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Allah's Saving Power
By Chiwanda Gambo, Prisonersolidarity.org
June 9, 2006

The other day another Muslim and I were discussing Islam and its saving power. We agreed that the guidance of Allah, provided in the words of the Qur'an, is very important to us and all mankind. We felt these words at heart because we are both Muslims and imprisoned. We have an advantage over most people in the "free world" because we see, up close and personal, Allah's saving power working on some of society's worst human beings.

The most beautiful words that I have ever heard, that have changed the hearts of countless fallen souls in American prisons, were: Ash-hadu al-laa ilaha illallahu wa ash-hadu anna Muhammadar-Rasulullah (I bear witness that there is no god but Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah).

These words of the Kalimatush-Shahadah (The Declaration of Faith) immediately changed our views, pattern of thinking, and softened our hearts. We have come to the realization that it is not all about us, and that Allah has a greater plan and purpose for our lives, namely, that we should worship him. (Q. 51:56)

Our basic nature is one of goodness and our hearts are constantly directing us to seek the higher power outside of ourselves. Human science affirms that there is a point in every man and woman's life where transformation will occur for the better. Allah is the best of planners.

Once these fallen souls find the way of the life of Islam, they are transformed from society's "worst of the worst" into respectable, God-fearing human beings. The criminal behavior will be removed and replaced with the tenets of Islam and moral dignity. Once Allah blesses us to find the straight way, we become "lights" for others to follow. Thereafter, our words and deeds should always bear witness that we believe in Allah. A good Muslim realizes that his good deeds must outweigh his bad ones. The greater balance is what Allah will consider on Judgment Day.

Being Muslims, regardless of our location and conditions, we should always attempt to do the right thing and live an Islamic lifestyle. Your light is as powerful as you make it. A dim light from ill deeds and sins will cause others to become lost on the path. If your actions cause confusion and mislead someone away from the path, know that Allah will punish you severely for your actions.

Islam is truly a good rehabilitative tool to change the mind and heart. Let's use it to our advantage.

Chiwanda Gambo T'Chaka A.K.A. McKinley Robinson, # 34076 Potosi Correctional Center 11593 State Hwy. O Mineral Point, MO 63660

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Chiwanda Gambo T'Chaka a.k.a. McKinley Robinson has spent nearly three decades behind bars and is working toward his release and life thereafter. He is co-founder and facilitator of Full Circle program. Full Circle is a program designed to teach communicative skills, cognitive awareness, alternative thinking, creative thinking, downfalls of criminal behavior, goal setting, life skills, and other life-transforming lessons. Because of his paralegal degree and the legal assistance he gives to other prisoners, he is what is commonly referred to as a "jailhouse lawyer." In fact, he currently has a litigation against the Missouri Department of Corrections concerning the Muslim community being denied a halal (lawful) food diet which is consistent with their Islamic dietary laws and practices, and concerning the staff's retaliation against him for pursuing legal actions.

You may contact Chiwanda Gambo directly by writing to him at the address listed above. The following link offers tips for writing to prisoners: http://prisonersolidarity.org/TipsForWritingPrisoners.htm

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