My Journey To Islam….And Beyond.

My name is John, and I’m a 66 year old fourth generation Australian who accepted Islam almost five years ago. I feel both privileged and grateful to share my journey to Islam with you.

I grew up in a traditional Australian Catholic household, attending Christian learning institutes in Sydney’s south during the 1960s-70s. Society was conservative and diversity was minimal, but my parents encouraged my brothers and me to think independently. By my mid-teens, I identified as Christian rather than Catholic.

For over two decades, religion played little role in my life beyond attending church for special occasions. However, with the rise of the internet in the early 2000s, I became increasingly curious about Islam.

Unlike many westerners who reacted negatively to global events linked to Muslims, I saw past the stereotypes and recognised the innocence of the very vast majority.

I recall incidents closer to home that reinforced my own perspective, such as a former workmate who successfully sued his employer after being called a “terrorist” by an intoxicated manager. Another time, I witnessed a schoolgirl in hijab being harassed by a group of much older non-Muslim students on a Sydney train.

These events deepened my empathy and desire to understand Islam beyond the media’s portrayal.

As I researched, I uncovered many misconceptions about Islam ingrained in Western education and media narratives, further pushing me toward exploring an alternative spiritual path to Christianity.

My engagement with Muslims, initially online and later in person, only reinforced my growing appreciation for the faith. I met kind, family-oriented individuals who patiently answered my questions about Islam.

One of my earliest connections was with a social media influencer, whom I’ll refer to as Brother Steve. Over the past nine years, Steve has been my rock – a trusted friend, who not only provided me with my first opportunity to write about Islam but who has supported my journey every step of the way, including helping me find full-time employment within the Muslim community.

A pivotal moment came in August 2018 during a coffee meeting with a Muslim couple in Bankstown. They helped me overcome my final theological hesitation, understanding that while Jesus (peace be upon him) was a revered prophet, he was not the son of God.

On Tuesday, 19 May 2020, during a phone call with another prominent Muslim media figure, Br Ahmed, I finally took the Shahada. It was on the 27th night of Ramadan,  on what Muslims believe to be the Night of Power: Laylatul Qadr, and it was the greatest moment of my life.

Due to COVID restrictions, my first months as a Muslim were challenging, as mosques were closed. However, when they re-opened, the Regents Park Musallah became my spiritual home, and I was warmly welcomed into the community.

Throughout my journey, I’ve come to recognise the blessings that have shaped my experience. In mid-2022, a close friend mentioned an opportunity at a Muslim organisation looking for a writer. A few weeks later, after an interview, I was appointed Content Editor and late Communications Co-ordinator for the Lebanese Muslim Association.

Imagine working just metres from Australia’s most iconic masjid, Lakemba Mosque, being able to pray there up to three or four times a day and getting paid for it!

While no longer employed at the LMA, I maintain close ties with the organisation and I am still working full time with Muslims as Head of Content at a successful digital marketing company near Campbelltown.

As my fifth Ramadan approaches rapidly, I cannot wait for this amazing month  of prayer, sacrifice, unity, support and spreading kindness to arrive.

I believe that I have been especially blessed throughout my journey to Islam and beyond.

Everywhere I’ve looked for help or advice, it has been there in spades – often before I’ve even asked for it!

The friendships I have made throughout the past five years are undoubtedly  the strongest in all my 66 years – and not once in my time as a Muslim have I ever gone to bed – or woken up – sad.

Of course, I realise that not all new Muslims are as blessed as I am. Many struggle with isolation, lack of support and fear of rejection.
Some sisters even hesitate to tell their own families about their conversion for fear of being abandoned, while many brothers have no one to share their spiritual journey with.

If you know a revert facing challenges, I urge you with Ramadan on our doorstep to extend kindness and support however you can.. Your actions will be rewarded by Allah, and you will hopefully change someone’s life for the better, Inshallah.

Ramadan Mubarak!

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