Abstract

My teachable moment emerged from the darkness of high school – years lost wandering alone, depressed and addicted, disconnected from my Muslim upbringing. I felt emptied, hopeless. Until one sleepless night, I opened the Quran in desperation. Its words lit a spark within my soul. Through rediscovering its discipline, community, devotion, I ignited a new spiritual fire in my heart. The support of local brothers rekindled my burnt out beliefs. Together we tended the flames. Though the winds howled in protest, my faith sheltered me. I nurtured that small ember, protecting it from life’s storms. The process was agonizing, but the glowing purpose it renewed within me shone brighter than any darkness. This moment revealed that we each hold an untapped well of inner light within. But we must search ourselves, seek it out, protect it fiercely to illuminate our way forward. By sharing my journey through addiction into light, I hope to awaken others to their own innate power. We all carry specks of the divine; we need only nurture its growth. My message is simple: have courage, look inward, walk toward your light.