Alhamdulillaah, I’ve really been enjoying my stay down here in Houston for the Texas Dawah Convention (TDC). Without a doubt, the lectures, workshops, and other programs are all very beneficial, but what I continue to value the most is the new relationships that I am able to forge as well as taking back the fond memories of time spent with some excellent Muslims. In my experience, nothing comes close to TDC in these regards.
In fact, one of my lingering desires after returning back from TDC last year was that, one day, we must have a Columbus Dawah Convention not unlike TDC. This was part of the reason I chose the name Columbus Dawah for the revival & education program we started just after it was announced the AlMaghrib Institute was closing down classes in Columbus, Ohio (our tribal name was “Qabeelat Hayl“). I can talk more about where we’re heading with that at a later time, in shaa Allaah.
Today, Monday, the 25th of December (this day is special for some people, it seems…) is the last day of TDC 2006, and I really don’t want it to end, but there really is wisdom in the Urdu saying that someone mentioned to me just today, “You lose your value if you show up everyday”. Likewise, if TDC was a long, drawn-out event, the benefit and specialness (English?) may suffer in the long run. Four days out of the year seems just right to make it something excellent for its duration, and something to yearn for for the rest of the year. Sorry to get all flowery there, but if someone comes with the intention of seeking benefit from this event, you’ll probably be feeling something similar, because there are so many avenues through which to advance oneself Islamically, alhamdulillaah.