My coming to Allah was probably the most amazing thing that could have ever happend to me and like so many others I was raised semi Christian. My parents, even with strong Christian backgrounds, neither practice nor observed their faith. It was like so many people who just say they are something just to say it. So growing up I was spiritually devoid and never thought much about God or how "The Merciful" related to my life.

I got all the way through college without thinking of God and practicing my so-called "religion". I never fundementally believed in the trinity or in Christianity which is why I never went out my way to practice it. And after seeing so many people claim to be Christians but yet did nothing that their fatih required of them I became even more resistent to it.

While driving one day I almost got into an accident and if it had not been for Allah I would have surely died. After this horrible event I pulled by the side of the road and began to cry. I thought, "what if I did die? My soul would be in jeporady." "Would I go to hell?"

I went along thinking about that day for weeks. My aunt (who is a muslim) was visiting us in Columbus and I began to ask her questions about Islam. We talked for hours and I always respected the fact that she was so diligent in practicing her religion even if I did not understand exactly what it was all about. She told me to attend a Jummah service on that Friday if I was interested and talk to the Imam of the masjid. I did just that going to the service that Friday. The first time I was surrounded by muslims I was blown away. Seeing all of those different kinds of people(races,ethnicities,nationalit ies) was astounding to me because Christianity in this country is so race conscience. I was greated by some many salaams and heartfelt greetings that I felt immediately like I was a member of their community. I talked with Imam for a short while before the service was to start asking him every question I could think of. It was at that next moment where I heard the most beautiful song that has ever entered my ears. That sound was the Athan; sang by a 15 year old boy. I began to cry instantly, tears streaming down my face. I did not know what the boy was saying (as it was in Arabic) but I knew what he was saying was right. Afterwards the Imam invited me back and gave me his number in case I had anymore questions. I ended up going back every Friday for the next two months. On the 9th visit I made my shahada in front of the whole community. It was the most rememberable day of my life. I was greeted with cheers, tears, and many invites to dinner:) That is my story and I thank Allah for bringing me to him.

May God place peace in all of your lives and continue to bless you and keep you.

Your brother in Islam,

Eugene