One day in the Spring of 1991, I came to know that the Muslims believed in the Bible. I was shocked. How could this be? But that’s not all, they believe in Jesus as:
* A true messenger of God;
* Prophet of God;
* Miracle birth without human intervention;
* He was the ‘Christ’ or Messiah as predicted in the Bible;
* He is with God now and most important;
* He will be coming back in the Last Days to lead the believers against the ‘Antichrist.’
After “winning souls to the Lord for Jesus” day after day, this would be a big achievement for me, to catch one of these ‘Moslems’ and ‘convert’ him to Christianity.
Cup of Tea – Discuss Beliefs
I asked him if he liked tea and he said he did. So off we went to a little shop in the mall to sit and talk about my favorite subject: Beliefs. While we sat in that little coffee shop for hours talking (I did most of the talking) I came to know that he was very nice, quiet and even a bit shy. He listened attentively to every word that I had to say and did not interrupt even one time. I liked this man’s way and thought that he had definite potential to become a good Christian. Little did I know the course of events about to unravel in front of my eyes.
Quran has only one version – In Arabic – and still exists
At one point I recall asking him about the Quran and how many versions of it there were in the last 1,400 years. He told me that there was only ONE QURAN. And that it had never been changed. Yet he let me know that the Quran had been memorized by hundreds of thousands of people, in it’s entirety and were scattered about the earth in many different countries. Over the centuries since the Quran was revealed millions have memorized it completely and have taught it to others who have memorized it completely, from cover to cover, letter perfect without mistakes. Today, over 9 million Muslims have memorized the entire Quran from cover to cover.
How could this be?
This did not seem possible to me. After all, the original languages of the Bible have all been dead languages for centuries and the documents themselves have been lost in their originals for hundreds and thousands of years. So, how could it be that something like this could be so easy to preserve and to recite from cover to cover.
Priest Goes to the Mosque
anyway, one day the priest asked the Mohamed if he might accompany him to the mosque to see what it was like there. They came back talking about their experience there and we could not wait to ask the priest what it was like and what all types of ceremonies they performed. He said they didn’t really ‘do’ anything. They just came and prayed and left. I said: “They left? Without any speeches or singing?” He said that was right.
Priest Enters Islam!
A few more days went by and the Catholic priest asked Mohamed if he might join him again for a trip to the mosque which they did. But this time it was different. They did not come back for a very long time. It became dark and we worried that something might have happened to them. Finally they arrived and when they came in the door I immediately recognized Mohamed, but who was this alongside of him? Someone wearing a white robe and a white cap. Hold on a minute! It was the priest. I said to him: “Pete? — Did you become a ‘Moslem?’ He said that he had entered into Islam that very day. THE PRIEST BECAME A Muslim!! What next? (You’ll see).
My Wife Announces her Islam!
So, I went upstairs to think things over a bit and began to talk to my wife about the whole subject. She then told me that she too was going to enter into Islam, because she knew it was the truth.
Shocked!
I was really shocked now. I went downstairs and woke up Mohamed and asked him to come outside with me for a discussion. We walked and talked that whole night through.
Truth had Come!
By the time he was ready to pray Fajr (the morning prayer of the Muslims) I knew that the truth had come at last and now it was up to me to do my part. I went out back behind my father’s house and found an old piece of plywood lying under an overhang and right there I put my head down on the ground facing the direction that the Muslims pray five times a day.
Guide me! O God! Guide Me!
Now then in that position, with my body stretched out on the plywood and my head on the ground, I asked: “O God. If you are there, guide me, guide me.”
Sign Inside of Me
And then after a while I raised up my head and I noticed something. No, I didn’t see birds or angels coming out of the sky nor did I hear voices or music, nor did I see bright lights and flashes. What I did notice was a change inside of me. I was aware now more than ever before that it was time for me to stop any lying and doing anything sneaky. It was time that I really work at being an honest and upright man. I knew now what I had to do.
Wash away the “OLD”
So I went upstairs and took a shower with the distinct idea that I was ‘washing’ away the sinful old person that I had become over the years. And I was now coming into a new, fresh life. A life based on truth and proof. - And Become New! Around 11:00 A.M. that morning, I stood before two witnesses, one the ex-priest, formerly known as Father Peter Jacobs, and the other Mohamed Abel Rehman and announced my ‘shahadah’ (open testimony to the Oneness of God and the prophethood of Muhammad, peace be upon him). ”I bear witness, there is no deity to worship, except Almighty Allah, alone and He has no partners and I bear witness that Mohammad is His messenger and servant.”
My Wife was Next
A few minutes later, my wife followed along and gave the same testimony. But hers was in front of 3 witnesses (me being the third).
Then my father.
My father was a bit more reserved on the subject and waited a few more months before he made his shahadah (public testimony). But he did finally commit to Islam and began offering prayers right along with me and the other Muslims in the local masjid (mosque).
Children too!
The children were taken out of the Christian school and placed in Muslim schools. And now ten years later, they are memorizing much of the Quran and the teachings of Islam.
Father’s Wife (Stepmother) Next
My father’s wife finally acknowledged, before she died, that Jesus could not be a son of God and that he must have been a mighty prophet of God, but not God. She passed away within a few months of this statement at age 86. May Allah accept her statement of faith, Ameen.
Houseful of New Muslims – What’s Next?
Now stop and think. A whole entire household of people from varying backgrounds and ethnic groups coming together in truth to learn how to know and worship the Creator and Sustainer of the Universe. Think. A Catholic priest; a minister of music and preacher of the Gospel; an ordained minister and builder of Christian schools; and the children, even a great-grandmother – they all come into Islam!
His Mercy and Guidance
Only by His Mercy were we all guided to see the real truth of Islam, by removing the coverings over our ears and the blinders on our eyes, no longer having seals over our hearts – He was Guiding us now.
Amazing Story
Family and friends entering Islam from one man. If I were to stop right here, I’m sure that you would have to admit that at least this is an amazing story, right? After all, three religious leaders of three separate denominations all going into one very opposite belief at the same time and then soon after the rest of the household.
But that is not all. There is more! The same year, while I was in Grand Prairie, Texas (near Dallas) I met a Baptist seminary student from Tennessee named Joe, who also came to Islam after reading the Holy Quran while in Baptist Seminary College!
More? Yes. Catholic priest loves Islam – but Needs his job! There are others as well. I recall the case of the Catholic priest in a college town who talked about the good things in Islam so much that I was forced to ask him why he didn’t enter Islam. He replied: “What? And loose my job?” – His name is Father John and we still pray for Allah to Guide Him.
Another Catholic Priest Makes Shahadah
. The very next year I met a former Catholic priest who had been a missionary for 8 years in Africa. He learned about Islam while he was there and entered into Islam. He then changed his name to Omar and moved to Dallas Texas.
Any more? Again – Yes! Two years later, while in San Antonio, Texas I was introduced to a former Arch Bishop of the Orthodox Church of Russia who learned about Islam and gave up his position to enter Islam.
Daughter of Hindu Pundit (Religious Leader) – Accepts Islam – helping thousands to Islam
I met a woman in New York who wanted to make our CDs about “What Is Islam?”. After giving her permission several years ago, I have learned she has produced and distributed over 600 thousand of these to the non-Muslims in America. May Allah reward her and keep her strong in her efforts, Ameen.
Hundreds – Thousands – Still Coming
And since my own entrance into Islam and becoming a chaplain to the Muslims throughout the country and around the world, I have encountered many more individuals who were leaders, teachers and scholars in other religions who learned about Islam and entered into it. They came from Hindus, Jews, Catholics, Protestants, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Greek and Russian Orthodox, Coptic Christians from Egypt, non-denominational churches and even scientists who had been atheists.
Why? Good Question
The combination always seems to be the same; people are sincerely seeking the truth and are willing to put their different prejudices and biases out of their minds and begin to ask God for His Guidance in their lives. So, now you have the introduction to the story of my coming into Islam and becoming Muslim. There is more on the Internet about this story and there are more pictures there as well. Please take the time to visit it and then please take the time to email me and let us come together to share in all truths based on proofs for understanding our origins and our purpose and goals in this life and the Next Life.
9 Steps to Purify the Heart
May I suggest to the seeker of truth do the following nine steps to purification of the heart:
1. Clean your mind, your heart and soul. Remove all prejudices & biases.
2. Thank God for what you have – every moment of every day.
3. Read a good translation of the meaning of the Holy Quran in a language that they can understand best. (Abdullah Yousef Ali – for English speaking)
4. Reflect on the meanings & consider the bounties of your Lord.
5. Seek forgiveness from God and learn to forgive others.
6. Ask in your heart for guidance from above.
7. Open your heart and mind.
8. Continue to do this up for a few months and be regular in it.
9. Avoid the poison of evil while your heart is opening for the “rebirth of your soul.”
Ask, and it shall be given to you. Knock, and it shall be opened. The rest is between you and the Almighty Lord of the Universe. If you truly love Him, then He already Knows it and He will deal with each of us according to our hearts.
Why Do Priests Convert to Islam?
Many people ask me how a preacher or priest in Christianity can ever go to Islam, especially considering all the negative things that we hear about Islam and Muslims everyday.
Some people are simply curious, while others take a profound exception to my “conversion” to Islam. Some have asked how I could have turned my back on Jesus, or if I truly understood the Holy Ghost and some even questioned whether or not I considered myself as “born again” or had ever really been saved at all. These are good questions to which I will offer answers to at the end of this writing.
I would like to thank everyone for their interest and offer my humble story, God Willing.
One very nice Christian gentleman asked me in email why and how I left Christianity for Islam. This is more or less a copy of the letter I sent to him.
Introduction
My name is Yusuf Estes now, but in years past my friends used to call me Skip. I have preached Christianity and worked in the entertainment and music industry since I was a boy in the 1950’s. My father and I have established music stores, TV and radio programs and outdoor entertainment for fun (and profit).
Born a Strong Christian
I was born into a very strong Christian family in the Midwest. Our family and their ancestors not only built the churches and schools across this land, but actually were the same ones who came here in the first place.
While I was still in elementary we relocated to Houston, Texas in 1949 – “I’m old”. We attended church regularly and I was baptized at the age of 12 in Pasadena, Texas. As a teenager, I wanted to visit other churches to learn more of their teachings and beliefs. The Baptists, Methodists, Episcopalians, Charismatic movements, Nazarene, Church of Christ, Church of God, Church of God in Christ, Full Gospel, Agape, Catholic, Presbyterian and many more.
I developed quite a thirst for the “Gospel” or as we say; “Good News.” My research into religion did not stop with Christianity. Not at all. Hinduism, Judaism, Buddhism, Metaphysics, native American beliefs were all a part of my studies. Just about the only one that I did not look into seriously was “Islam”. Why? Good question.
Music Minister
Anyway, I became very interested in different types of music, especially Gospel and Classical. Because my whole family was religious and musical it followed that I too would begin my studies in both areas. All this set me for the logical position of Music Minister in many of the churches that I became affiliated with over the years. I started teaching keyboard instruments in 1960 and by 1963 owned my own studios in Laurel, Maryland, called “Estes Music Studios.”
Business Projects in Texas, Oklahoma and Florida
Over the next 30 years my father and I worked together in many business projects. We had entertainment programs, shows and attractions. We opened piano and organ stores all the way from Texas and Oklahoma to Florida.
We had earned millions of dollars during those years, but could not find the peace of mind that can only come through knowing the truth and finding the real plan of salvation. I’m sure you have asked yourself the question; “Why did God create me?” or “What is it that God wants me to do?” or “Exactly who is God, anyway?” “Why do we believe in ‘original sin?” and “Why would the sons of Adam be forced to accept his ‘sins’ and then as a result be punished forever.” But if you asked anyone these questions, they would probably tell you that you have to believe without asking, or that it is a ‘mystery’ and you shouldn’t ask – “Just have faith, brother.”
Trinity Concept
Strangely enough, the word “Trinity” is not in the Bible. And it has been a concern for religious scholars as early as 200 years after Jesus was raised up by Almighty God. I would ask preachers or ministers to give me some sort of an idea how ‘one’ could figure out to become ‘three’ or how God Himself, Who can do anything He Wills to do, cannot just forgive people’s sins, but rather he had to become a man, come down on earth, be a human, and then take on the sins of all people; keeping in mind that all along He is still God of the whole universe and does as He Wills to do, both in and outside of the universe as we know it. They never seemed to be able to come up with anything other than opinions or strange analogies.
Father – Ordained non-denominational Minister
My father was very active in supporting church work, especially church school programs. He became an ordained minister in the 1970s. He and his wife (my stepmother) knew many of the TV evangelists and preachers and even visited Oral Roberts and helped in the building of the “Prayer Tower” in Tulsa, OK. They also were strong supporters of Jimmy Swaggart, Jim and Tammy Fae Bakker, Jerry Fallwell, John Haggi and the biggest enemy to Islam in America, Pat Robertson.
Distributing “Praise” Tapes for Jesus
During the early 1980’s my Dad and his wife worked together and were most active in recording “Praise” tapes and distributing them for free to people in retirement homes, hospitals and homes for the elderly. We were really “winning souls to the Lord – for Jesus” day after day.
Met a man from Egypt
It was early in 1991 when my father began doing business with a man from Egypt and told me that he wanted me to meet him. This idea appealed to me when I thought about the idea of having an international flavor. You know, the pyramids, sphinx, Nile River and all that.
He was a “Moslem”
Hijackers; Kidnappers; Bombers, Terrorists – and who knows what else?
Then my father mentioned that this man was a ‘Moslem.’ First, I hated the idea of meeting an “infidel, hijacker, kidnapper, bomber, terrorist, non-believer.” Any normal person would be repulsed at the idea. I couldn’t believe my ears. A ‘Moslem?’ No way! I reminded my dad of the various different things that we had heard about these people.
Lies against Muslims & Islam
They don’t even believe in God
They worship a black box in the desert.
And they kiss the ground five times a day.
No Way! I Did Not Want to Meet Him!
I did not want to meet this ‘Moslem’ man. No way! My father insisted that I meet him and reassured me that he was a very nice person. This was too much for me. Especially since the evangelists that we used to travel around with all hated Muslims and Islam very much. They even said things that were not true to make people afraid of Islam. So, why would I want anything to do with these people?
Idea – “Change Him To Christian”.
Then an idea came to me, “We can change this man to Christian.” So, I gave in and agreed to the meeting. But on my terms.
I Met Him With A Bible, Cross and Cap with “Jesus Is Lord!” on it.
I agreed to meet him on a Sunday after church so we would be all prayed up and in good standing with the Lord. I would be carrying my Bible under my arm as usual. I would have my big shiny cross dangling and I would have on my cap which says: “Jesus is Lord” right across the front. My wife and two young daughters came along and we were ready for our first encounter with the ‘Moslems.’
Where is He?
When I came into the shop and asked my father where the ‘Moslem’ was, he pointed and said: “He’s right over there.”
I was confused. That couldn’t be the Moslem. No way.
Turban and Beard?
I’m looking for a huge man with flowing robes, a big turban on his head, a beard half way down his shirt and eyebrows that go all the way across his forehead with a sword or a bomb under his coat.
No Turban – No Beard
This man had no beard. In fact, he didn’t even have any hair on his head at all. He was nearly bald. Best of all, he was very pleasant with a warm welcome and handshake. This didn’t make sense. I thought they are terrorists and bombers. What is this all about?
He Needs Jesus
Never mind. I’ll get right to work on this guy. He needs to be ‘saved’ in the ‘Name of Jesus’ and me and the Lord are going to do it.
Introduction & Interrogation
After a quick introduction, I asked him: “Do you believe in God?”
He said:
”Yes.” – (Good!)
Then I said:
”Do you believe in Adam and Eve?”
He said:
”Yes.” – (Very Good!)
I said: “What about Abraham? You believe in him and how he tried to sacrifice his son for God?”
He said:
”Yes.” – (Even better!)
Then I asked:
”What about Moses?”
”Ten Commandments?”
“Parting the Red Sea?”
Again he said:
”Yes.” – (Better still!)
Then:
”What about the other prophets, David, Solomon and John the Baptist?”
He said:
Yes.” – (Great!)
I asked:
”Do you believe in the Bible?”
Again, he said:
“Yes.” – (OK!)
So, now it was time for the big question:
“Do you believe in Jesus? That he was the Messiah (Christ) of God?”
Again the said:
“Yes.” – (Fantastic!)
Well now – “This was going to be easier than I had thought.”
He was just about ready to be baptized only he didn’t know it.
And I was just the one to do it, too.
Murad Hofmann – Journey of a German Ambassador to Islam
When I heard the name, Dr. Murad Hofmann, listed as being one of the speakers at a conference, I was pleasantly surprised. Would I get to meet one of the greatest Islamic dignitaries of our time?
I Was Reading the Quran, I Found it Reading Me!
We were both commissioned to give lectures to non-Muslim audiences in the very well organized conference, aimed at providing a better understanding of Islam to non-Muslims as well as new Muslims.
I had heard about him previously, but never thought I would ever have the opportunity to meet him, –and here he was, staying at the very same hotel as I was.
I decided to contact him by phone, and he graciously accepted my offer to meet.
As I walked toward him in the lobby, I saw a big difference between this Dr. Murad Hofmann and the one from the picture I had seen previously — perhaps a 20 year difference in age.
A kind-looking, grey-haired man greeted me, and only his face told me he was the man I was to meet, as the hair had taken a major color change.
Read More Stories here.
He first wanted to tell me that he found many Muslim children in one of his lectures in this Expo. He was moved to pay special attention to them, thus turning the lecture into a question and answer forum for the kids.
His face looked gracious and kindly as he talked about the children’s enthusiasm to ask and learn. He was also pleasantly surprised to see so many Arab kids speaking and understanding English very well.
Murad Hofmann’s Journey to Islam
Study: German Muslims “Important Bridge Builders”
I was rather embarrassed to ask such a renowned dignitary to tell me his conversion story to Islam. So I asked if there was any material I could read about him which told his story. He said, yes, the Diary of a German Muslim, which is written in German, and Journey to Islam, in English. He went on to say that these books were also translated into many languages, including Arabic.
I was still too reserved to say that although I would be very interested to read the book, I still wanted to hear some of the story from him personally. So, I asked if there was a short version of his story. He said, “Yes, you could find it in Wikipedia, but it only tells part of the story.”
Then he started asking me about my own story. I knew that mine was a long one, and it was not the time for my story, but rather, his. But how to begin?
Without asking, he sensed what I wanted. He began by telling me that three things were the deciding factors for his conversion.
A Diplomat to Algeria
I Knew I Was Lost, I Asked for Guidance
The first was when he was a diplomat to Algeria. It was in 1962, during Algeria’s eight year war of independence. France had made a treaty with the rebels that if they were to hold a cease fire for six months, then they would be handed sovereignty.
The French settlers, however, were very harsh with Algerians, and did all they could to provoke them to fight, but they resisted, as they had promised.
“I was so taken by the level of discipline these people showed that I was prompted to read the Quran to see what is giving them such a power,” he said.
“In my mind, I was converted, but not yet officially. It was this time that I left all my Christian ideology.”
Inspired by the Islamic Art
The second factor was Islamic art, he said. “Before that, I was a ballet critic and traveled nearly 50 times a year, especially to the US, to watch and critique ballet performances. As a critic, one has to have standards,” he said.
“But all that left me cold, until I saw Islamic art. The first one was in Spain’s cities of Granada, Cordoba, Seville in south Spain and Andalusia.”
He came to me asking me if I believed in what I had written. I said, “Yes.” He said, “If you believe in this, then you are Muslim.” I said, “If you say I am a Muslim, then, I am one.”
“Islamic art touched me in a way no other art touched me,” he said.
Philosophy
Muslims in Germany: Facts & Figures
“The third factor was philosophy. I was not trained as a philosopher, but at any available time, I read philosophy.”
Some of the greatest philosophers of all times were Muslims. Ibn Sina, Ibn Khaldun, Al-Ghazali and Ibn Rushd were among them. “I was outraged for not knowing them before,” he explained.
Some famous philosophers were highly influenced by Ibn Khaldun who is the founder of sociology and the first scientific historian who was critical and particular about sources. He was one man, and the founder of two sciences. Yet, he did not get acknowledged in Europe until the 20th century, even though some Europeans had discovered him in the 19th century already.
In 1980, the German Foreign Office organized a comprehensive presentation on Islam in order to teach the diplomats who were going to be stationed in Islamic countries.
Read Also: Murad Hofmann’s Journey to Makkah
“It just so happened that close to that time, was my son’s birthday,” said Hofmann. “So I told him that I would be giving him something not monetary, but of great value. I began writing all that I thought was important about my discovery of Islam. It ended up being 14 pages.”
The imam, who was the teacher at this training, was the imam of Dusseldorf. I told him about what I had written and gave it to him to read. The next day, he came to me asking me if I believed in what I had written. I said, “Yes.”
He said, “If you believe in this, then you are a Muslim.”
I said, “If you say I am a Muslim, then I am one.”
He later published these pages, and they were distributed in many locations.
Murad Hofmann’s Works
Murad Hofmann also wrote the Philological Approach to Islam, as his first booklet. He also informed the Foreign Ministry that he was a Muslim now, so he wouldn’t be sent to Israel or the Vatican.
“I wrote my first book, The Diary of a German Muslim, which was printed in various languages and sent all over the world.”
“After I retired from the Foreign Service in 1964, I became a member of Central Council of Muslims. I toured around the world, wrote 13 books and over 250 published book reviews for the following organizations:
“Islamic Studies in Islamabad, American Journal of Islamic Social Science Studies of Virginia, and Muslim World Book Review of U.K.
I performed hajj twice and Umrah five times during my various tours.”
When asked for his present activities, he said, “I am 78 years old now, and my wife is voicing some concern. So, I am cutting back on travels and some of the activities.”
