A Diamond’s Light – Reflections on the Teachings of Usama Canon

On the Importance of Loving

Love is a powerful force. It can take you to places you wouldn’t go just by actions.  – Usama Canon

Before I met Usama Canon, I never realized the importance of love in our religion. Through him, many of us learn how to truly love others. Usama teaches us how to react from a place of love and compassion instead of from the places we were used to: Anger, resentment, envy, confusion. He teaches us how to love people we have never met like the Prophet (S), and even more difficult than that, to love those that may have wronged us.

“The invitation he presents, ‘Come as you are to Islam’ as it is” flows from a heart that loves, and his advice, ‘Focus on timeless universals, not passing incidentals’ flows from a tried wisdom.” – Ustadh Hisham Mahmoud, Allentown, PA

“His warm and non-judgmental interactions show us how to genuinely honor, respect, and love our fellow brothers and sisters in humanity.” – Diane Stair (Aunty Diane), San Francisco, CA

“Usama once told me not to let time pass you by without telling the people you care about that you love them. He showers everyone with his love.” – Dr. Ahmed Zaafran, San Jose, CA

“Usama radiates a sincere love and concern for everyone that is contagious. I recall the first time I drove him to a talk in 2011. After the talk ended at nine, he had a line of people who never met him waiting to pour their hearts out to him for advice. We didn’t leave until midnight after he met with each person. That’s my big brother. Many people talk, but very few walk while carrying the world on their shoulders.” – Mike Swies, Chicago, IL

“I think what Usama models for me, which has made the greatest impact on me, is importance of loving the people whom the people you love, love. This practice of loving I see as prophetic and Divine. And I’m grateful to have learned it from him.” – Dr. Suad Abdul Khabeer, Brooklyn, New York