I suppose I would call myself a Christian before I came to Islam. Attended church, bible study groups, and an A level in Christian theology and also led the music worship at my local church. Despite following Jesus’ commandments etc I found that there was always so much debate over the bible and text, different translations, different churches and streams of denominations. I felt the worship was always around Jesus staring at that big cross in church, random statues around the building as well as on top of it.

But it said in the bible not to worship idols? Also why did Jesus always talk about the Father? Was He not God then? What about the Old Testament please?! I found myself slowly getting so frustrated with my questions; no one really gave me answers.

The music worship side started to annoy me as well, people getting swept away with the music; it was all so emotional and run by emotions. I hated the relaxed attitude people had that Jesus was their best friend. God the creator of everything in the whole universe should be feared, worshipped with respect, and we should bow in awe constantly as we are so not worthy.

But finally through prayer and guidance I found what I feel to be the true faith. I can finally worship the one true God, the creator of the heavens and the earth and not have to associate any partners with God.

My life has changed to the positive; I feel that I am on the right path. I gained a greater understanding, I have more love and respect and tolerance. I gained a nice, peaceful and lovely family (all my brothers and sisters in Islam) and I have a greater and more open horizon because I am gaining knowledge as well. Most of all I feel that I am truly loved by one: Allah ( which is just the Arabic word for God). For all those things I don’t need any logical explanation. I enjoy it. I am grateful for it and I live for it.

First of all whoever does good does good for himself and whoever does bad does bad for himself. God does not gain anything nor lose anything from our actions. It is us who need Him not the other way around.

There was a young man who went overseas to study for quite a long time. When he returned, he asked his parents to find him a religious scholar or any expert who could answer his 3 Questions. Finally, his parents were able to find a Muslim scholar.Young man: Who are you? Can you answer my questions?Scholar: I am one of Allah (SubHana Wa Ta’ala)'s slaves and Insha-Allah (God willing), I will be able to answer your questions.Young man: Are you sure? A lot of Professors and experts were not able to answer my questions.Scholar: I will try my best, with the help of Allah (SubHana Wa Ta`ala).

Young Man: I have 3 questions:1. Does God exist? If so, show me His shape.2. What is taqdir (fate)?3. If shaitan (Devil) was created from the fire, why at the end he will be thrown to hell that is also created from fire. It certainly will not hurt him at all, since Shaitan (Devil) and the hell were created from fire. Did God not think of it this far?

Suddenly, the Scholar slapped the young man's face very hard.Young Man (feeling pain): Why do you get angry at me?Scholar: I am not angry. The slap is my answer to your three questions.Young Man: I really don't understand.Scholar: How do you feel after I slapped you?Young Man: Of course, I felt the pain.Scholar: So do you believe that pain exists?Young Man: Yes.Scholar: Show me the shape of the pain!Young Man: I cannot.Scholar: That is my first answer. All of us feel God's existence without being able to see His shape... Last night, did you dream that you will be slapped by me?Young Man: No.Scholar: Did you ever think that you will get a slap from me, today?Young Man: No.Scholar: That is taqdir (fate) my second answer........ My hand that I used to slap you, what is it created from?Young Man: It is created from flesh.Scholar: How about your face, what is it created from?Young Man: Flesh.Scholar: How do you feel after I slapped you?Young Man: In pain.Scholar: That's it. This is my third answer, Even though Shaitan (Devil) and hell were created from fire, if Allah wants, insha-Allah (God willing), the hell will become a very painful place for shaitan.

The scholar was Imam Abu Hanifa (Rahmatulla Alai) and the man was a famous Jewish scholar of that time. After this incident, it is told that he became Muslim...