affection to those who believe (to be) those who say: Lo! We are
Christians. That is because there are among them priests and monks, and
because they are not proud. When they listen to that which hath been
revealed unto the messenger, thou seest their eyes overflow with tears
because of their recognition of the Truth. They say: Our Lord, we
believe. Inscribe us as among the witnesses"
Below a collection of converts' stories which are enlightening,
heart-warming and inspiring in equal measure. These new Muslims come from
a variety of backgrounds. They include intellectuals, scientists, priests,
Rabbis, missionaries, and artists, young and old, famous and laypersons,
from around the globe. Most of these converts are former Christians or
from a Christian background. These testimonies only represent a drop in
the ocean however, since every day hundreds of people convert to Islam
all around the world. Amongst the most powerful and thought-provoking
testimonies are those of former Christian priests and missionaries who
have discovered the one true religion. This is a tremendous challenge to
Christian missionaries. Instead of spending $500 millions trying to
convert poor and
sick Muslims, they should concentrate their efforts on their own people!
http://www.usislam.org/converts/converts.htm
Priests and missionariesProf. Abdul Ahad Dawud, Former Bishop of Uramiah,
Formerly the Reverend David Benjamin Keldani, B.D.
Abdullah al-Faruq - Formerly Kenneth L. Jenkins, minister and elder of the
Pentecostal Church
Abu Ishaq, Coptic Cardinal accepts Islam
Anonymous Female Missionary - Former Catholic missionary
Anselm Tormeeda - 14th century CE scholar and priest
Dr. Gary Miller (Abdul-Ahad Omar) - Former missionary
George Anthony - Former Catholic priest
Ibrahim Khalil - Former Egyptian Coptic priest
Dr. Jerald F. Dirks - Former minister (deacon) of the United Methodist
Church.
Khadijah 'Sue' Watson - Former pastor, missionary, professor. Master's
degree in Divinity
Martin John Mwaipopo - Former Lutheran Archbishop
Muslima, The Former Catholic Missionary (Burundi) I understood that the
church was being deceitful
Rabbi Moisha Krivitsky of Makhachkala synagogue. 'I live in the mosque'.
Raphael Narbaez, Jr.- Former Jehovah's Witness minister, Latino in Los
Anodes.
Selma A. Cook, , Australian Missionary's Journey to Allah.
S.M. SULAYMAN, (Former Baptist Church Minister), U.S.A.
Viacheslav Polosin - Former Archpriest of the Russian Orthodox Church
Dr. Yahya A.R. Lehmann, Doctor of Theology, (Former Roman Catholic Priest
Germany)
Famous Converts To Islam
Abdur-Raheem Greene (Formerly Anthony Greene) the well known caller to
Islam
Abu Ameenah Bilal Philips, the great Muslim scholar
Dileep Kumar, Leaving Celebrity Status Behind
Lady Evelyn Zeinab Cobbold, I have always been a Muslim.
Hamza Yusuf (Mark Hanson), Destined for Greek Orthodox priesthood, turned
to great Islamic preacher.
Lord Headley Al-Farooq (England), Peer, Statesman, and Author.Hülya
Kandemir, German Pop Singer Finds Destination in Islam.Dr. Jeffrey Lang,
Professor of Mathematics at the University of Kansas, and Author of
Islamic books.
Jermaine Jackson, brother of world-famous star Michael Jackson. Jemima
Goldsmith, HEADLINE: Why I chose Islam. Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe, the
greatest writer of the German tradition.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, The greatest basketball player of all time. Leo
Tolstoy, A confession by the Russian giant in the world of literature.
Malcolm X - In His Own Words, USA, The famous Afro-American Muslim.
Michael Wolfe, Author and writer of Islamic documentaries.
Dr. Maurice Bucaille, Author of "The Bible, The Qur'an and Science",
Muhammad Ali, The first three-time Heavy Weight Champion of the World.
Muhammad Asad (Austria), Statesman, Journalist, Author, and translator of
the Quran.
Nuh Ha Mim Keller, From an American Catholic to one of the leading
contemporary scholars of Islam.
PROF. UMAR MITA, Economist, Social Worker and Preacher, (Japan).
Wilfried (Murad) Hofmann, German Diplomat And NATO Officer.
Yusuf Islam (Formerly Cat Stevens) Famous ex-Rock Star.
Yvonne Ridley In the Hands of the Taliban: From Captive to Convert
Sisters
Aminah Assilmi "I couldn't be a Muslim! I was American and white!"
Asiya Abd al-Zahir,Australia, "..the only religion I have ever been
completely sure of.."
Chahida Zanabi, Norway, "..i found [a belief that Jesus died] illogical
and unjust"
Elizabeth Clarke, Palm Beach Post Religion Writer. Convert Finds Women's
Rights in Islam
Fareena Alam, 18 years old female convert, the author of the great
Website: http://www.themodernreligion.com/index.html
Haji Maryam Mohammed Ahmed, American Muslima, She lives only to talk
about Islam
Karen's Testimony. "If Jesus is God, then why did he have a conversation
with God"
Dr. Kari Ann Owen.USA, Jewish, "I began to look .. to Islamic culture for
moral guidance"
Madonna Johnson "..all of my turmoil and anxiety was gone.."
Maryam al-Mahdayah, There is no more conflict within, because I have come
home".
Maryam Jameelah, Converts' Stories: Interview with Maryam (formerly
Margaret Marcus)
Maureen McCormick, Life is good for Muslim women
Michelle, "I came from a Jewish family in New York."
Nakata Khaula, A Japanese Woman's Experience of Hijab.
Noor, UK, Insights into Women in Islam vs. Women in Hinduism.
Jocelyn Wiener, Times Staff Writer. Young, Female and Muslim
Rashida S. (Rachel Singer) daughter of a devout Roman Catholic mother/very
devout Jewish father.
Rita, God works in mysterious ways
Somayyah, From a Bathing Suit to Hijab.
Tasha, I had been studying Islam ever since I was in 7th grade.
Um Luqman, "Jesus(AS) made sense to me as being a Prophet".
Zainab's Testimony. USA, "No a guy did not convert me". An ex-Sunday
School teacher
Brothers
Abdullah - My journey to Islam (Video) A must watch.
Abdul Malik Hamidullah, I discovered the logic and simplicity in Islam.
Abdul Malik LeBlanc tells how he discovered Islam within the pages of
Bible
Abdus Salam Sipes, A former member of the KKK (Ku Klux Klan)
Adam Wilson, USA, "IF YOU ARE A CHRISTIAN READ THIS"
Ahmed Corpus (Formerly Marco Corpus), Philippines, Former Sunday School
teacher & full-time ministry worker
Dr. ALI SELMAN BENOIST, Doctor of Medicine, and a descendant of a French
Catholic family.
Christopher Patrick Nelson, Islam Saved My Mental Health and Returned My
Soul .
FAUZUDDIN AHMAD OVERING, Preacher and Social Worker.
Giles Whittell, 'Allah came knocking at my heart', The Times UK, 7 January
2000,
Ihsan Chua Gim Sam, Singapore, "..the concept of Trinity was introduced
in 325 A.D.."
Jameel William Aalim-Johnson, organizes the weekly Muslim congregational
Friday prayer on Capitol Hill
Hussein Amin, My Conversion from Christianity to Islam,
John Kirch, USA, "I went on a 20-year-long search for the truth"
Mahir Abdal-Razzaaq, Native American, Have you ever wondered what the name
Tallahassee means?
MAVIS B. JOLLY, The Qur'an, I found, works silently on the spirit.
Mike LoPrete, USA, 19 year old college student. "I didn't get the idea of
the trinity"
Phreddie, My Conversion to Islam, I am only 18, and that fact seems to
astound most people.
Sherif Quinn Christianity: The Point of Departure.
Shive Prasad Demolished Babri Masjid, India, That Day - Seeks Forgiveness
Today !
Steven Krauss (Abdul-Lateef Abdullah), A Martial Art Led Me to Islam,
TIM WEIS, I have European lineage. I am a Muslim. I am a Westerner
Walter 'Abdul-Walee' Gomez, Latino immigrant finds peace in Islam.
Yahya Donald W. Flood, USA, The Best Way to Live and Die
Convert Story - Anselm Tormeeda is Abu Muhammad Abdullah Bin Abdullah
Al-Tarjuman priest and Christian Scholar
Anselm Tormeeda - 14th century CE scholar and priest
(Extracted from Material on the Authenticity of the Qur'an: Proofs that it
is a Revelation from Almighty God
(by Abdur-Raheem Greene)
Translate this page
Great numbers of Christians embraced Islam during and soon after the
Islamic conquests after the prophets death. They were never compelled,
rather it was a recognition of what they were already expecting. Anselm
Tormeeda, a priest and Christian scholar was one such person who's
history is worth relating. He wrote a famous book The Gift to the
Intelligent for Refuting the Arguments of the Christians. In the
introduction to this work he relates his history:
"Let it be known to all of you that my origin is from the city of Majorca,
which is a great city on the sea, between two mountains and divided by a
small valley. It is a commercial city, with two wonderful harbours. Big
merchant ships come and anchor in the harbour with different goods. The
city is on the island which has the same name - Majorca, and most of its
land is populated with fig and olive trees. My father was a well
respected man in the city. I was his only son.
When I was six, he sent me to a priest who taught me to read the Gospel
and logic, which I finished in six years. After that I left Majorca and
traveled to the city of Larda, in the region of Castillion, which was the
centre of learning for Christians in that region. A thousand to a thousand
and a half Christian students gathered there. All were under the
administration of the priest who taught them. I studied the Gospel and
its language for another four years. After that I left for Bologne in the
region of Anbardia. Bologne is a very large city, it being the centre of
learning for all the people of that region. Every year, more than two
thousand students gather together from different places. They cover
themselves with rough cloth which they call the "Hue of God". All of
them, whether the son of a workman or the son of a ruler wear this wrap,
in order to make the students distinct from others.
Only the priest teaches controls and directs them. I lived in the church
with an aged priest. He was greatly respected by the people because of
his knowledge and religiousness and asceticism, which distinguished him
from the other Christian priests. Questions and requests for advice came
from everywhere, from Kings and rulers, along with presents and gifts.
They hoped that he would accept their presents and grant them his
blessings. This priest taught me the principles of Christianity and its
rulings. I became very close to him by serving and assisting him with his
duties until I became one of his most trusted assistants, so that he
trusted me with the keys of his domicile in the church and of the food
and the drink stores. He kept for himself only the key of a small room
were he used to sleep. I think, and Allah knows best, that he
kept his treasure chest in there. I was a student and servant for a period
of ten years, then he fell ill and failed to attend the meetings of his
fellow priests.
During his absence the priests discussed some religious matters, until
they came to what was said by the Almighty Allah through his prophet
Jesus in the Gospel: "After him will come a Prophet called Paraclete".
They argued a great deal about this Prophet and as to who he was among
the Prophets. Everyone gave his opinion according to his knowledge and
understanding; and they ended without achieving any benefit in that
issue. I went to my priest, and as usual he asked about what was
discussed in the meeting that day. I mentioned to him the different
opinions of priests about the name Paraclete, and how they finished the
meeting without clarifying its meaning. He asked me: "What was your
answer?" I gave my opinion which was taken from interpretation of a well
known exegesis. He said that I was nearly correct like
some priests, and the other priests were wrong. "But the truth is
different from all of that. This is because the interpretation of that
noble name is known only to a small number of well versed scholars. And
we posses only a little knowledge." I fell down and kissed his feet,
saying: "Sir, you know that I traveled and came to you from a far distant
country, I have served you now for more than ten years; and have attained
knowledge beyond estimation, so please favour me and tell me the truth
about this name." The priest then wept and said: "My son, by God, you are
very much dear to me for serving me and devoting yourself to my care. Know
the truth about this name, and there is a great benefit, but there is also
a great danger. And I fear that when you know this truth, and the
Christians discover that, you will be killed immediately." I said: "By
God, by the Gospel
and He who was sent with it, I shall never speak any word about what you
will tell me, I shall keep it in my heart." He said: "My son, when you
came here from your country, I asked you if it is near to the Muslims,
and whether they made raids against you and if you made raids against
them. This was to test your hatred for Islam. Know, my son, that
Paraclete is the name of their Prophet Muhammad, to whom was revealed the
fourth book as mentioned by Daniel. His way is the clear way which is
mentioned in the Gospel." I said: "Then sir, what do you say about the
religion of these Christians?" He said: "My son, if these Christians
remained on the original religion of Jesus, then they would have been on
God's religion, because the religion of Jesus and all the other Prophets
is the true religion of God. But they changed it and became unbelievers."
I asked him:
"Then, sir, what is the salvation from this?" He said "Oh my son,
embracing Islam." I asked him: "Will the one who embraces Islam be
saved?" He answered: "Yes, in this world and the next." I said: "The
prudent chooses for himself; if you know, sir the merit of Islam, then
what keeps you from it?" He answered: "My son, the Almighty Allah did not
expose me to the truth of Islam and the Prophet of Islam until after I
have become old and my body weakened. Yes, there is no excuse for us in
this, on the contrary, the proof of Allah has been established against
us. If God had guided me to this when I was your age I would have left
everything and adopted the religion of truth. Love of this world is the
essence of every sin, and look how I am esteemed, glorified and honoured
by the Christians, and how I am living in affluence and comfort! In my
case, if I
show a slight inclination towards Islam they would kill me immediately.
Suppose that I was saved from them and succeeded in escaping to the
Muslims, they would say, do not count your Islam as a favour upon us,
rather you have benefited yourself only by entering the religion of
truth, the religion that will save you from the punishment of Allah! So I
would live among them as a poor old man of more than ninety years, without
knowing their language, and would die among them starving. I am, and all
praise is due to Allah, on the religion of Christ and on that which he
came with, and Allah knows that from me." So I asked him: "Do you advise
me to go to the country of the Muslims and adopt their religion?" He said
to me: "If you are wise and hope to save yourself, then race to that which
will achieve this life and the hereafter. But my son, none is present with
us concerning this
matter , it is between you and me only. Exert yourself and keep it a
secret. If it is disclosed and the people know about it they will kill
you immediately. I will be of no benefit to you against them. Neither
will it be of any use to you if you tell them what you heard from me
concerning Islam, or that I encouraged you to be a Muslim, for I shall
deny it. They trust my testimony against yours. So do not tell a word,
whatever happens." I promised him not to do so.
He was satisfied and content with my promise. I began to prepare for my
journey and bid him farewell. He prayed for me and gave me fifty golden
dinars. Then I took a ship to my city Majorca where I stayed with my
parents for six months. Then I traveled to Sicily and remained there five
months, waiting for a ship bound for the land of the Muslims. Finally a
ship arrived bound for Tunis. We departed before sunset and reached the
port of Tunis at noon on the second day. When I got off the ship,
Christian scholars who heard of my arrival came to greet me and I stayed
with them for four months in ease and comfort. After that I asked them if
there was a translator. The Sultan in those days was Abu al-Abbas Ahmed.
They said there was a virtuous man, the Sultan's physician, who was one
of his closest advisors. His name was Yusuf al-Tabeeb. I
was greatly pleased to here this, and asked where he lived. They took me
there to meet him separately. I told him about my story and the reason of
my coming there; which was to embrace Islam. He was immensely pleased
because this matter would be completed by his help. We rode to the
Sultan's Palace. He met the Sultan and told him about my story and asked
his permission for me to meet him.
The Sultan accepted, and I presented myself before him. The first question
the Sultan asked was about my age. I told him that I was thirty-five years
old. He then asked about my learning and the sciences which I had studied.
After I told him he said. "Your arrival is the arrival of goodness . Be a
Muslim with Allah's blessings." I then said to the doctor, "Tell the
honourable Sultan that it always happens that when anyone changes his
religion his people defame him and speak evil of him. So, I wish if he
kindly sends to bring the Christian priests and merchants of this city to
ask them about me and hear what they have to say. Then by Allah's will, I
shall accept Islam." He said to me through the translator, "You have
asked what Abdullah bin Salaam asked from the Prophet when he-Abdullah
came to announce his
Islam." He then sent for the priests and some Christian merchants and let
me sit in an adjoining room unseen by them. "What do you say about this
new priest who arrived by ship?", he asked. They said: "He is a great
scholar in our religion. Our bishops say he is the most learned and no
one is superior to him in our religious knowledge." After hearing what
the Christian said, the Sultan sent for me, and I presented myself before
them. I declared the two testimonies that there is no one worthy of
worship except Allah and that Muhammad is His Messenger, and when the
Christians heard this they crossed themselves and said: "Nothing incited
him to do that except his desire to marry, as priests in our religion can
not marry". Then they left in distress and grief.
The Sultan appointed for me a quarter of a dinar every day from the
treasury and let me marry the daughter of Al-Hajj Muhammed al-Saffar.
When I decided to consummate the marriage, he gave me a hundred golden
dinars and an excellent suit of clothes. I then consummated the marriage
and Allah blessed me with a child to whom I gave the name Muhammed as a
blessing from the name of the Prophet."
[Note: The full name of Anselm Tormeeda is Abu Muhammad Abdullah Bin
Abdullah Al-Tarjuman. The title of his book, in Arabic, is Tuhfat al-arib
fi al-radd 'ala Ahl al-Salib.]
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