Tall, lanky, African-American brother. But what really strikes you the first time you meet brother Hamza Ilyas is his smile and calm demeanor. Brother Hamza is 31 years old, and grew up in Hempstead, in Long Island, New York, with a family of 5 other siblings. He grew up in a Baptist family, but developed an interest in Islam a few years ago which ultimately led him towards Ahmadiyyat. He signed his bait a little under three years ago.

Brother Hamza's entry into Ahmadiyyat is an inspiring story of faith and Allah's grace. His father passed away when he was 22 years old. But what brother Hamza did not know at the time was that his father had a great deal of interest in Islam, and respect for the faith. His father had collected a number of books over the course of his life, which were present in the basement of his house. Brother Hamza would often go to the basement and pick some of these books to read and reflect.

Over time, he developed his own interest in faith and found himself searching for the truth. He says he explicitly remembers being out of work after 9/11 for almost 2 years. After returning from another job interview he sat at the dock by the South Street Seaport and prayed to God “O God, if you help me find a job, I’ll do whatever you want me to do....” A few weeks later JP Morgan Chase called him and offered him a position in the Bronx . During this time he came across some Muslims from Yemen , who told him about the Holy Quran and that Muslims believe it to be the literal word of God given to mankind. Brother Hamza began his study, and one night had a powerful dream. In the dream he saw the door of his basement (where he used to go to read his father's books) open up, and a brilliant light entered the room. He heard a voice say “ God is coming”, but was afraid to look up, he instead ran behind a pillar but got curious about what god looked like so he peeked around the corner and saw a person begin to descend the stairs. He averted his glance and when he looked back, the person was gone, but the door was still open. He then opened a box and found a book inside, and there the dream ended.

Brother Hamza went back to his father’s basement and sifted through the books to find a copy of the Holy Quran. He first converted to Sunni Islam for the first few months, but soon came across an Ahmadi colleague, who brought him into contact with another khadim from New York , brother Ghulam Rabbi, who developed an active friendship with brother Hamza. Soon thereafter, Br. Hamza wanted to sign the bait, and the rest – as they say – is history. He is Masha’Allah a very active member of his local majlis and region. He serves as Sec Tabligh in his local jamaat, and as Regional Nazim tabligh under MKA. He continues to inspire other people towards Ahmadiyyat, and was recently instrumental in bringing another young man to the fold of Ahmadiyyat.

Br. Hamza first got a chance to meet Huzoor in 2004 Canada jalsaa. Although it was supposed to be only a hand shake, once Huzoor found out that Hamza was a new convert, Huzoor sternly reminded him to “remain steadfast”. Next year in 2005, Br. Hamza again was in the line to shake hands with Huzoor. Remarkably Huzoor remembered Brother Hamza! Huzoor told him that he would no longer be nau mobaeen after 3 years of bait, and that he (Huzoor) would see Hamza after 3 years. This past UK Jalsa, Brother Hamza met Huzoor again, this time, three years and one month after his bait.