Molly Carlson, Ex-Christian, USA

I remember it so well. I remember the exact moment when my entire life changed, and I realized that I was no longer thinking “if I became Muslim”, but that I had at some point begun thinking “when I become Muslim.” It was no longer optional for me. It had become inevitable.

When it hit me, the realization was like cold water over my head. It was like that moment when you realize you had forgotten something important at home and your stomach flops and you can’t breathe.

At that moment, I realized that I was no longer the American girl I wanted to convince myself I was, and that I had not been that girl for a long time. I remember the sun on the snow. I remember the road in front of me. I remember forgetting, for a second, where I was driving to. And I remember being scared, unequivocally and irrationally scared.

This realization, this conversion of self, had been decades in coming. When people say — when the religion says — that we are born Muslims by the will of God, I do not doubt it. I certainly was and I knew I was, although exactly what I was, I didn’t know at that time.

Still I knew what I was not. I was not a Catholic Christian no matter how many Hail Mary’s I prayed, or crosses I wore, or Church services my mother brought me to. I studied and I prayed and I searched for the final answer to the questions that plagued me, while all the time the little voice in my heart gnawed at the strings of my soul.

There was a series of events throughout my life, legends, memories of my own, and dreams that made no sense in the moment I dreamed them, but have become clearer in reference to all that I know now.

My first brief introduction to Islam came in the form of a book called King of the Wind, by Marguerite Henry, which chronicles the story of a small Moroccan stable boy and his special foal. I was an avid reader at a young age.

Even though I don’t recall how old I was at the time, I do remember vividly the part about him fasting in the month of Ramadan. I kind of consider this to be the original awakening of my heart to what I really was, but without any other serious exposure to Islam in the years after reading that book, I lost it all again.

Some time later, assuming I was around the age of eight when I read King of the Wind, when I was around the age of twelve I was plagued by mysterious dreams that I didn’t quite understand of things that I didn’t know anything about. They weren’t scary, they were more of the sub-conscious reflections of the yearning I had inside.

In the one I remember most vividly I was standing inside a perfectly square, wood-paneled room with patterned carpet laying in one direction. There were burning lanterns to light the room.

Off to my left side there was a carved wooden screen behind which was another room, a room I knew in this dream to be the room that women used. I also knew that a woman like I was not allowed to be in the room I was standing in.

Not only was I standing in this forbidden room, the room for men, but I was also standing there with nothing covering my head.

As a twelve-year-old Christian girl, the concept of separate rooms for men and women and the concept of covering your head was something I quite literally had never been told about nor exposed to. Yet in this dream I knew what I was doing wrong, what I needed to do right, and there was no question in my heart as to why.

I felt the love and concern of the merciful God watching me stand in the room and I felt like I had let my Creator down. This sense of shame and sadness are what stand out to me the most vivid of the dream, although I could draw the room and the carved panel. I remember them so well.

I also remember the old-fashioned dress I was wearing. Even though in the dream I did not go into it, I even remember what the women’s section looked like. I consider this dream to be the reason I feel so strongly about wearing hijab, I feel like God was making me ready for the things I would need to do just one decade later.

There were other dreams, fleeting glimpses of things like Sunnah beards that made no sense at the time. It was a decade later, maybe five months or so before I converted, that my last dream came. This was not so much as dream as it was an unbidden vision.

I had just ended a phone conversation with a Muslim acquaintance of mine in which he had teased me about converting. I was adamant that while I respected Islam, I did not believe it and I was fighting hard to keep myself in denial. I was so scared that I didn’t want to acknowledge what I already was. But God had a different idea.

The moment after I ended the call, I lay back on my bed, closed my eyes, and was instantly lifted into another level. Before me stood a woman covered in black from head to toe, and on her face was what looked like a ninja mask: a veil that covered the lower half of her face, but was connected to the top by a thin strip that ran up her nose and between her eyes.

I was fascinated and terrified by her. I drew closer to look, and in that moment I realized that it was me behind the veil and that I was looking back at myself with an I-told-you-so look in my eyes, as if I were simply looking in a mirror.

I recoiled in horror, jumped almost straight out of my bed, and threw my phone across the room. I was terrified, I was shocked, and inside a little part of me knew that this was the beginning of the end of all I was comfortable with. I knew I had seen a glimpse of my own future.

Kenneth L. Jenkins, Minister and Elder of Pentecostal Church, USA

Foreword

As a former minister and elder of the Christian church, it has become incumbent upon me to enlighten those that continue to walk in darkness. After embracing Islam, I felt a dire need to help those who have not yet been blessed to experience the light of Islam.

I thank Almighty God, for having mercy upon me, causing me to come to know the beauty of Islam as taught by Prophet Muhammad and his rightly guided followers. It is only by the mercy of God that we receive true guidance and the ability to follow the straight path, which leads to success in this life and the Hereafter.

Praise be to God for the kindness shown to me by Sheikh ‘Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Baz upon my embracing Islam. I cherish and will pass on the knowledge gained from each meeting with him. There are many others who have helped me by means of encouragement and knowledge, but for fear of missing anyone, I will refrain from attempting to list them. Sufficient it is to say that I thank Almighty God, for each and every brother and sister that He has allowed to play a role in my growth and development as a Muslim.

I pray that this short work will be of benefit to all. I hope that Christians will find that there is yet hope for the wayward conditions that prevail over the bulk of Christendom. The answers to Christian problems are not to be found with the Christians themselves, for they are, in most instances, the root of their own problems. Rather, Islam is the solution to the problems plaguing the world of Christianity, as well as the problems facing the so-called world of religion as a whole. May God guide us all and reward us according to the very best of our deeds and intentions.

Abdullah Muhammad al-Faruque at-Ta’if, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Beginnings

As a young boy I was raised with a deep fear of God. Having been partially raised by a grandmother who was a Pentecostal fundamentalist, the church became an integral part of my life at a very early age. By the time I had reached the age of six, I knew all too well the benefits awaiting me in Heaven for being a good little boy and the punishment awaiting in Hell for little boys who are naughty. I was taught by my grandmother that all liars were doomed to go to the Hellfire, where they would burn forever and ever.

My mother worked two full-time jobs and continued to remind me of the teachings given to me by her mother. My younger brother and older sister did not seem to take our grandmother’s warnings of the Hereafter as seriously as I did. I recall seeing the full moon when it would take on a deep reddish hue, and I would begin to weep because I was taught that one of the signs of the end of the world would be that the moon would become red like blood. As an eight year old child I began to develop such a fear at what I thought were signs in the heavens and on earth of Doomsday that I actually had nightmares of what the Day of Judgment would be like. Our house was close to a set of railroad tracks, and trains passed by on a frequent basis. I can remember being awakened out of sleep by the horrendous sound of the locomotive’s horn and thinking that I had died and was being resurrected after hearing the sound of the trumpet. These teachings were ingrained in my young mind through a combination of oral teachings and the reading of a set of children’s books known as the Bible Story.

Every Sunday we would go to church dressed in all of our finery. My grandfather was our means of transportation. Church would last for what seemed to me like hours. We would arrive at around eleven in the morning and not leave until sometimes three in the afternoon. I remember falling asleep in my grandmother’s lap on many occasions. For a time my brother and I were permitted to leave church in between the conclusion of Sunday school and morning worship service to sit with our grandfather at the railway yard and watch the trains pass. He was not a churchgoer, but he saw to it that my family made it there every Sunday. Sometime later, he suffered a stroke which left him partially paralyzed, and as a result, we were unable to attend church on a regular basis. This period of time would be one of the most crucial stages of my development.

Rededication

I was relieved, in a sense, at no longer being able to attend church, but I would feel the urge to go on my own every now and then. At age sixteen, I began attending the church of a friend whose father was the pastor. It was a small storefront building with only my friend’s family, myself, and another schoolmate as members. This went on for only several months before -the church closed down. After graduating from high school and entering the university, I rediscovered my religious commitment and became fully immersed in Pentecostal teachings. I was baptized and “filled with the Holy Ghost,” as the experience was then called. As a college student, I quickly became the pride of the church. Everyone had high hopes for me, and I was happy to once again be “on the road to salvation”.

I attended church every time its doors would open. I studied the Bible for days and weeks at a time. I attended lectures given by the Christian scholars of my day, and I acknowledged my call to the ministry at the age of 20. I began preaching and became well known very quickly. I was extremely dogmatic and believed that no one could receive salvation unless they were of my church group. I categorically condemned everyone who had not come to know God the way I had come to know Him. I was taught that Jesus Christ (may the blessing and mercy of God be upon him) and God Almighty were one and the same thing. I was taught that our church did not believe in the trinity, but that Jesus (may God praise him) was indeed the Father, Son and Holy Ghost. I tried to make myself understand it even though I had to admit that I really did not fully understand it. As far as I was concerned, it was the only doctrine that made sense to me. I admired the holy dress of the women and the pious behavior of the men. I enjoyed practicing a doctrine where women were required to dress in garments covering themselves completely, not painting their faces with makeup, and carrying themselves as true ambassadors of Christ. I was convinced beyond a shadow of a doubt that I had finally found the true path to eternal bliss. I would debate with anyone from a different church with different beliefs and would totally silence them with my knowledge of the Bible. I memorized hundreds of Biblical passages, and this became a trademark of my preaching. Yet, even though I felt assured of being on the right path, a part of me was still searching. I felt that there was an even higher truth to be attained.

I would meditate while alone and pray to God to lead me to the correct religion and to forgive me if what I was doing was wrong. I had never had any contact with Muslims. The only people I knew that claimed Islam as their religion were the followers of Elijah Muhammad, who were referred to by many as the “Black Muslims” or the “Lost-Found Nation.” It was during this period in the late seventies that Minister Louis Farrakhan was well into rebuilding what was called “The Nation of Islam.” I went to hear Minister Farrakhan speak at the invitation of a coworker and found it to be an experience that would change my life dramatically. I had never in my life heard another black man speak the way that he spoke. I immediately wanted to arrange a meeting with him to try to convert him to my religion. I enjoyed evangelizing, hoping to find lost souls to save from the Hellfire - no matter who they were.

After graduating from college I began to work on a full-time basis. As I was reaching the pinnacle of my ministry, the followers of Elijah Muhammad became more visible, and I appreciated their efforts in attempting to rid the black community of the evils that were destroying it from within. I began to support them, in a sense, by buying their literature and even meeting with them for dialogue. I attended their study circles to find out exactly what they believed. As sincere as I knew many of them were, I could not buy the idea of God being a black man. I disagreed with their use of the Bible to support their position on certain issues. Here was a book that I knew very well, and I was deeply disturbed at what I deemed was their misinterpretation of it. I had attended locally supported Bible schools and had become quite knowledgeable in various fields of Bible study.

After about six years, I moved to Texas and became affiliated with two churches. The first church was led by a young pastor who was inexperienced and not very learned. My knowledge of the Christian scriptures had by this time developed into something abnormal. I was obsessed with Biblical teachings. I began to look deeper into the scriptures and realized that I knew more than the present leader. As a show of respect, I left and joined another church in a different city where I felt that I could learn more. The pastor of this particular church was very scholarly. He was an excellent teacher but had some ideas that were not the norm in our church organization. He held somewhat liberal views, but I still enjoyed his indoctrination. I was soon to learn the most valuable lesson of my Christian life, which was “all that glitters is not gold.” Despite its outward appearance, there were evils taking place that I never thought were possible in the Church. These evils caused me to reflect deeply, and I began questioning the teaching to which I was so dedicated.

Welcome to the Real Church World

I soon discovered that there was a great deal of jealousy prevalent in the ministerial hierarchy. Things had changed from that to which I was accustomed. Women wore clothing that I thought was shameful. People dressed in order to attract attention, usually from the opposite sex. I discovered just how great a part money and greed play in the operation of church activities. There were many small churches struggling, and they called upon us to hold meetings to help raise money for them. I was told that if a church did not have a certain number of members, then I was not to waste my time preaching there because I would not receive ample financial compensation. I then explained that I was not in it for the money and that I would preach even if there was only one member present... and I’d do it for free! This caused a disturbance. I started questioning those whom I thought had wisdom, only to find that they had been putting on a show. I learned that money, power and position were more important than teaching the truth about the Bible. As a Bible student, I knew full well that there were mistakes, contradictions and fabrications. I thought that people should be exposed to the truth about the Bible. The idea of exposing the people to such aspects of the Bible was a thought supposedly attributable to Satan. But I began to publicly ask my teachers questions during Bible classes, which none of them could answer. Not a single one could explain how Jesus was supposedly God, and how, at the same time, he was supposedly the Father, Son and Holy Ghost wrapped up into one and yet was not a part of the trinity. Several preachers finally had to concede that they did not understand it but that we were simply required to believe it.

Cases of adultery and fornication went unpunished. Some preachers were hooked on drugs and had destroyed their lives and the lives of their families. Leaders of some churches were found to be homosexuals. There were pastors even guilty of committing adultery with the young daughters of other church members. All of this coupled with a failure to receive answers to what I thought were valid questions was enough to make me seek a change. That change came when I accepted a job in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

A New Beginning

It was not long after arriving in Saudi Arabia that I saw an immediate difference in the lifestyle of the Muslim people. They were different from the followers of Elijah Muhammad and Minister Louis Farrakhan in that they were of all nationalities, colors and languages. I immediately expressed a desire to learn more about this peculiar brand of religion. I was amazed with the life of Prophet Muhammad and wanted to know more. I requested books from one of the brothers who was active in calling people to Islam. I was supplied with all of the books that I could possibly want. I read each and every one. I was then given the Holy Quran and read it completely several times within four months. I asked question after question and received satisfactory answers. What appealed to me was that the brothers were not keen on impressing me with their knowledge. If a brother did not know how to answer a question, he would tell me that he simply did not know and would have to check with someone who did. The next day he would always bring the answer. I noticed how humility played such a great role in the lives of these mysterious people of the Middle East.

I was amazed to see the women covering themselves from face to foot. I did not see any religious hierarchy. No one was competing for any religious position. All of this was wonderful, but how could I entertain the thought of abandoning a teaching that had followed me since childhood? What about the Bible? I knew that there is some truth in it even though it had been changed and revised countless numbers of times. I was then given a video cassette of a debate between Sheikh Ahmed Deedat and Reverend Jimmy Swaggart. After seeing the debate I immediately became a Muslim.

I was taken to the office of Sheikh Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Baz to officially declare my acceptance of Islam. It was there that I was given sound advice on how to prepare myself for the long journey ahead. It was truly a birth from darkness into light. I wondered what my peers from the Church would think when they heard that I had embraced Islam. It was not long before I found out. I went back to the United States for vacation and was severely criticized for my “lack of faith.” I was stamped with many labels - from renegade to reprobate. People were told by so-called church leaders not to even remember me in prayer. As strange as it may seem, I was not bothered in the least. I was so happy that Almighty God, had chosen to guide me aright that nothing else mattered.

Now I only wanted to become as dedicated a Muslim as I was a Christian. This, of course, meant study. I realized that a person could grow as much as they wanted to in Islam. There is no monopoly of knowledge - it is free to all who wish to avail themselves of the opportunities to learn. I was given a set of Saheeh Muslim as a gift from my Quran teacher. It was then that I realized the need to learn about the life, sayings and practices of Prophet Muhammad, may the blessing and mercy of God be upon him. I read and studied as many of the hadeeth collections available in English as possible. I realized that my knowledge of the Bible was an asset that is now quite useful in dealing with those of Christian backgrounds. Life for me has taken on an entirely new meaning. One of the most profound attitude changes is a result of knowing that this life must actually be spent in preparation for life in the Hereafter. It was also a new experience to know that we are rewarded even for our intentions. If you intend to do good, then you are rewarded. It was quite different in the Church. The attitude was that “the path to Hell is paved with good intentions.” There was no way to win. If you sinned, then you had to confess to the pastor, especially if the sin was a great sin, such as adultery. You were judged strictly by your actions.

The Present and Future

After an interview by the Al-Madinah newspaper I was asked about my present-day activities and plans for the future. At present, my goal is to learn Arabic and continue studying to gain greater knowledge about Islam. I am presently engaged in the field of dawah and am called upon to lecture to non-Muslims who come from Christian backgrounds. If God, Almighty, spares my life, I hope to write more on the subject of comparative religion.

It is the duty of Muslims throughout the world to work to spread the knowledge of Islam. As one who has spent such a long time as a Bible teacher, I feel a special sense of duty in educating people about the errors, contradictions and fabricated tales of a book believed in by millions of people. One of the greatest joys is knowing that I do not have to engage in a great deal of dispute with Christians, because I was a teacher who taught most of the dispute techniques used by them. I also learned how to argue using the Bible to defend Christianity. And at the same time I know the counter arguments for each argument which we, as ministers, were forbidden by our leaders to discuss or divulge.

It is my prayer that God will forgive us all of our ignorance and guide us to the path leading to Paradise. All praise is due to God. May God praise His last messenger, Prophet Muhammad, his family, companions, and those following true guidance.

كينيث جينكينز القسيس الأمريكي السابق

هذا الموضوع هو في الحقيقة كتيب أصدره القسيس السابق Kenneth L. Jenkinsأو عبد الله الفاروق حاليا .. وهو يصف قصة اعتناقه لهذا الدين العظيم ... انظر غلاف الكتيب : يقول فيه : " كقسيس سابق وكرجل دين في الكنيسة كانت مهمتي هي إنارة الطريق للناس للخروج بهم من الظلمة التي هم بها ... وبعد اعتناقي الإسلام تولدت لدي رغبة عارمة بنشر تجربتي مع هذا الدين لعل نوره وبركته تحل على الذين لم يعرفوه بعد... أنا احمد الله لرحمته بي بإدخالي للإسلام ولمعرفة جمال هذا الدين وعظمته كما شرحها الرسول الكريم وصحابته المهتدين ... انه فقط برحمة الله نصل إلى الهداية الحقة والقدرة لإتباع الصراط المستقيم الذي يؤدي للنجاح في هذه الدنيا وفي الآخرة... ولقد رأيت هذه الرحمة تتجلى عندما ذهبت للشيخ عبد العزيز بن باز واعتنقت الإسلام ولقد كانت محبته تزداد لدي وأيضاً المعرفة في كل لقاء لي به .... هناك أيضاً الكثير الذين ساعدوني بالتشجيع والتعليم ولكن لخوفي لعدم ذكر البعض لن أذكر أسمائهم... انه يكفي أن أقول الحمد لله العظيم الذي يسير لي كل أخ وكل أخت ممن لعبوا دورا هاماً لنمو الإسلام في داخلي وأيضاً لتنشئتي كمسلم.... أنا أدعو الله أن ينفع بهذا الجهد القصير أناساً كثيرين ... وأتمنى من النصارى أن يجدوا الطريق المؤدي للنجاة.. إن الأجوبة لمشاكل النصارى لا تستطيع أن تجدها في حوزة النصارى أنفسهم لأنهم في أغلب الأحيان هم سبب مشاكلهم... لكن في الإسلام الحل لجميع مشاكل النصارى والنصرانية ولجميع الديانات المزعومة في العالم...نسأل الله أن يجزينا على أعمالنا ونياتنا .... البداية : كطفل صغير .... نشئت على الخوف من الرب ...وتربيت بشكل كبير على يد جدتي وهي أصولية مما جعل الكنيسة جزء مكمل لحياتي....وأنا لازلت طفلا صغيراً ...بمرور الوقت وببلوغي سن السادسة ... كنت قد عرفت ما ينتظرني من النعيم في الجنة وما ينتظرني من العقاب في النار.... وكانت جدتي تعلمني أن الكذابين سوف يذهبون إلى النار إلى الأبد... والدتي كانت تعمل بوظيفتين ولكنها كانت تذكرني بما تقوله لي جدتي دائماً... أختي الكبرى وشقيقي الأصغر لم يكونوا مهتمين بما تقوله جدتي من إنذارات وتحذيرات عن الجنة والنار مثلما كنت أنا مهتماً !! لا زلت أتذكر عندما كنت صغيرا عندما كنت انظر إلى القمر في الأحيان التي يكون فيها مقتربا من اللون الأحمر ... وعندها ابدأ بالبكاء لأن جدتي كانت تقول لي إن من علامات نهاية الدنيا أن يصبح لون القمر أحمر ....مثل الدم... عند بلوغي الثامنة كنت قد اكتسبت معرفة كبيرة وخوف كبير بما سوف ينتظرني في نهاية العالم ...وأيضاً كانت تأتيني كوابيس كثيرة عن يوم الحساب وكيف سيكون؟؟ بيتنا كان قريباً جداً من محطة السكة الحديد وكانت القطارات تمر بشكل دائم.... أتذكر عندما كنت أستيقظ فزعاً من صوت القطار ومن صوت صفارته معتقدا أني قد مت وأني قد بعثت !! غلاف الكتاب هذه الأفكار كانت قد تبلورت في عقلي من خلال التعليم الشفوي من قبل جدتي وكذلك المقروء مثل قصص الكتاب المقدس .... في يوم الأحد كنا نتوجه إلى الكنيسة وكنت ارتدي أحسن الثياب وكان جدي هو المسؤول عن توصيلنا إلى هناك ....وأتذكر أن الوقت كان يمر هناك كما لو كان عشرات الساعات !! كنا نصل هناك في الحادية عشر صباحا ولا نغادر إلا في الثالثة.... أتذكر أني كنت أنام في ذلك الوقت في حضن جدتي ... وفي بعض الأحيان كانت جدتي تسمح لي بالخروج للجلوس مع جدي الذي لم يكن متديناً ... وكنا معاً نجلس لمراقبة القطارات.... وفي أحد الأيام أصيب جدي بالجلطة مما اثر على ذهابنا إلى المعتاد إلى الكنيسة .... وفي الحقيقة كانت هذه الفترة حساسة جداً في حياتي ... بدأت اشعر في تلك الفترة بالرغبة الجامحة للذهاب إلى الكنيسة وفعلا بدأت بالذهاب لوحدي .. وعندما بلغت السادسة عشرة بدأت بالذهاب إلى كنيسة أخرى كانت عبارة عن مبنى صغير وكان يشرف عليها والد صديقي ...وكان الحضور عبارة عني أنا وصديقي ووالده ومجموعة من زملائي في الدراسة .... واستمر هذا الوضع فقط بضعة شهور قبل أن يتم إغلاق تلك الكنيسة .. وبعد تخرجي من الثانوية والتحاقي بالجامعة تذكرت التزامي الديني وأصبحت نشطاً في المجال الديني.... وبعدها تم تعميدي .... وكطالب جامعي ... أصبحت بوقت قصير أفضل عضو في الكنيسة مما جعل كثير من الناس يعجبون بي ... وأنا أيضاً كنت سعيداً لأني كنت اعتقد أني في طريقي " للخلاص"... كنت أذهب إلى الكنيسة في كل وقت كانت تفتح فيه أبوابها .... وأيضاً أدرس الكتاب المقدس لأيام ولأسابيع في بعض الأحيان ... كنت أحضر محاضرات كثيرة كان يقيمها رجال الدين .... وفي سن العشرين أصبحت احد أعضاء الكنيسة ...وبعدها بدأت بالوعظ .... وأصبحت معروفا بسرعة كبيرة.. في الحقيقة أنا كنت من المتعصبين وكان لدي يقين أنه لا يستطيع احد الحصول على الخلاص ما لم يكن عضوا في كنيستنا !! وأيضاً كنت استنكر على كل شخص لم يعرف الرب بالطريق التي عرفته أنا بها ... أنا كنت أؤمن أن يسوع المسيح والرب عبارة عن شخص واحد ... في الحقيقة في الكنيسة تعلمت أن التثليث غير صحيح ولكني بالوقت نفسه كنت اعتقد أن يسوع والأب وروح القدس شخص واحد !! حاولت أن افهم كيف تكون هذه العلاقة صحيحة ولكن في الحقيقة أبدا لم استطع الوصول إلى نتيجة متكاملة بخوص هذه العقيدة !! أنا أعجب باللبس المحتشم للنساء وكذلك التصرفات الطيبة من الرجال .. أنا كنت ممن يؤمنون بالعقيدة التي تقول أن على المرأة تغطية جسدها!وليست المرأة التي تملأ وجهها بالميكياج وتقول أنا سفيرة المسيح !.... كنت في هذا الوقت قد وصلت إلى يقين بأن ما أنا فيه الآن هو سبيلي إلى الخلاص... وأيضاً كنت عندما ادخل في جدال مع أحد الأشخاص من كنائس أخرى كان النقاش ينتهي بسكوته تماما .... وذلك بسب معرفتي الواسعة بالكتاب المقدس كنت أحفظ مئات النصوص من الإنجيل .... وهذا ما كان يميزني عن غيري ... وبرغم كل تلك الثقة التي كانت لدي كان جزء مني يبحث ... ولكن عن ماذا ..؟؟ عن شيء أكبر من الذي وصلت إليه! كنت أصلي باستمرار للرب أن يهديني إلى الدين الصحيح ... وأن يغفر لي إذا كنت مخطئاً ... إلى هذه اللحظة لم يكن لي أي احتكاك مباشر مع المسلمين ولم أكن اعرف أي شيء عن الإسلام .... وكل ما عرفته هو ما يسمى ب " امة الإسلام" وهي مجموعة من السود أسسوا لهم ديناً خاصاً بهم وهو عنصري ولا يقبل غير السود ... ولكن أسموه " امة الإسلام" وهذا مما جعلني اعتقد أن هذا هو الإسلام ... مؤسس هذا الدين اسمه " اليجا محمد"وهو الذي بدأ هذا الدين والذي أسمى مجموعته أيضاً "المسلمين السود" ....في الحقيقة قد لفت نظري خطيب مفوه لهذه الجماعة اسمه لويس فرقان وقد شدني بطريقة كلامه وكان هذا في السبعينات من هذا القرن ... وبعد تخرجي من الجامعة كنت قد وصلت إلى مرحلة متقدمة من العمل في المجال الديني .... وفي ذلك الوقت بدا أتباع "اليجه محمد "بالظهور بشكل واضح ... وعندها بدأت بدعمهم خصوصا أنهم يحاولون الرقي بالسود مما هم عليه من سوء المعاملة والأوضاع بشكل عام... بدأت بحضور محاضراتهم لمعرفة طبيعة دينهم بالتحديد... ولكني لم اقبل فكرة أن الرب عبارة عن رجل أسود (كما كان من اعتقاد أصحاب أمة الإسلام) ولم أكن أحب طريقتهم في استخدام الكتاب المقدس لدعم أفكارهم.... فأنا أعرف هذا الكتاب جيدا ... ولذلك لم أتحمس لهذا الدين(وكنت في هذا الوقت اعتقد انه هو الإسلام!!) وبعد ست سنوات انتقلت للعيش في مدينة تكساس ... وبسرعة التحقت لأصبح عضوا في كنيستين هناك وكان يعمل في واحدة من هاتين الكنيستين شاب صغير بدون خبرة في حين أن خبرتي في النصرانية كانت قد بلغت مبلغاً كبيراً وفوق المعتاد أيضاً ... وفي الكنيسة الأخرى التي كنت عضوا فيها كان هناك قسيس كبير في السن ورغم ذلك لم يكن يمتلك المعرفة التي كنت أنا امتلكها عن الكتاب المقدس ولذلك فضلت الخروج منها حتى لا تحصل مشاكل بيني وبينه ... عندها انتقلت للعمل في كنيسة أخرى .... في مدينة أخرى وكان القائم على تلك الكنيسة رجل محنك وخبير وعنده علم غزير ... وعنده طريقة مدهشة في التعليم .... ورغم انه كان يمتلك أفكاراً لا أوافقه عليها إلا انه كان في النهاية شخصاً يمتلك القدرة على كسب الأشخاص... في هذا الوقت بدأت أكتشف أشياء لم أكن أعلمها بالكنيسة وجعلتني أفكر فيما أنا فيه من دين...!!! مرحبا بكم في عالم الكنيسة الحقيقي: بسرعة اكتشفت أن في الكنيسة الكثير من الغيرة وهي شائعة جداً في السلم الكنسي... وأيضاً أشياء كثيرة غيرت الأفكار التي كنت قد تعودت عليها .... على سبيل المثال النساء يرتدين ملابس أنا كنت اعتبرها مخجلة ... والكل يهتم بشكله من اجل لفت الانتباه ... لا أكثر ...للجنس الآخر !! الآن اكتشفت كيف أن المال يلعب لعبة كبرى في الكنائس.. لقد أخبروني أن الكنيسة إذا لم تكن تملك العدد المحدد من الأعضاء فلا داعي أن تضيع وقتك بها لأنك لن تجد المردود المالي المناسب لذلك .... عندها أخبرتهم أني هنا لست من اجل المال... وأنا مستعد لعمل ذلك بدون أي مقابل ... وحتى لو وجد عضو واحد فقط...!! هنا بدأت أفكر بهؤلاء الذين كنت أتوسم فيهم الحكمة كيف أنهم كانوا يعملون فقط من اجل المال!! لقد اكتشفت أن المال والسلطة والمنفعة كانت أهم لديهم من تعريف الناس بالحقيقة ... هنا بدأت اسأل هؤلاء الأساتذة بعض الأسئلة ولكن هذه المرة بشكل علني في وقت المحاضرات .... كنت اسألهم كيف ليسوع أن يكون هو الرب؟؟.... وأيضاً في نفس الوقت روح القدس والأب والابن ووو... الخ... ولكن لا جواب!! كثير من هؤلاء القساوسة والوعاظ كانوا يقولون لي أنهم هم أيضاً لا يعرفون كيف يفسرونها لكنهم في نفس الوقت يعتقدون أنهم مطالبون بالإيمان بها !! وكان اكتشاف الحجم الكبير من حالات الزنا والبغاء في الوسط الكنسي وأيضاً انتشار المخدرات وتجارتها فيما بينهم وأيضاً اكتشاف كثير من القساوسة الشواذ جنسيا أدى بي إلى تغيير طريقة تفكيري والبحث عن شيء آخر ولكن ما هو ؟ وفي تلك الأيام استطعت أن أحصل على عمل جديد في المملكة العربية السعودية ... بداية جديدة: لم يمر وقت طويل حتى لاحظت الأسلوب المختلف للحياة لدى المسلمين..... كانوا مختلفين عن أتباع "اليجه محمد" العنصريين الذين لا يقبلون إلا السود ... الإسلام الموجود في السعودية يضم كافة الطبقات ...وكل الأعراق ... عندها تولدت لدي رغبة قوية في التعرف على هذا الدين المميز... كنت مندهشاً لحياة الرسول صلى الله عليه وسلم وكنت أريد أن اعرف المزيد .. طلبت مجموعة من الكتب من أحد الأخوة النشيطين في الدعوة إلى الإسلام .... صورة لبطاقة القسيس السابق كنت أحصل على جميع الكتب التي كنت أطلبها ....قرأتها كلها بعدها أعطوني القرآن الكريم وقمت بقراءته عدة مرات ...خلال عدة أشهر ...سألت أسئلة كثيرة جداً وكنت دائماً أجد جواباً مقنعاً ...الذي زاد في إعجابي هو عدم إصرار الشخص على الإجابة ... بل انه إن لم يكن يعرفها كان ببساطة يخبرني انه لا يعرف وانه سوف يسأل لي عنها ويخبرني في وقت لاحق !! وكان دائما في اليوم التالي يحضر لي الإجابة .... وأيضاً مما كان يشدني في هؤلاء الناس المحيرين هو اعتزازهم بأنفسهم !! كنت أصاب بالدهشة عندما أرى النساء وهن محتشمات من الوجه إلى القدمين ! لم أجد سلم ديني أو تنافس بين الناس المنتسبين للعمل من أجل الدين كما كان يحدث في أمريكا في الوسط الكنسي هناك .... كل هذا كان رائعا ولكن كان هناك شيء ينغص علي وهو كيف لي أن اترك الدين الذي نشأت عليه ؟؟ كيف أترك الكتاب المقدس؟؟ كان عندي اعتقاد انه به شيء من الصحة بالرغم من العدد الكبير من التحريفات والمراجعات التي حصلت له .... عندها تم إعطائي شريط فيديو فيه مناظرة اسمها "هل الإنجيل كلمة الله"وهي بين الشيخ أحمد ديداتوبينالقسيس جيمي سواجارت...وبعدها على الفور أعلنت إسلامي!!!!!! بعدها تم اخذي إلى مكتب الشيخ عبد العزيز بن باز لكي أعلن الشهادة وقبولي بالإسلام ... وتم أعطائي نصيحة عما سوف أواجهه بالمستقبل ....إنها في الحقيقة ولادة جديدة لي بعد ظلام طويل ..... كنت أفكر بماذا سوف يقول زملائي في الكنيسة عندما يعلمون بخبر اعتناقي للإسلام؟؟ لم يكن هناك وقت طويل لأعلم .... بعد ان عدت للولايات المتحدة الأمريكية من اجل الإجازة أخذت الانتقادات تضربني من كل جهة على ما أنا عليه من "قلة الايمان " على حد قولهم !! وأخذوا يصفوني بكل الأوصاف الممكنة ... مثل الخائن والمنحل أخلاقياً ... وكذلك كان يفعل رؤساء الكنيسة ... ولكني لم أكن اعبىء بما كانوا يقولوه لأني الآن فرح ومسرور بما انعم الله علي به من نعمة وهي الإسلام ... أنا الآن أريد أن أكرس حياتي لخدمة الإسلام كما كنت في المسيحية ... ولكن الفرق أن الإسلام لا يوجد فيه احتكار للتعليم الديني بل الكل مطالب أن يتعلم ...... تم إهدائي صحيح مسلم من قبل مدرس القرآن .... عندها اكتشفت حاجتي لتعلم سيرة الرسول صلى الله عليه وسلم ... وأحاديثه وما عمله في حياته ...... فقمت بقراءة الأحاديث المتوفرة باللغة الانجليزية بقدر المستطاع ... أيضاً أدركت أن خبرتي بالمسيحية نافعة جدا لي في التعامل مع النصارى ومحاججتهم... حياتي تغيرت بشكل كامل ... وأهم شيء تعلمته أن هذه الحياة إنما هي تحضيرية للحياة الأخروية ... وأيضاً مما تعلمته أننا نجازى حتى بالنيات .... أي انك إذا نويت أن تعمل عملا صالحا ولم تقدر أن تعمله لظرف ما ... فان جزاء هذا العمل يكون لك .... وهذا مختلف تماماً عن النصرانية.... الآن من أهم أهدافي هو تعلم اللغة العربية وتعلم المزيد عن الإسلام .... وأنا الآن اعمل في حقل الدعوة لغير المسلمين ولغير الناطقين بالعربية..... وأريد أن اكشف للعالم التناقضات والأخطاء والتلفيقات التي يحتويها الكتاب الذي يؤمن به الملايين حول العالم (يقصد الكتاب المقدس للنصارى) وأيضاً هناك جانباً إيجابياً مما تعلمته من النصرانية انه لا يستطيع احد أن يحاججني لأني اعرف معظم الخدع التي يحاول المنصرون استخدامها لخداع النصارى وغيرهم من عديمي الخبرة .... أسأل الله أن يهدينا جميعاً إلى سواء الصراط " انتهى. جزاه الله خيرا وهذا الكلام لا يصدر في الحقيقة إلا من رجل صادق عرف الله فامن به ... ومن ثم كبر الايمان في قلبه ... حتى أصبح هدفه هو هداية الناس جميعا !!! وهذا الرجل تنطبق عليه الآية الكريمة التالية :" لَتَجِدَنَّ أَشَدَّ النَّاسِ عَدَاوَةً لِّلَّذِينَ آمَنُواْ الْيَهُودَ وَالَّذِينَ أَشْرَكُواْ وَلَتَجِدَنَّ أَقْرَبَهُمْ مَّوَدَّةً لِّلَّذِينَ آمَنُواْ الَّذِينَ قَالُوَاْ إِنَّا نَصَارَى ذَلِكَ بِأَنَّ مِنْهُمْ قِسِّيسِينَ وَرُهْبَانًا وَأَنَّهُمْ لاَ يَسْتَكْبِرُونَ * وَإِذَا سَمِعُواْ مَا أُنزِلَ إِلَى الرَّسُولِ تَرَى أَعْيُنَهُمْ تَفِيضُ مِنَ الدَّمْعِ مِمَّا عَرَفُواْ مِنَ الْحَقِّ يَقُولُونَ رَبَّنَا آمَنَّا فَاكْتُبْنَا مَعَ الشَّاهِدِينَ * وَمَا لَنَا لاَ نُؤْمِنُ بِاللّهِ وَمَا جَاءنَا مِنَ الْحَقِّ وَنَطْمَعُ أَن يُدْخِلَنَا رَبَّنَا مَعَ الْقَوْمِ الصَّالِحِينَ " سورة المائدة اية82-84.

Embryology and Human Creation between Quran &Science

Embryology and Human Creation between Quran & Science

Embryology and Human Creation between Quran &Science

Dr. Sharif Kaf Al-Ghazal
August 2004

Historical background

Since Aristotle had summed up the prevailing theories in his age relating to the creation of the embryo, controversy continued among the supporters of the theory of the full dwarf embryo existing in man’s sperm and those of the theory of the full dwarf embryo created out of the woman’s menstrual blood coagulation (thickening). Most of them believed that man was reduced into that sperm drop, and they drew a figure in which they imagined the embryo as a full creature in the sperm drop, which then grew up in the womb as a small tree. (Figure 1).
None of both groups could realize that man’s sperm and woman’s ovum participate in the creation of the embryo, as supported by the Italian Scientist “Spallanzani” in the year of 1775. In 1783, Van Beneden was able to confirm this statement, and thus the idea of the dwarf embryo had been discarded. During the years 1888 and 1909 Boveri proved that chromosomes when divided carry the different genetic characteristics. Morgan, in 1912, was able to determine the role of genes, existing in certain parts of chromosomes, in hereditary.

Therefore, it is clear that mankind did not realize that the embryo is created of a man’s sperm mingled with a woman’s ovum except in the 18th century, and only to be confirmed at the beginning of the 20th century.

On the other hand, the Holy Quran and the Prophetic speeches have confirmed in a very accurate scientific manner the creation of man from a mingled fluid-drop (nutfa amshaj), as coined by the Quran, which says ;
( إِنَّا خَلَقْنَا الإِنسَانَ مِنْ نُطْفَةٍ أَمْشَاجٍ نَبْتَلِيهِ فَجَعَلْنَاهُ سَمِيعًا بَصِيرًا) (الإنسان:2)
“Verily We created man from a drop of a mingled fluid-drop (nutfa amshaj), in order to try him: so We gave him (the gifts), of hearing and sight.” (76:2). It has been agreed upon by commentators of the Holy Quran that “amshaj” means mingling, as man’s water mingles with that of the woman, and this is also what the Prophet (peace be upon him) confirmed in one of his speeches. Imam Ahmed indicated in his book “Al Musnad” that a Jew passed by the Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) while he was addressing his companions. Some people from Quarish said; “O Jew! This man proclaims that he is a prophet.” The Jew said: “ I will ask him of something no one knows except a prophet.” He asked the prophet (PBUH); “ O Mohammed! What is man created from? The Prophet (PBUH) said; “O Jew! Man is created from both: man’s fluid (nutfa) and woman’s fluid.” The Jew said; “This is said by those prophets before you.” .

In the next few pages, the embryological developments as indicated in the Quranic verses will be discussed, while shedding light on the fixed scientific facts in each stage of development.

The Sperm

Scientific facts :

The sperms are formed in the testicles, which in turn are created, as proved by embryology, from cells underneath the kidneys at the back and then go down to the lower abdomen at the last weeks of pregnancy. Man’s fluid mainly contains the following components: the sperms which should be gushing, and motile to cause fertilization and Prostaglandin which causes contractions to the uterus, thus helping the transport of sperms into the place of fertilization. The man's fluid (semen) contains also sugar necessary for providing energy for the sperms, different fluids for neutralising the acids at the entrance of the uterus and creating a slippery environment for the easy movement of the sperms.
While hundred millions of these sperms (500 m.- 600 m.) enter through the vagina to the uterine cervix, only one sperm is able to fertilize the ovum (Fig. 2); crossing through a long distance to reach the place of fertilization in the Fallopian Uterine Tube which connects the ovary with the uterus. The distance is full of obstacles that can be compared with the distance man takes to reach the moon! After direct fertilization, a quick change occurs to the membrane of the ovum preventing the entrance of the rest of the sperms.

The sperm contains 23 chromosomes, of which one chromosome determines the sex of the embryo. The chromosome in the sperm is either (Y) or (X), while the chromosome in the ovum is always (X). When a sperm of the chromosome type (Y) mingles with an ovum of the chromosome (X), the formed zygote will be male (XY), whereas the embryo will be female (XX) if the sperm (X) mingles with an (X) ovum. So, the sex of the embryo is determined by the sperm (the male), rather than the ovum (the female).

After 5 hours of forming the zygote, which is the primary human cell containing 46 chromosomes, the dominant and recessive genetic characteristics can appear in the parent's sons or grandsons (the stage of genetic programming) . The zygote is then divided quickly (Fig. 3) without a change in size and move from the Fallopian Tube (connecting the ovary and the uterus) towards the uterus, where it is implanted as seeds are implanted in the soil.

The Uterus is the place where the embryo grows and develops before emerging as a fully created and well formed child. The uterus is distinguished as a safe place to perform this function for the following reasons:

1- The location of the uterus in the woman’s pelvis, where it is protected with ligaments and fascia that hold the uterus from the sides and allow its mobility and growth to hundred times its size at full term pregnancy.
2- Muscles of pelvis and perineum fix the uterus in-situ.
3- The secretion of Progesterone (pregnancy hormone) helps stabilize the uterus and slows down the uterine contractions.
4- The embryo in uterus is surrounded with different membranes that produce amniotic fluid which the embryo swims in to protect the embryo from the effect of external traumas .

The process of fertilization and the travel of the zygote to the uterus continue for about 6 days, and the zygote keeps implanting ( known as blastocyst) and growing in the uterus wall for 15 days, when the Alaqa (thick clotted blood) stage begins.

Reflections and comments on related Quranic verses:

“Nutfa” in Arabic means “very little water” or “a drop of water”. This coincides with man’s water which contain sperms as part of its components. The sperm or (spermatozoon) is reproduced from the despised lowly water (nutfa) and looks like a long-tailed fish (this is one of the meanings of Sulalah). Allah the Almighty says;
( الَّذِي أَحْسَنَ كُلَّ شَيْءٍ خَلَقَهُ وَبَدَأَ خَلْقَ الْإِنسَانِ مِن طِينٍ . ثُمَّ جَعَلَ نَسْلَهُ مِن سُلَالَةٍ مِّن مَّاء مَّهِينٍ ) (السجدة :7-8)
“He It is Who created all things in the best way and began the creation of man from clay, and made his progeny from an extract of despised fluid (Sulalah) ” (32: 7-8)
The other meaning of Sulalah is "extract", means the essential or best part of something . By either implication, it means "part of a whole" indicating that the origin of creation is from only part of man's fluid and not all of it (which contains many components as shown above) . Clarifying the role of the nutfa in creation, He the Almighty says;
( فَلْيَنظُرِ الْإِنسَانُ مِمَ خُلِقَ. خُلِقَ مِن مَّاء دَافِقٍ) (الطارق 5-6)
“So, let man consider of what he was created . He was created of gushing water ” (86: 5-6) and also says;
( خَلَقَ الإِنسَانَ مِن نُّطْفَةٍ فَإِذَا هُوَ خَصِيمٌ مُّبِينٌ ) (النحل : 4)
“He has created man from a sperm (fluid-drop) and behold this same (man) becomes an open disputer.” (16: 4). The Quran tells us also that the essence of man is not the whole semen, but only a small part of it. this is explained in the Quran :
( أَيَحْسَبُ الْإِنسَانُ أَن يُتْرَكَ سُدًى ، أَلَمْ يَكُ نُطْفَةً مِّن مَّنِيٍّ يُمْنَى ) القيامة 36-37
Does man think that he will be left uncontrolled (without purpose)? Was he not once a fluid-drop of ejected semen? . (75:36-37
As we have seen , the Quran informs us that man is made not from the entire semen, but only a small part of it. That the particular emphasis in this statement announces a fact only discovered by modern science is evidence that the statement is divine in origin. The divine statement also reiterates that man’s characteristics are determined and decreed in the nutfa stage, as He says
( قُتِلَ الْإِنسَانُ مَا أَكْفَرَهُ . مِنْ أَيِّ شَيْءٍ خَلَقَهُ . مِن نُّطْفَةٍ خَلَقَهُ فَقَدَّرَهُ ) ( عبس17-19)
“Woe to man! What has made him reject (Allah)? From what stuff has He created him? From a nutfa (fluid-drop) He has created him, and then moulds him in due proportions.” (80: 17-19). And Allah says :
(إِنَّا خَلَقْنَا الإِنسَانَ مِنْ نُطْفَةٍ أَمْشَاجٍ نَبْتَلِيهِ فَجَعَلْنَاهُ سَمِيعًا بَصِيرًا ) (الإنسان:2)
“Verily We created man of a fluid-drop (nutfa), mingling (amshaj) , in order to try him: so We gave him (the gifts of) hearing and sight.” (76:2). The mingled nutfa in this verse reveals the Quran miraculous nature. Nutfa, in Arabic, is a single small drop of water, but it was described here as (amshaj) , which means its structure consists of combined mixtures . This fits with the scientific finding, as the zygote is shaped as a drop, and is simultaneously a mixture of male fluid chromosomes and female ovum chromosomes.
Has anyone ever thought, before the Quran was revealed, that man’s nutfa, when ejected, is responsible for determining if the embryo will be male or female? Has this ever occurred to one’s mind? The Quran says;
( وَأَنَّهُ خَلَقَ الزَّوْجَيْنِ الذَّكَرَ وَالْأُنثَىِ . من نُّطْفَةٍ إِذَا تُمْنَى) ) النجم 45-46 )
“That He created the pairs, male and female, from a fluid-drop sperm as it is emitted.” (53: 45-46), confirming that man’s gender as male or female is determined when the sperm drop is emitted. Who told the Prophet Mohammed that the sperm (nutfa) with one of its types (Y) or (X) is responsible for determining the sex of the embryo? This was not discovered except after the invention of microscopes in the past century, when it was possible then to know that the embryo being a male or female is only determined by the sperm (nutfa), rather than the ovum. In other words, we were in the beginning of the 20th century and the whole of mankind were not aware that the nutfa decrees if the embryo is male or female. While the Quran, which was revealed 14 centuries ago, has stated this fact in a very clear manner.

Here is a remarkable note! We have mentioned earlier that the sperms are formed in the testicles, which in turn are created, as proved by embryology, from cells underneath the kidneys at the back and then go down to the lower abdomen at the last weeks of pregnancy. This is in confirmation of Allah’s saying :
( وإذ أخذ ربك من بني آدم من ظهورهم ذريتهم ) (الأعراف 172)
“And remember when your Lord brought forth from the children of Adam, from their loins, their seeds…” (7: 172). This is a clear indication that the origin of progeny is at the region of the back where the embryonic testicles are formed. So, praise be to Allah the Omniscient.

The uterus, as mentioned before, is considered as a place settled (Makeen) and safe for the growth and protection of the embryo, according to reasons mentioned earlier. We find that Quran mentions and affirms this fact 14 centuries ago, as He Almighty says:
( فَجَعَلْنَاهُ فِي قَرَارٍ مَّكِينٍ . إِلَى قَدَرٍ مَّعْلُومٍ . فَقَدَرْنَا فَنِعْمَ الْقَادِرُونَ ) ( المرسلات :21-23)
”The which (embryo) We placed in a place of settlement, firmly fixed for a period (of gestation), determined. For We do determine, for We are the best to determine (things). (77: 21-23).