Assalamu alaykum, As I begin my own spiritual journey, I want to hear from those who have taken this path before me. This podcast focuses on them and listening to their stories - uninterrupted. My name is Hebah Masood. I invite you to reflect on the trajectories of their lives, and the guidance and blessings provided by Allah swt, along that journey. In this episode, I'm joined by Ustadh Ryan Hilliard. Ustadh Ryan's journey is a unique one. He grew up in Chicago and learned about Islam at my childhood mosque, the Muslim Community Centre and Sr. Mary Ali's IIIE, which Chicago listeners will know well. He eventually went on to become one of the founding members of The Chicago Convert Connection, a support group for converts and a precursor to what we know today as Ta'leef Collective Chicago. He's now in Toronto where he serves as the youth and volunteer manager at the Islamic Society of North America-Canada. Reflect on his story and all the amazing and mysterious ways Allah swt brings people to faith. Spoiler alert: a Spanish major was involved. - Also available on most other major podcast streaming services including Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Podcast Addict, Pocket Casts, Castbox and Podbay. - Do you enjoy this podcast? Support the Patreon to ensure the best podcast quality possible. All funds go to equipment and editing software. May Allah reward you. https://www.patreon.com/thejourneypodcast ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★