Troy Bagnall, Ex-Christian, USA
- Categories: Da'wah to Non-Muslims -
My name is Troy Bagnall. I'm a 22-year-old (soon to be 23)
college student at Arizona State University (ASU) from Phoenix,
Arizona in the US. I'm in a film & media studies program at ASU
too.
I accepted Islam this past February 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 Muhammad
(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.
By Troy Bagnall
IslamReligion.com