I had reasons to live for and make my life that much better.

I can say I had made many friends over the past year; all of different Middle Eastern countries. From Egypt, Palestine, Jordan, and Qatar. And these friends helped in developing who I am now. And for that I am forever thankful. There is even a woman in my life who is Muslim and Palestinian. And she aspires me to be a good Muslim, to be a better muslim, and to get in touch with my roots. My grandparents are thankful for this also.

So here I am in my second Ramadan. Sadly I cannot fast because I am a juvenile diabetic. But I donate food, money, and time to people in need for all 30 days. And this year is special, my birthday falls on Eid. And while I am stuck here in America, alone... I am not alone. People in the Muslim communities treat me as any other family member. And I have to say this life we live, the Deen we live, it brings us all together. It brings us together and makes us brothers and sisters every day of our lives--even on days without Holiday. So I promise I will always treat one as my brother or sister, help out ones in need, even in times without special purpose. I will do this every day of my life. 

Serve Allah, and join not any partners with Him; and do good--to parents, kinsfolk, orphans, those in need, neighbors who are near, neighbors who are strangers, the companion by your side, the wayfarer (ye meet), and what your right hands possess: For Allah loveth not the arrogant, the vainglorious. (Chapter 4: Verse 36)

I love Ramadan and what it represents. It reminds us what being a good Muslim is. But I propose that we make everyday of our lives like Ramadan and share with our fellow man and woman. As Muslims we can make this world a better place--no matter how the media tries projecting us as, no matter how ignorant people believe we are.... we can honestly make this world a better place.

Show forgiveness, speak for justice and avoid the ignorant. (Chapter 7: Verse 199)

O ye who believe! take not for friends and protectors those who take your religion for a mockery or sport,- whether among those who received the Scripture before you, or among those who reject Faith; but fear ye Allah, if ye have faith. (Chapter 5: Verse 57)

We should never push our God onto anyone, but we should inform the ones interested correctly. That's how it was done with me; I've come a long way with the support and help of my brothers and sister--my friends and family in Islam.

I choose Islam because it's part of who I am. I've reverted back to what my family has believed. I now live how they live. This is all because reading the Quran was suggested to me. I'm happy and proud of myself for doing so. The Quran has lead me to finding my true self. And now my God has a name. Allah.

I suggest to non-believers to keep an open mind and just look at what the Quran has to say. There is more there if read with open eyes. The Quran is simply a tool and guide we should use to live a correct path; it promotes peace, love and a strong trust in Allah.

And what will explain to you what the steep path is? It is the freeing of a (slave) from bondage; or the giving of food in a day of famine to an orphan relative, or to a needy in distress. Then will he be of those who believe, enjoin fortitude and encourage kindness and compassion. (Chapter 90: Verses 12-17)