Stephen Schwartz, an American Journalist Convert to Islam in Bosnia

The man who was born in Columbus, Ohio is known as a journalist and frequently criticized the Bush administration. Now he underwent Islam and diligent prayer

Stephen Schwartz was born in Columbus, Ohio in 1948. More than half of his life was spent with a career journalist and author sebagaiStephen Schwartz. Stephen knew Islam and bersyahadah when served as a reporter in Bosnia. After embracing Islam, a former senior journalist San Francisco Chronicle is often criticized the Bush administration that is often equated with Islamic terrorists. Controversial articles appeared in a number of leading newspapers such as The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Los Angeles Times, and The Toronto Globe and Mail. Stephen is also a regular contributor to The Weekly Standard, The New York Post and Reforma in Mexico City. Here's the story of a man who claimed to be interested in the lives of Sufi Islam in Bosnia and when the congregation actively participates in activities Naqshabandiah. Here's the news.

Stephen Schwartz embraced Islam in Bosnia in 1997 or at the age of 49. Previously, more than 30 years, he conducted a study and draw from different life experiences and learn the history of several religions of the Book. How did he was impressed with the religion of Islam?

"I'm interested in Islam since 1990 during a visit to Bosnia to conduct a study of Jewish history in the Balkans. I need the data to fill a regular column in the Jewish journal Forward. Well, in that study, I had time to establish contacts with the Balkan Muslim figures, "Stephen's story.

If you view the history of his life, he claimed came from a "religious". "I was raised in an environment that is really extreme for most Americans. My father was a devout Jew. While my mother was the daughter of a prominent fundamentalist Protestant groups. He is very familiar with the Bible, as well the Old and New Testament," said the man who adds Suleiman Ahmad in front of his name after embracing Islam.

Stephen's own claim, first contact with religion is when taking part in the Catholic church. While it was not yet decided to join the teaching, he was interested in some literature about mysticism in Catholicism. His curiosity made him perform a number of studies and extensive research into the country until the Spanish matador.

Research in Spain

At the beginning of his research, Stephen observes that behind the triumph of Spanish Catholicism there was a strong influence of Islamic history when in power in Spain. He admitted that he was amazed and inspired by the Islamic religion which still survive in some traditions there.

"As a writer, I was researching this phenomenon for years. At first I learned that history through a variety of ancient literary works that show the influence of Islam in the Iberian region," he said.

Early 1979, he began studying Kabbalah, a mystical Jewish tradition. "Well, pull in the Kabbalah that I found also the influence of Islam," said Stephen, who studied the Kabbalah for nearly 20 years.

Know Islam in Bosnia

During the studied Kabbalah, he had traveled to Bosnia in his capacity as a reporter. "In 1990 for the first time I've come into contact directly with the Bosnian Muslims and for the first time anyway, I visited a mosque in the capital Sarajevo," he said.

"Slowly, I saw that Islam could offer a way" closest "to get the love of God," said the man who is also actively follow orders Naqshabandiah time in Bosnia. He met with Sheikh Hisham, a teacher Naqshabandi congregation there. Her heart was really impressed until in a matter of weeks he too bersyahadah in the Balkan country's. "I'm proud to be Muslims," ​​I am he.

In Sarajevo, Stephen found a lot of things that impress her. "I found an outpost of Islam in Europe, during which I did not feel as a foreigner there. Now where I was so easily able to meet and mingle directly with the people of Islam are so friendly, so too among the educated. I found the poem and musical composition so beautiful, expressing the values ​​of dignity and peace in Islam, "said he was filled with admiration.

"I've found an" old park "beautiful," Stephen said quoting one of the temple of the most famous Bosnian song that tells about the heyday of the Ottoman Caliphate in the Balkans and its contribution to Islamic culture.

Stephen also read some parts of the Koran and visited Islamic monuments in the Balkans during his visit.

"I like back to the garden and finally into it," said he gives is like. Yes, he finally did decide to convert to Islam when in Bosnia.

Fear of conflict arising

Since accepting Islam, Stephen is very careful in sending information Islam, be it to family, friends to the nearby neighbors.

"I do not want to carelessly give this info, fear of conflict and controversy will arise .. I do not want this experience is seen or labeled as something stupid or petty. This is not about me personally, but it relates to God. I want this process of Islamic are in a reasonable way. It is solely for the good of Muslims and also for the establishment of relations within the bonds of Islamic brotherhood la ilaha illallah, "he said.

"I observe, sometimes non-Muslims see as a new convert to Islam who are affected by life in the Balkans. But I soon straighten this opinion claiming that Islam is not because I like to engage the political or humanitarian reasons, but solely because of pure wonderful message brought by Prophet Muhammad as a messenger of God, "he said again.

Peace in Islam

"As I mentioned at the beginning, I found that the positive things in Jewish and Christian religions of the Book. These values ​​were positively reflected in the teachings of Islam. So, Islam came refine previous religion," said Stephen.

"I'm very confident, without any tolerance Arabs Spanish first, especially when the Ottoman Caliphate still prevail, then the Jews have long gone from this earth's surface. As Judaism today, it is very much different from teaching them while still coexist with the Muslims first, "said Stephen.

"After embracing Islam, the thing that really impressed me is the peace of mind with the presence of God in every thing. Appear feeling soft, polite, modest and sincere feeling. My life is so easy. Even when I have a problem or exams in this life, "said Stephen, who is very sure if the values ​​of Islam will be able to solve various problems in America, especially the matter of moral crisis.

Bush Criticism

Sort of. Stephen Schwartz is currently believed to be the Executive Director of the Center for Islamic Pluralism, founded on March 25, 2005 and based in Washington DC. He is also author of best-selling book The Two Faces of Islam: Saudi Fundamentalism and Its Role In Terrorism.

The book has been translated into several languages. In the book he expressed his disapproval with the stamp of Islam not a terrorist and openly criticized the Bush administration is always identify with Arab terrorists. Due to the sharp criticism that Stephen was then sacked from his position as a news writer at the Voice of America's prestigious media.

Likewise, in some instances, when Stephen was deeply saddened to see the conflict in the Middle East. "I often dream of peace and friendship between Israel and the Arabs. Sepertimana Just when Jews could live peacefully in the leadership of the Muslims," ​​said the young man who dikala been involved in radical leftist groups.

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Christina Backer, from MTV to Mecca

Allah sent down and give him a light of guidance to whoever He wills, and by way of the unexpected. Similarly, a step that occurs in Christiane Backer, a German television star whose name is famous in the world of entertainment Europe.

Parker is the announcer on a giant music television station MTV, which has a network in almost every country in the world. For European viewers audience, Backer is one of the figures favorite announcer because of his ability.

Backer get the story of the beginning of the light guidance is unique, namely through the streets and the philosophy of love.

"When I find out the nature of love, that's where I got to know Islam. And of Islam, I found the truest love, the purest, namely the followers of God's love is so sincere, "Backer said, as reported by the Daily Alarabiyyah (25 / 8).

Backer of Islamic interest in also becoming. He further study religion in greater detail pungkasan it again, until finally pledged himself to be a Muslim.

"I finally establish Islam as an option and my way of life. And after becoming a Muslim, I had to actively undergo some rights and obligations of my religion, "he explained.

However, his decision to become a Muslim also reap other trials. Backer no longer be allowed to broadcast announcer. Not only that, my friends and relatives were exiling him.

Fortunately, both parents had no problem Backer the chosen way of life of his son. They even support it.

"Some time after I decided to become Muslim, I feel very alienation. I am ostracized by my friends and my relatives. But Alhamdulillah, my parents supported my actions and life choices for berislam. "

Islamic Backer was also a blessing for his family life. Both his parents are happy to see a new figure Backer, who has been the people of Muhammad.

"He has now become a girl who was energetic, full of optimism, ethical, and religious," I'm both parents Backer.

Backer also told, increasingly warm family atmosphere of the discussions about Islam. "My family is very much to take positive things from the religious teachings that he now embrace this."

To share his spiritual experiences, Backer wrote the book with interesting themes, namely "From MTV to Mecca", or "From MTV Towards Mecca". In the book, Backer told how he suffered displacement from the original life in the entertainment world are endowed with the popularity and financial, to then become a devout Muslim Europe.

What has been experienced by Backer is a valuable lesson for anyone. And sure enough, God's guidance can be achieved by love and compassion, not by war and violence.

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Asghar Masih, Tortured, Dumped from family and brought to justice

Pressure for those who are determined to embrace Islam alias converts have never known the word over. Often face obstacles to hurdle. Even perhaps the toughest challenge is raised her own family.

Condition that occurs in Maseeh Asghar who decided to embrace Islam. However, after switching beliefs, which are also at the same time changed its name to Abdur Rehman Sheikh, he instead dumped by his own family.

Not only that, he often gets even torture of his family. Speaking to reporters outside the Peshawar Press Club on Friday (10 / 6), Asghar Maseeh, showed traces of torture on his body.

He said that his family, including his elders out of the house and tortured him. The problem does not stop there. His wife who also decided to convert to Islam, with its new name Bibi Zainab, also met with resistance from his family.

In fact, the elders in his wife's family brought the matter to court. "Bibi Zainab also recorded his statement in court that he was willing to live with me," he said.

His three sons were all bearing the name of Islam. The first daughter, who was originally named Asghar Bhatti Amisha turned into Aunt Fatima, while the second Adisha Bibi Ayesha Bhatti become. While his son be Aashar Maseeh Abdullah.

Related case, the family converts this appeal to the High Court in Islamabad, Pakistan. Steps were taken to protect the family and his faith as well as the injustice of his parents.

In addition, he demanded justice for the alleged acts of violence in the form of torture. He said, "minorities enjoy equal rights in this country, but they are not ready to accept the decision about accepting Islam."

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Aminah Assilmi, converts to Islam and Sacrifice Everything

Not many people know Aminah Assilmi. He is the President of the International Union of Muslim Women who have died on March 6, 2010, in a car accident in Newport, Tennessee, United States.

Journey to Islam is quite unique. A memorable trip. It all started with a small error of a computer. At first, he was a Southern Baptist church girl-flow of the largest Protestant church in the U.S., a radical feminist, journalist and broadcaster.

When young, he's not an ordinary girl, but intelligent and excel in school and get scholarships. One day, a computer error occurs. Unbelievably, it took him to the mission as a Christian and changed his life as a whole.

In 1975 for the first time the computer is used for pre-registration process on campus. Actually, he enrolled in a class in the field of recreational therapy, but the computer mendatanya enter the theater class. Classes can not be canceled, because it was too late. Canceling classes is also not an option, because as a recipient of the scholarship value of F means danger.

Then, her husband suggested that Aminah is facing lecturers to look for alternatives in class performances. And how shocked he was, because the class is filled with Arab children and 'the camel'. Unable to, he went home and decided not to go to class anymore. It is impossible for him to be in the middle of the Arabs. "There's no way I was sitting in a class full of infidels," he said at the time.

Her husband tried to calm him down and said maybe God has a plan behind the incident. For two days Aminah shut myself to think, until he finally concluded that maybe is a clue from God, so he leads the Arabs to embrace Christianity. So he has a mission that must be accomplished. In class, she continues to discuss Christianity with Arab friends of his.

"I start by saying that they would burn in hell if you do not accept Jesus as savior. They were very polite, but not converted. Then I explained how Jesus loved, and dying on the cross to erase their sins. "

But his call did not work. Friends in her class did not want to turn away so he decided to study the Quran to show that Islam is a false religion and Mohammed was not a prophet. He also did research for one and a half years to finish reading the Quran.

But unconsciously, he slowly turns into a different person, and her husband noticed it. "I changed a little, but enough to make him annoyed. Usually we go to the bar every Friday and Saturday or to a party. And I no longer want to go. I became more quiet and away. "

Seeing the changes that occurred, her husband thought she was having an affair, because for a man that's what makes a woman transformed. Peak, he was asked to leave home and live in a different apartment. He continued to study Islam, while still being a devout Christian.

Finally, the guidance that comes. Finally on May 21, 1977, church-abiding states, "I testify that there is no god but Allah and Muhammad is his messenger."

Trip after saying two sentences creed, like other converts, is not an easy matter. Amina loses everything he loves. He lost almost all his friends, because it is not fun anymore. His mother could not accept and expect it is only burning passion that will soon be extinguished. His sister is a psychiatrist thought he was crazy. His father was a gentle cocked the weapon and ready to kill him.

Soon he was wearing a hijab. On the same day he lost his job.

Already complete. He lived without a father, mother, brothers, friends and work. If he had only lived apart with their husbands, divorce is now in sight. In court he had to make bitter decisions in his life; abandoned Islam and will not lose custody of their children or keep hold of Islam and must leave the children. "It is 20 minutes of the most painful in my life," he recalls.

Increased pain because the doctor had sentenced him would no longer have a child who suffered from complications. "I pray more than usual. I know, there is no safer place for my children than in the hands of God. If I deny Him, then the future is not possible for me to show them how wonderful to be close to God. "He decided to let go of her children, two sons and his little daughter.

However, Allah the Merciful. It provided anugerah with beautiful words that make many people touched and his Islamic behavior. He has turned into a different person, much better. So well that family, friends and relatives who are first hostile, gradually began to appreciate his choice.

On many occasions he sent greeting cards to them, which is inscribed the words of the wise Quran verses or hadith, without citing its sources. Some time later he also reap the seeds are planted. The first person to accept Islam was his grandmother who was more than 100 years. Shortly after converting to Islam was the grandmother died.

"On the day he said creeds, all his sins forgiven, and good deeds are recorded. Converted to Islam shortly after he died, I knew the book records the weight on the side of good deeds. It makes me filled with joy! "

Furthermore, the acceptance of Islam is the one who had wanted to kill him, father. Islamic father reminded her of the story of Umar bin Khattab. Two years after embracing Islam Aminah, his mother called and really appreciate the new faith. And he hopes will remain hugged Aminah.

A few years later the mother called again and asked what to do if someone wants to be Muslim. Amina replied that he must believe that there is only one God and Muhammad is his messenger. "If it's too stupid to know everyone. But what should he do? "Asked his mother again.

Aminah said, that if her mother had believed meant she was Muslim. His mother then said, "OK, fine. But do not tell the father first, "her message. Her mother did not know that her husband (stepfather Aminah) has become a Muslim a few weeks earlier. Thus they lived together for several years without knowing each other that their partners have embraced Islam.

His sister who was struggling to enter Aminah to a mental hospital, eventually embraced Islam. Aminah's son was growing up. Entering the age of 21, he called his mother and said she wanted to be Muslim.

Sixteen years after the divorce, her ex-husband also accepted Islam. He said, for sixteen years he watched Amina and wants their daughter the same religion as her mother. The man came to and apologized for what he had done. He is a very good man and Aminah had forgiven him long ago.

Perhaps the greatest gift to him is what he received then. Aminah married someone else, and although doctors have said he could not have children anymore, God bestowed on a son who turns out beautiful. If God wishes to give mercy to someone, then who can stop him? Then his son he named Barakah. Similarly, as reported by the website Republika Online.

He once lost a job, now the President of the International Union of Muslim Women. He successfully lobbied the United States Post Office to make the Eid postage and fight to keep the feast became a national U.S. holiday. Who had given sacrifices for the sake of defending Islam Aminah as if it was reciprocated.

"We all must die. I am sure that the pain I was experiencing contained blessings. "

Aminah Assilmi has now gone to leave everything he loved. Including his son who was hospitalized, a car accident on his way home from New York to preach the message of Islam.

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