39 posts tagged “convert”
Science Student Finds Peace and Logic in Islam - Steven Byers.
Video CBC News
A Fredericton university student says he turned to Islam after feeling let down by his Christian upbringing.
Fourth-year science student Steven Byers has recently joined the Muslim faith, one of the latest converts to one of the fastest growing religions in North America.
Byers says he didn't have a specific belief system five years ago when he became burdened by a series of unfortunate events beyond his control. He was raised Christian, but says the Bible couldn't help him cope.
"I would question, why would God do that to me, to my family, to my friends? It just didn't make sense to me. And then I got really angry, it was the only time I got angry about a lot of stuff."
Last spring, Byers' friends encouraged him to learn more about Islam. He says he found a belief system that perfectly matched his logical mind.
Then last summer, Byers spoke the Shahada -- the testimony of faith, saying Allah is the only God, and Mohammed is the last Prophet of Islam.
Susan Carland (Australian Muslim of the Year 2004) and her journey to Islam.
Robert's story of his journey to Islam
Brother Muhammad discusses how he lived his life before Islam, why he chose Islam, and life as a Muslim
Dr Ian Webber from England talks about conversion to Islam
Wonderful Story about former Catholic Priest who used to work in Vatican and left all that for islam after he found the right Path to the Truth.
Article
Idris Tawfiq, an English Catholic priest who became a convert to Islam. "I think people who embrace Islam see a calmness and simplicity that many have not experienced before. I don't see it as rigid, it's empowering. Islam is beautiful, sweet and gentle."
11/08/2006: Idris Tawfiq, a British Catholic priest who became a convert to Islam, is a source of fascination in his adopted home in Cairo. Mary Fitzgerald spoke to him about his personal journey of discovery.
It is a story that intrigues many in Idris Tawfiq's adopted home of Egypt. It is what draws people to his lectures and guarantees people will read his column in a local English language newspaper. It ensures dozens will participate in his online discussions on Islamic websites.
Everyone wants to know about the British man who went from Catholic priest to devout Muslim, or as one website put it, "from the Vatican to Al Azhar".
Idris, an unassuming fortysomething, understands why his story piques people's interest but insists, for him, the change felt very natural.
"Strange as it might look to millions of people, it seemed a very logical step for me to become Muslim," he says. "People say to me all that time that it must be a massive change, a complete about-face.
"But it's not. I see my life so far as very much a straight line, leading me little by little to where I am today."
Jermaine Jackson Found Real Happiness and Inner Peace in Islam
TV interviews after celebrity big brother show (Richard and Judy programme, This morning show, heaven and earth show)
Jermaine Jackson, is now called Muhammad Abdul Aziz. He talks About it all. Finding Peace and contentment through Islam. He talks about his feelings as being a Muslim and also expresses his desire for his younger brother Michael Jackson to also become Muslim.
In a starling Interview, Jermaine Jackson, brother of world-famous star Michael Jackson, tells how he embraced Islam.
Islam is a religion, which transcends all petty prejudices of color, race and territorial boundaries. That is why the followers of other religions, with a nearsighted vision, have a sense of overflowing pride and relief when they embrace Islam. Deserting the religion of one's forefathers is one of the most difficult decisions, but the golden principles and the virtues of broadmindedness of Islam have persuaded mankind to adopt it as a way of life.
Now, therefore, Islam has emerged as the greatest religion of the world. Jermaine Jackson, brother of world-famous Michael Jackson is one of those men who have left the religion of their forefathers and made Islam the inseparable part of their life. From Jermaine Jackson, he has re-named as Muhammad Abdul-Aziz. He lives in one of the luxurious palaces in the outskirts of Los Angeles (USA). The palace of Abdul-Aziz is surrounded by beautiful gardens. This is the place where he and his sisters compose their musical notes. This remains under surveillance of more than 15 security vans round the clock. This area which is known as ?Falis? in Los Angeles is considered one of the most expensive areas the world over London based Arabic "al-Mujallah" has recently published an interview of Jermaine Jackson for the first time since he became Muslim. In this interview, he has expressed his passionate love for Islam. Let us see how he responded to various questions: -
When and How did you start your journey towards Islam?
It was way back in 1989 when I, along with my sister, conducted a tour to some of the countries of Middle East. During our stay in Bahrain, we were accorded warm welcome. There I happened to meet some children and had a light chitchat with them. I put certain questions to them and they flung at me their innocent queries. During the course of this interaction, they inquired about my religion. I told them, "I am a Christian." I asked them, as to what was their religion? A wave of serenity took over them. They replied in one voice ? Islam. Their enthusiastic answer really shook me from within. Then they started telling me about Islam. They were giving me information, much in piece with their age. The pitch of their voice would reveal that they were highly proud of Islam. This is how I paced toward Islam.
A very short interaction with a group of children ultimately led me to have long discourses about Islam with Muslim scholars. A great ripple had taken place in my thought. I made failing attempt to console myself that nothing had happened but I could not conceal this fact any longer from myself that at heart I had converted to Islam. This I disclosed first to my family friend, Qunber Ali. The same Qunber Ali managed to take me to Riyadh, capital of Saudi Arabia. Till that time, I did not know much about Islam. From there, in the company of a Saudi family, I proceeded for Mecca for the performance of "Umrah". There I made public for the first time that I had become Muslim.
What were your feelings after you proclaimed that you were a Muslim?
Having embraced Islam, I felt as if I were born again. I found in Islam the answers to those queries which I had failed to find in Christianity. Particularly, it was only Islam that provided satisfactory answer to the question relating to the birth of Christ. For the first time I was convinced about the religion itself. I pray my family members might appreciate these facts. My family is the follower of that cult of Christianity, which is known as AVENDANCE of JEHOVA (Jehova's Witness). According to its creeds, only 144,000 men would finally qualify to enter into paradise. ?How comes, It remained always a perplexing creed for me. I was surprised to know that Bible was compiled by so many men, particularly about a volume scripted by King James. I wondered if a man compiles a directory and then ascribes it to God, but he does not fully comply with these directions. During my stay in Saudi Arabia I have had the opportunity to buy a cassette released by the erstwhile British pop-singer and the present Muslim preacher, Yusuf Islam (formerly Cat Stevens). I learnt a lot from this as well.
What happened when you got back to the US after embracing Islam?
When I returned to USA, American media orchestrated heinous propaganda against Islam and the Muslims. The gossips were let loose on me which really disturbed my peace of mind. The Hollywood was hell-bent upon maligning the Muslims. They were being projected as terrorists. There are many things where there is consensus between Christianity and Islam, and Quran presents Holy Christ as a virtuous Prophet. Then, I wondered, why Christian America levels baseless allegations against Muslims?
This made me gloomy. I made up my mind that I would do my best to dispel the wrong image of Muslims, portrayed by the American media. I had not the slightest idea that American media would not digest the news of my accepting Islam and raise such a great hue and cry. It was virtually acting against all its tall and much-publicized claims about the freedom of expression and the freedom of conscience. So the hypocrisy of American society came to surface and lay uncovered before me. Islam unknotted many complications for me. As a matter of fact, I came to think of myself as a complete human being, in the literal sense of the word. After becoming Muslim, I felt a tremendous change in me. I discarded all thing prohibited in Islam. This made things difficult for my family too. In short, the Jackson family tumbled altogether. Threatening letters poured in, which further intensified the worries of my family.
What sort of threats?
Well, they would tell me that I had nurtured the animosity of American society and culture, by entering into the laps of Islam, you have deprived yourself of the right to live with others. WE would make life unbearable for you in America so on, so forth. But I confess that my family is broadminded. We have held all religions in esteem. Our parents have trained and groomed us in that way. Therefore, I may say that the Jackson family enjoys friendly relation with people belonging to almost all religions. This is the result of that training that I am being tolerated by them so far.
What was the reaction of your brother Michael Jackson?
On my way back to America, I brought a number of books from Saudi Arabia. Michael Jackson asked me himself for some of these books for study. Before this, his opinion was influenced by the propaganda of American media against Islam and the Muslims. He was not inimical towards Islam, but he was not favorably disposed towards Muslims either. But after reading these books, he would keep mum and not say anything against Muslims. I think perhaps this is the impact of the study of Islam that he diverted his business interests towards Muslim traders. Now, he has equal shares with the Saudi billionaire prince Waleed bin Talal, in his multi-national company.
It was said earlier that Michael Jackson was against Muslims, then there are rumors that he had become Muslim. What is the real story?
I testify this fact, at least there is nothing in my knowledge that Michael Jackson ever said anything derogatory against Muslims. His songs, too, give message of love for others. We have learnt from our parents to love others. Only those who have their own ax to grind hurl allegations on him. When there can be a nasty uproar against me when I became Muslim, why can it not be so against Michael Jackson. But, so far, media has not subjected him to scathing criticism, although he is threatened for his getting somewhat closer to Islam. But who knows what would it look like when Michael Jackson embraces Islam.
What are the views of the rest of the members of your family about you?
When I returned to America, my mother had already heard the news of my conversion to Islam. My mother is a religious and civilized woman. When I reached home, she put forth only one question, "you have taken this decision all of a sudden, or is it the outcome of some deep and long thinking behind it?" "I have decided after a lot of thinking about it," I replied, let me say we are known as a religious family. Whatever we possess, is due to the blessing of God. Then why we should not be grateful to Him? This is why we actively participate in the charity institutions. We dispatched medicines to the poor African countries through special aircraft. During Bosnian war, our aircraft were engaged in supplying aids to the affectees. We are sensitive to such things because we have witnessed abject poverty. We used to live in a house which was hardly a few square meters capacious.
Did you ever discuss about Islam with your sister pop star Janet Jackson?
Like other members of my family, my sudden conversion to Islam was a great surprise for her. In the beginning, she was worried. She has stashed into her head only one thing that Muslims are polygamous, they do have as much as four wives. When I explained this permission granted by Islam with reference to the state of the present American society, she was satisfied. This is fact that promiscuity and infidelity is very common in the western society. In spite of the fact that they are married, western men enjoy extramarital relations with a number of women. This has caused devastating moral decay in that society. Islam safeguards the social fabric from this destruction.
As per Islamic teachings, if a man is emotionally attracted towards a woman, he should honorably give this relation a legal shape otherwise he must be contented with only one wife. On the other hand, Islam has laid down so much conditions for second marriage that I do not think that an ordinary Muslim can afford to meet these conditions financially. There is hardly one percent Muslims in the Islamic world who have more than one wife. To my view, the women in an Islamic society is just like a well-protected flower which is safe from the stray penetrating looks of the viewers. Whereas western society is devoid of the vision to appreciate this wisdom and philosophy.
What are your spontaneous feelings when you look at the Muslim society?
For the larger interest of humanity, Islamic society presents the safest place on this planet. For instance, take the example of women. American women are clad in their out-fit in such a manner that gives temptation to the male for harassment. But this is unthinkable in an Islamic society. Besides, the prevalent sins and vices have disfigured the moral fabric of western society. I believe if there is any place left where the humanity is still visible, it can not be anywhere else than in an Islamic society. Time would come when the world would be obliged to accept this reality.
What is your candid opinion about the American media?
American media is suffering from self-contradictions. Take the example of Hollywood. The status of an artist is measured here keeping in view the model of his car, the standard of this restaurant that he visits, etc. This is the media that raises someone from the dust to the skies. They do not consider the artist as a human being. But I have met so many artists in the Middle East. They have no misplaced arrogance in them.
Just look at the CNN, they do that much exaggeration about some news that it appears that nothing else has happened except that event in the world. The news of fire in the forests of Florida was given such a wide coverage as it gave the impression that the whole globe has caught fire. In fact, it was a small area, which was affected by that fire.
I was in Africa, when the bomb-blast took place in Oklahoma City. The Media, without any proof, started hinting at the involvement of Muslims in that blast. Later on the Saboteur turned out to be a CHRISTIAN!!! We may term this attitude of American media as its willful ignorance.
Can you maintain a Linkage between your Islamic personality and the culture of your family?
Why not? This linkage can be kept up for the achievement of good things.
After becoming Muslim, did you ever happen to see Muhammad Ali?
Muhammad Ali is our family friend. I have met him a number of times, after embracing Islam. He has provided useful guidance about Islam.
Have you visited Shah Faisal mosque in Los Angeles city?
Yes, of course! This is a beautiful mosque. I am myself interested to construct a similar mosque in ?Falise? area because there is no mosques in this area and the Muslim community is not resourceful enough purchase a piece of land for a mosque in such a posh area. God willing, I would do it.
Who is ignorant of the services of Saudi Arabia for the glorious cause of Islam? No doubt it has leisurely financed the projects for mosques. But this American media even does not spare Saudi Arabia; it spreads quite strange news about this country. When I first visited Saudi Arabia, I had the impression that there would be muddy housed and a very poor communication network. But when I reached there, to my great surprise, I found it culturally the most beautiful country of the world.
Who has influenced you, so far as Islam is concerned?
Many persons have impressed me. But the fact is that first I turn to the Holy Quran, therefore I do not run a risk of getting strayed on the way. However, there are many Islamic scholars that one can be duly proud of. God willing, I plan to go to Saudi Arabia with my family to perform, Umrah.
Your wife and children are Muslims too?
I have seven sons and two daughter who, like me, are fully Islamic-oriented. My wife is still studying Islam. She insists on going over to Saudi Arabia. I trust InshaAllah, she would sooner join Islam. May God Almighty give us the courage and perseverance to remain on this true religion, Islam. (Ameen)
Univision Visits IEC
The Islamic Educational Center of North Hudson (IECNH) hosted nationally syndicated Hispanic television station Univision [channel 41 in the NYC metro area] on Thursday February 23rd 2006 at its center in Union City, NJ.
Many of the latinos converted into islam after 9/11, because they wanted to meet the people who did this they went to where they pray (mosques, and that when they go there thay found them selves drawn to islam...
and the muslim lady said that she always felt that a part of her was missing, until she converted to islam...
Hispanics leaving the Catholic Church and converting to Islam. They call it an "exodus." They also mention that the number of hispanics Muslims from a Catholic background is growing rapidly. Some of the reasons for their coversion, the people who are interview say, are the respect towards women, the oneness of God, and the similarity between the Hispanic and the Muslim societies (
TV Report:
They were talking about many Latinos are leaving the catholic religion and are turning to Islam. They talked about the reasons why they turned to Islam such as corruption in Church or unanswerd questions..but they found true answers in islam.
Priest also talked about the building bridge between them which he support and he also said they have respected who convert from catholic to islamic faith ..
Islam spreads very fast between Latinos in north and south America..
The number of Hispanic Americans converting to Islam is growing rapidly -- particularly in New York, California, Texas and Florida, which have the greatest concentration of Hispanic residents. Muslim leaders say interest in Islam has increased in the past few years, and they also note that Muslims and Hispanics, many of whom are immigrants, share a number of common concerns. Steve Mort reports from a mosque in Florida that has seen a steady increase in Latino worshippers.
Jesus, a Puerto Rican living in Florida, converted to Islam only a year ago. He is one of tens of thousands of Hispanic Muslims in the United States: estimates range from around 70,000 to 200,000.
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Each human being also is born as a Muslim and his parents choose for him religion and teach him their own tradition and customs. I came from strong polish Catholic family. We were going to the church every Sunday and celebrating holidays together. Since I remember I join the prayers mostly as an obligation than a call of my heart. Even though I didn’t ask any questions or search for something deeper. It was enough, I believed, I had some basic knowledge, I had good relation with my family and I enjoyed the life. I was happy 25 years old girl. Than I left my home country and moved to Connecticut, USA. Here, for the first time I heard about Islam. It was year 2001 and I was working between Muslim people. We started talking about our religious backgrounds and I was surprised that in Islam I could find things which I already knew—about creation, prophets or even Mary and birth of Jesus. I really enjoyed all those conversations. At the beginning I tried to convince them that my religion is better but soon I realized that I cannot find any more arguments. I needed knowledge so as to find the truth, I read a lot about comparing both religions. At the beginning I was really scared and confused. I didn’t know where I belong: I gave up my old practices/prayers including attending church and I couldn’t find myself in Islam yet. I was stuck. I would like to pray and I didn’t know how. My friend told me: clear your heart and ask God in your own words for directions and to show you the truth. And Allah subhanahu wa ta`ala gave me the answer. I had a dream in which I heard the most important words in Islam—la ilaha illa Allah [editor's note: la ilaha illa Allah means there's no God but one]. At this time I didn’t know the exact meaning of those words and when I found out that there is no god but Allah I knew that I was going in good direction. It took me one year to say shahadah [editor's note: shahadah means Testimony of Faith] because it was hard to accept or understand some of the Islamic rules, especially hijab, I was looking forward to change my life, but I was afraid of my parents and other peoples' reactions. Besides I felt like I didn’t have enough knowledge and I would like to prepare myself to be a Muslim. So, I learnt how to pray and say the most important words in Arabic, I was fasting and I kept reading to know as much as possible. Practically I was already Muslim, I just needed to say: “Ashhadu anna la ilaha illa Allah wa ashhadu anna Muhammadan Rasu-lul Allah”. And I did alhamdulillah. I chose 25th of Ramadan—December 2002—to clear my past in front of Allah subhanahu wa ta`ala and pray as a Muslim in the holy night Laylat Al-Qadr [editor's note: Laylat Al-Qadr means The Night of Power]. From this time I was born again and Ramadan became the month of changes. One year later I started wearing hijab, alhamdulillah. Being in different country, far away from my family I was able to be responsible for my own future and to search for the meaning of life in my own way. For my parents it was kind of a shock, as their only little, loving daughter was looking for something strange, difficult to understand. When I started reading about Islam I was so excited that I would like to share with my parents everything I experienced. Unfortunately it was a big mistake. For them Islam was something wrong, dangerous and disrespectful for human being. Even I tried to show them positive aspects, they didn’t listen. They just paid attention to the media. They thought I was in a sect and somebody was washing my brain. The more I was talking the more trouble I was getting into. I don’t remember how many phone calls I made to convince them that I was right, that I could be able to choose my own way no matter what other people think. It was so painful. We were arguing, crying, saying sorry and arguing again. It was hard especially for my Mom. She told me that I’m hurting her so much, that I’m putting knife to her heart and I’m turning my back to all what she taught me and what I sacked from her milk. Then, 2 weeks after my conversion, my father came to USA because he wanted to change me but he didn’t know that I’m Muslim already. After so many arguments I decided to keep quiet and when I gain some knowledge and experience I shall show them the truth. It was really a difficult time for me. I wasn’t able to pray without hiding, my father took me to the church to talk with a priest. Subhan Allah [editor's note: subhan Allah means Glory be to Allah], they couldn’t answer any of my questions, they said that even you don’t need to understand anything, you just need to believe. He even moved me to different state so I would be far away from my Muslim friends. Couple times I was thinking to give up and stop hurting my parents and do what they expect me to do, but then I remembered the life of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and his companions, subhan Allah, after all the pain and insult they had to go through to survive and bring Islam to us my problems became not important. Alhamdulillah, I survived also. I came back to Connecticut and in March 2003 I married one of my Muslim friends—brother Hisham from Morocco. My husband gave me guidance and knowledge about Islam. He showed me different ways of worshiping Allah subhanahu wa ta`ala. We prayed together, made dhikr [editor's note: dhikr means remembrance of Allah], read different hadiths and Qur'an. Day by day my faith grew as a beautiful flower and fulfilled all my heart. I realized how much I lost in my life before when I didn’t know this feeling. I became calm, more patient, every single minute I keep watching and wondering about Allah’s creation. Although the situation with my parents got worse I could find a peace and support in Islam. I was asking Allah subhanahu wa ta`ala that maybe one day they will understand and accept my decision. Time goes by and I enjoyed being a Muslim. I started to taste the life; my face was always light up with the smile. Everything around seemed to be beautiful and easy. I felt like somebody added wings for me so I could fly and I had so much energy. At this time I met a lot of Muslims who gave me pieces of advice and showed what Islam is really about in every aspect of the life—especially sisters who widely opened their door and hearts for me. I was touched so deeply by their discipline, respect, warm and open heart. Even when you met them for the first time you feel like you know them for ages, you belong to them and you are important. This is a beauty of Islam ma sha’ Allah [editor's note: ma sha’ Allah means whatever Allah wills] and I’m asking Allah subhanahu wa ta`ala so everybody could taste it. In October 2004 Allah subhanahu wa ta`ala gave me wonderful gift—a child; boy named Mohammed Karim. This miracle of life opened the door to better relationship with my parents. Alhamdulillah, they realized that I’m happy, I have a good husband and I really enjoy the life in my way—nobody is pushing me to decision I made. We broke the ice and started talking honestly about feelings and changes in our life. I found out how hard was for my parents to accept the new me. They thought, they lost me and they needed to discover me again. For them everything was Arabic or Islamic—their daughter’s dress, their grandson’s name, so where is space for their tradition and religion celebration? I try my best to show them that I’m still their little girl, I love them so much and if I change, I change to be a better person. I talk to them very often and send pictures—even those which they didn’t like so much—with a scarf, so they will be part of our life and fill informed about everything. Alhamdulillah they accepted all my family and me as Muslims, although, in their heart, they are still praying for me to come back to my old path. Alhamdulillah, Allah subhanahu wa ta`ala chose for me to be a Muslim. I’m so happy with all my decisions that I will never go back. May Allah subhanahu wa ta`ala protect me from going astray and stay strong on His path. Everyday I try my best to be a good slave of Allah subhanahu wa ta`ala and build up my faith. I keep worshiping Him, following the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and educating myself about Islam. Recently I started learning reading Qur'an in Arabic, alhamdulillah. Like every human being I have ups and downs, I struggle with the whispering of Satan and the weakness of my soul. |
