The Teacher Is Also The Student

I learned something interesting yesterday.  I was discussing with My Love about how I need to get over my fear of hijab in public in order to attend the school.  I mentioned that it would be rude for me to show up without a scarf and I feel that the scarf is necessary so I am going to wear it.  I then asked him what he thought about my education in Islam.  And he said something along these lines:

"I like it a lot.  It is wonderful to see you have these revelations, I don't know what else to call them.  You seem so much happier, so at peace.  And I am more than happy to help you learn.  By teaching you I have discovered a lot about myself and my religion.  That book you gave me (Daughters of Another Path) really has helped me to understand what a blessing it is to be born into Islam and how much you will go through.  Watching you learn, watching you show me how important certain things are, I can't help but want to be a better Muslim.  You may have learned a lot from me, but I have learned a lot from you too."

I reminded him that this often happens with converts, he smiled and informed me that's what the book (Daughters) says.  I have even inspired him to try and get up for fajr!  

It just never occurred to me that through teaching me he would become a better muslim.  Through nurturing my curiosity he would learn something about his precious religion.  It fills my heart with joy to know that I have indirectly helped him as well.  I suppose it is true that teaching another person is one of the best ways to learn.