Irish Revert
Asalamualaikum wa rahmatuallahi wa barakatuhu brothers and sisters of Islam, my name is Shamsideen. I reverted 2 years ago during the last 10 days of Ramadan.
I was adopted into a Roman Catholic Canadian family at age 8. My mother is very devout and taught my brother and I the Lord's Prayer. We attended church every weekend. During my teenage years, however, I rebelled like many western teenagers. I swore that God was not real and began to practice Buddhism. I was quite enamored by that religion. I practiced it devoutly for approximately 5 years. I meditated and read all the scriptures. Nevertheless, I never felt true comfort.
After applying for university, I experienced depression and even attempted suicide. Thankfully, Allah wasn't finished with me at the point. I survived the attempt and am now feeling extremely blessed.
My interest in Islam began during the horrible events of 9/11 ( I was in highschool at this time). Not because I thought Muslims were terrorists, like the media portrayed, but because I realized that Muslims are not terrorists and that, in reality, only a minor amount of the members of the religion actually participate in terrorism. To make others aware of this I researched in depth all aspects of Islam. During my research I realized the beauty of the Qur'an and the many miracles within it. I wasn't convinced of Islam at this time though. It just interested me. So, after finishing highschool I dropped the topic. Throughout my university years, I heavily researched Islam once again after noticing the many flaws in Christianity. I knew there was a God but Jesus was only a prophet to me and Christianity was completely corrupted. I began reciting the Qur'an and listening to major reciters like Mishary and Sa'ud. I thought it was the most beautiful thing. While listening to it, chills spread throughout my body. I even burst into tears on several accounts.
Alhamdouillah, while on University campus one evening, a couple of Muslim brothers, both revert and Muslim born, had a display. I felt an urge to walk over to them and talk. I was much too shy though. But a brother saw me, and after asking if I'd like to talk to them, of which I answered yes, he led me towards the display. I gave the revert brother, of five years, my number and my e-mail. The very next day I met with him to learn Arabic and Islamic pillars.
Ramadan was approaching at that time so, even before reverting, I began to fast and pray intensely. He picked me up one day and we headed to the mosque together. This was the first time I entered a mosque. I was amazed by the acceptance of the brothers I felt once I walked through the doors. They all said "salam" to me and shook my hand.
By the end of Ramadan, I called my Muslim born brother Majed and told him "I'm ready". He was so excited. That night I said my shahadah and took the name Shamsideen. That was two years ago now and I have never looked back. Islam is the perfect religion and I feel so blessed to be led on the straight path by our Lord, Allah.
I was adopted into a Roman Catholic Canadian family at age 8. My mother is very devout and taught my brother and I the Lord's Prayer. We attended church every weekend. During my teenage years, however, I rebelled like many western teenagers. I swore that God was not real and began to practice Buddhism. I was quite enamored by that religion. I practiced it devoutly for approximately 5 years. I meditated and read all the scriptures. Nevertheless, I never felt true comfort.
After applying for university, I experienced depression and even attempted suicide. Thankfully, Allah wasn't finished with me at the point. I survived the attempt and am now feeling extremely blessed.
My interest in Islam began during the horrible events of 9/11 ( I was in highschool at this time). Not because I thought Muslims were terrorists, like the media portrayed, but because I realized that Muslims are not terrorists and that, in reality, only a minor amount of the members of the religion actually participate in terrorism. To make others aware of this I researched in depth all aspects of Islam. During my research I realized the beauty of the Qur'an and the many miracles within it. I wasn't convinced of Islam at this time though. It just interested me. So, after finishing highschool I dropped the topic. Throughout my university years, I heavily researched Islam once again after noticing the many flaws in Christianity. I knew there was a God but Jesus was only a prophet to me and Christianity was completely corrupted. I began reciting the Qur'an and listening to major reciters like Mishary and Sa'ud. I thought it was the most beautiful thing. While listening to it, chills spread throughout my body. I even burst into tears on several accounts.
Alhamdouillah, while on University campus one evening, a couple of Muslim brothers, both revert and Muslim born, had a display. I felt an urge to walk over to them and talk. I was much too shy though. But a brother saw me, and after asking if I'd like to talk to them, of which I answered yes, he led me towards the display. I gave the revert brother, of five years, my number and my e-mail. The very next day I met with him to learn Arabic and Islamic pillars.
Ramadan was approaching at that time so, even before reverting, I began to fast and pray intensely. He picked me up one day and we headed to the mosque together. This was the first time I entered a mosque. I was amazed by the acceptance of the brothers I felt once I walked through the doors. They all said "salam" to me and shook my hand.
By the end of Ramadan, I called my Muslim born brother Majed and told him "I'm ready". He was so excited. That night I said my shahadah and took the name Shamsideen. That was two years ago now and I have never looked back. Islam is the perfect religion and I feel so blessed to be led on the straight path by our Lord, Allah.
Shokran!
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