Dr. Lawrence Brown’s journey from atheism to Islam is a remarkable testimony of how sincere supplication to the Creator leads to profound contentment, even when the world falls apart around you. After losing his wealth, marriage, home, and possessions upon accepting Islam, he discovered a happiness he could not explain — until he remembered the prayer of istikhara and how completely Allah answers those who trust in Him.
When Losing Everything Brings True Happiness
Before Islam, Dr. Brown lived on a large estate with a guest house and $4 million in paintings. After his conversion and subsequent divorce, he found himself renting a studio apartment by the week. Yet he was inexplicably happy. The secret lay in the istikhara prayer he had been making, which ends with asking Allah to “bless me with abundance therein and make me pleased with it.” Allah answered every part of that prayer — including the contentment.
“I kept praying istikhara — the prayer for guidance — asking Allah to bring what He knows to be best for me, not what I think is best. The prayer ends with ‘bless me with abundance therein and make me pleased with it.’ Suddenly I understood why I was so happy.”
Staying on the Middle Path in Islam
- Avoid extreme neglect — Some people discover Islam, enjoy its benefits, but then slack off and abandon their responsibilities when tests come
- Avoid extreme fanaticism — Others go to the opposite extreme and do radical things that bring blame upon the entire religion
- Persevere through trials — Allah tells us in the Quran that believers will be tested; hanging on during tough times is what earns the ultimate reward
- Trust in Allah’s plan — What appears to be tragedy may be exactly the blessing you prayed for, delivered in a package you did not expect
“Do you think you’ll be left alone just saying ‘I believe’ and you won’t be tested? Hang on during the tough times and the easy times — know that it’s all a test.”
Seeking Truth With Sincerity
There are many counterfeit, man-made religions in the world, but the journey to truth begins with one sincere, earnest prayer to the One who created you. It does not make sense that human beings came from nothing, live for nothing, and return to nothing. There is a purpose to this life, and the Creator who designed it all is ready to guide anyone who sincerely asks. That middle path — balanced, consistent, and devoted — is where true peace and fulfillment are found.
