My name is
Troy Bagnall. I reverted to Islam while I was studying in college at Arizona
State University (ASU) in Phoenix, Arizona in the US. I was then in a film
& media studies program at the ASU.
I accepted
Islam almost 5 years ago for a multitude of reasons. I had been interested in
Islam for quite some time, as it is a hot topic when it comes to the news and
current events. I am very interested in ancient history and world history as
well as war and politics.
As I would
hear about conflicts in the news that were happening in places such as Sudan,
Somalia, Palestine, Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Chechnya, Lebanon, etc., I
would research those conflicts simply so I would understand what was really
happening in those conflicts as the media here tends to be very vague in explaining
them in a fair and unbiased manner.
As I
researched the conflicts, I also became interested in learning about the
history of the Muslim world. I spent time on my own learning about some of the
history and culture of the Muslim world. I also took a class at ASU called
Islamic Civilization. As I learned about the history and culture of the Muslim
world, I became interested in the religion, Islam, itself.
I had been
raised Christian but quit practicing it when I was 15. I personally found
Christianity to be very confusing and not logical. The trinity and doctrine of
atonement really do not make sense considering there are verses from the Bible
that contradict those doctrines.
When I took
the Islamic History class, I met a brother named Mohammad Totah who is very
knowledgeable in the Bible, Quran, and all three Abrahamic faiths. We had many
talks about comparing the faiths. I researched on my own as well. I learned
more about how Christianity contradicts its own scriptures.
I learned more
about how many Biblical scriptures actually support Islam too. Another thing
that got me too was the Gospel of Barnabas which prophesized and mentioned by
name, the coming of Mohammad (peace be upon him). This Gospel was also removed
from the Bible.
Now to the
Quran, which is beyond amazing with its flawlessness. I found the Quran to be
quite simple and easy to comprehend. Islam itself is a very simple and
straightforward with no complex doctrines. Islam does not feature the blind
faith that Christianity does.
It also has a
feeling of fulfillment that Judaism does not have as Judaism denies later
prophets such as Jesus (peace be upon him) and John the Baptist (peace be upon
him) for example.
As I learned
more about Islam, I realized that it made sense of the uncertainties I had with
Christianity. I actually know more about the Bible and Christianity now since
reverting to Islam than I did while I was a Christian.
I feel much
closer to God as a Muslim, too. Not to bash Christianity, but I find it to be
more about the teachings of Paul and the other Apostles instead of the
teachings of Jesus (peace be upon him).
I also spent
much time learning about the history of the religions after they were established
and how they spread across the world. I know that Islam is portrayed as being
some exotic eastern religion here in the west, but it is really just what all
the prophets were sent to teach, which is submission to God. It is also really
frustrating how the media always portrays Islam in such a negative light.
I understand
there are conflicts and violence in parts of the Muslim world, but those
conflicts are really more about politics.
Yes, I will
admit that it has been a bit tough practicing Islam considering I do live in
America and the media here pushes negative stereotypes about Islam all the
time. It is also a bit tough on me simply because it is not like there are many
American college kids giving up the carefree party life and converting to Islam.
That was not
much of a problem for me though, as I am pretty much a studious nerd. I get
questions from non-Muslims concerning politics and Middle Eastern cultural
practices, and I have to show them the difference between what is really Islam
and what is political ideology and cultural practices.
The Middle
East is obviously the center of the Muslim world, but it is frustrating too how
the media stereotypes Muslims as always being Middle Eastern, as Muslims come
from all over the world. I think racism is involved too, as the West seems to
overlook the fact that Judaism and Christianity’s origins lay in the Middle
East just like Islam.
To sum it up,
I accepted Islam simply because I declared it to be the true religion of God.
It is simple, straightforward, and not confusing.
I also love
how Islam has such a universal bond of unity amongst its followers. Islam has
helped me to become a better person.
I feel at ease
when I practice Islam. It helps me feel better about life and helps me deal
with stress and life problems.
I really hope
that people here in the West become better educated on the Muslim world and
what Islam really is as a religion instead of listening to the negative and not
always entirely true criticisms that the media portrays about Islam.
I hope my
story will inspire those who are interested in Islam to want to learn more
about it.
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