If someone had told my younger self that I would one day be a practicing Muslim, wearing a beard, spreading the message of Islam, and feeling a peace in my heart that I could never put into words—I would have laughed in their face.
Back then, I wasn’t just indifferent to Islam—I hated it. I saw it as something foreign, oppressive, and nothing to do with me. I mocked Islam with my friends, I joked about Muslims, and I even went so far as to burn a German Quran, thinking it was just a bit of fun.
At that time, I had no idea what Islam was. I had never read the Quran, never spoken to a practicing Muslim about their beliefs, and never once questioned what I had been told by the media or society. I believed everything I heard: that Islam was backward, that Muslims were brainwashed, and that their way of life had no place in the modern world.
But despite all of this, Allah had a plan for me. A plan I never saw coming.
From Darkness to Light: How Everything Changed in an Instant
I was 18 years old, living a life that felt empty. On the outside, I looked like a normal young man, but inside, I was drowning. Depression consumed me, and thoughts of suicide became part of my daily reality. Life had no meaning for me. Every day felt like a cycle of waking up, existing, and returning to sleep—just waiting for it all to end.
But then, one day, everything changed.
I can’t explain exactly what happened, but out of nowhere, I felt a sudden certainty in my heart that there was only one true God. I wasn’t looking for faith. I wasn’t searching for religion. I had never prayed, never read religious texts, and never asked for guidance. But suddenly, I just knew.
It was as if a veil had been lifted from my heart. A realization so powerful that I couldn’t ignore it.
At first, I was confused. Why was I feeling this way? How could I suddenly believe in something I had spent years rejecting? And why did my heart tell me, without a single doubt, that Allah was the truth?
I needed answers.
Searching for the Truth – From Burning the Quran to Reading It
A memory flashed in my mind—the day I had burned a German Quran with my friends, laughing as we did it. A feeling of deep regret filled me. How could I have done something so ignorant? I didn’t even know what was in that book.
For the first time in my life, I wanted to know. What does the Quran say?
So I searched online for a German translation of the Quran and began reading. And then I came across a verse that felt like it was speaking directly to me:
“Whoever believes in Allah, He guides his heart to the right path.” (Quran 64:11)
This verse described exactly what had happened to me. I had done nothing but believe in Allah, and in return, He had guided my heart.
I kept reading, and the more I read, the more everything made sense. It felt as if I had known this truth all along but had been blind to it.
Then, without hesitation, I searched for an online Islamic help chat. I told them what had happened to me, and right there, through my screen, with people I had never met, I took my Shahada.
At that moment, I became a Muslim.
A New Life: Wearing a Beard, Facing Discrimination, But Feeling True Peace
Since that day, everything about my life has changed. I began praying, fasting, learning more about my faith, and embracing my new identity as a Muslim. One of the biggest outward changes was that I grew a beard, wanting to follow the way of the Prophet ﷺ.
But this also came with challenges.
In Germany, having a beard as a Muslim man often means facing discrimination. People stare at me differently. Some assume I must be an extremist just because of my appearance. Others avoid me or treat me with suspicion. I’ve had people insult me, laugh at me, and even ask why I would “throw my life away” by becoming a Muslim.
But you know what? I don’t care.
Because Allah has given me something that no one can take away—Sakina. A deep, unshakable peace that lives inside my heart. It’s not just “happiness” or “contentment.” It’s something greater. It’s a quietness in my soul that no insult, no discrimination, no hardship can disturb.
I used to live with anxiety, depression, and confusion. Now, I live with certainty, faith, and peace.
From Hating Islam to Inviting People to It – My Da’wah Journey
The same person who once mocked Islam is now inviting people to it. The irony of this isn’t lost on me. If someone had told me years ago that I would one day be spreading the message of Islam, I would have thought they were crazy.
But here I am—making Da’wah.
I started small, just talking to my family, trying to correct their misconceptions. Some of them were open to listening, others were not. But I didn’t stop. I knew that this message was too important to keep to myself.
So, I took it online.
I created a Da’wah website where I explain Islam in simple terms. On my site, I describe:
- The Five Pillars of Islam
- What Muslims believe about God, the Prophets, and the afterlife
- How someone can convert to Islam
- Common misconceptions about Islam and their answers
Through this website, I reach people who, like me, might have been misled about Islam. I answer their questions, guide them to the truth, and help them take the same steps that changed my life.
Final Message: If Allah Can Change Me, He Can Change Anyone
If you are reading this and you feel lost, confused, or unsure about life—turn to Allah. Even if you think you are too far gone, even if you’ve made mistakes, even if you’ve hated Islam in the past—Allah’s mercy is greater than your sins.
I was once someone who hated Islam, someone who burned the Quran, someone who thought he would never believe in anything.
And today?
I am a Muslim. I pray five times a day. I wear my beard with pride. I make Da’wah online and in person. I live with a peace in my heart that no one can take away.
This is not because I am special. It is simply because Allah guides whom He wills.
So if you are searching for something more in life, if you feel empty inside, if you wonder why nothing ever seems to bring you true peace—maybe it’s time to open your heart to Islam.
Allah guided me when I least expected it. Maybe He is guiding you right now.
