✨The story of the #conversion of Dr. Jeremiah D. McAuliffe

http://rahyafte.com/en/1270/

@rahyafte_en

🍀#Professor_Yasir _Suleiman, Director of Cambridge’s Centre of Islamic Studies, said: “In the #West, #conversion to #Islam has been tarnished by claims of #extremism (violent and non-violent), radicalisation, and, sadly, terrorism. It has also fallen victim to the general apathy towards faith in largely #secular societies causing those who convert to be described by some as not only eccentrics, misfits, outcasts and rebels, but also as renegades, traitors or enemies of a fifth column who have turned their back on their original culture(s).

🌐 http://rahyafte.com/en/2907

🦋t.me/rahyafte_en🦋

✅Who was #Edoardo_Agnelli?
✅How was his #conversion to #Islam?


#convert

🦋 t.me/rahyafte_en

🍀 Those years I delayed my #conversion to #Islam were the worst years of my #life...

#Convert #rahyafte

🌐 http://rahyafteha.ir/en/4760

💠t.me/rahyafte_en

✨The #Ahlulbayt were the main reason for my #conversion
#convert
#muslimah

🌐http://rahyafteha.ir/en/6497

💠http://t.me/rahyafte_en

🌍http://m.facebook.com/Rahyafte

✅Who was #Edoardo_Agnelli?
✅How was his #conversion to #Islam?

#ادواردو_آنیلی فرزند سناتور جیانی آنیلی ثروتمند #ایتالیایی و مالک کارخانجات اتومبیل سازی فیات، فراری، مازراتی، آلفا رومئو، لانچیا، آبارت، اویکو به همراه چندین کارخانه تولید قطعات صنعتی، چند بانک خصوصی، شرکتهای طراحی مد و لباس، روزنامه‌های پرتیراژ لاستامپا و کوریره دلاسرا، باشگاه اتومبیل‌رانی فراری و باشگاه فوتبال #یوونتوس بود.

🔴 #ادواردو شرح مسلمان شدنش را چنین می‌گوید:
«در نیویورک که بودم یک روز در کتابخانه قدم می‌زدم و کتاب‌ها را نگاه می‌کردم چشمم افتاد به #قرآن. کنجکاو شدم که ببینم در قرآن چه چیزی آمده‌است. آنرا برداشتم و شروع کردم به ورق زدن و آیاتش را به انگلیسی خواندم، احساس کردم که این کلمات، کلمات نورانی است و نمی‌تواند گفته بشر باشد. خیلی تحت تأثیر قرار گرفتم، آن را امانت گرفتم و بیشتر مطالعه کردم و احساس کردم که آن را می‌فهمم و قبول دارم.»

#convert

🦋 t.me/rahyafte_en

❌ A video of a non-Muslim from the West who, out of curiosity, turned to the Quran because of the #Gaza bombings, went viral. Here's a glimpse of some of the hundreds of comments that Westerners left under this post, sharing their thoughts on Islam and the Quran. 👆

👇

I think I'll start reading the Quran from now on.
I declared my faith yesterday; I've never felt this peaceful before.
I need to cling to the Quran.
I converted to Islam yesterday, reading the Quran brings so much tranquility.
I'm a new Muslim; I declared my faith this month. 🥰
Today, on October 25th, I returned to Islam (converted).
Can someone help me? I want to become a Muslim.
I really want to become a Muslim, but I don't know how to tell my parents.
Are we all supposed to buy the Quran? Because I want to get one.
I bought the Quran today, and I'm so excited.
I'm a Christian, and I see how strong the Palestinians in Gaza are in their beliefs. It makes me interested in Islam.
I'm starting tomorrow.
I'm going to read the Quran (I intend to read the Quran).
My soul is urging me to read the Quran.

🌐 @rahyafte_en #Islam #Quran #Conversion #Faith #Peaceful #Curiosity #Religion

Art Blakey (Abdullah Ibn Buhaina): A Jazz Legend's #Conversion to Islam

Art Blakey, the legendary jazz drummer, embraced Islam, adopting the name Abdullah Ibn Buhaina, and his spiritual journey not only enriched his personal life but also added a profound depth to his contributions to the world of jazz, where his drumming became a form of artistic worship.
#Rahyafte
🌐 @rahyafte_en

Art Blakey (Abdullah Ibn Buhaina): A Jazz Legend's #Conversion to Islam

Early Life and Musical Beginnings:
Born on October 11, 1919, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, as Abdullah Ibn Buhaina, Art Blakey is renowned as one of the greatest jazz drummers in history. He began his musical journey in the swing era, playing alongside prominent figures like Fletcher Henderson and Billy Eckstine.

Formation of the Jazz Messengers:
In 1954, Art Blakey co-founded the Jazz Messengers, a group that would become a breeding ground for some of the most influential jazz musicians. Over the years, the Jazz Messengers featured talents like Horace Silver, Hank Mobley, Wayne Shorter, and Freddie Hubbard. The band played a crucial role in the development of hard bop, a subgenre of jazz that blended bebop with elements of blues and gospel music.

Conversion to Islam:
Art Blakey's conversion to Islam occurred during a period when he was exploring various aspects of spirituality and philosophy. His embrace of Islam led to the adoption of the name Abdullah Ibn Buhaina. While specific details about his conversion are not widely documented, it is known that his faith became an integral part of his life.

Impact of Islam on His Art:
Abdullah Ibn Buhaina's spirituality, rooted in Islam, profoundly influenced his musical expressions. The spiritual discipline, dedication, and mindfulness inherent in Islamic teachings likely contributed to the depth and soulfulness of his drumming. Jazz, for Blakey, became a form of artistic worship, a means of connecting with something larger than himself.

Continued Musical Legacy:
Under Blakey's leadership, the Jazz Messengers produced a vast discography and served as a training ground for emerging talents. His distinctive drumming style, characterized by explosive energy and a deep sense of swing, left an indelible mark on the world of jazz. The Jazz Messengers, and later versions of the band, continued to be a driving force in the evolution of jazz throughout the 20th century.

Recognition and Honors:
Art Blakey received numerous accolades during his career, including a Grammy Award for Lifetime Achievement in 2005. His impact on the jazz world extends beyond his skill as a drummer; he was a mentor, bandleader, and a force for innovation within the genre.

Legacy:
Art Blakey passed away on October 16, 1990, but his legacy endures through the countless musicians he inspired and the body of work he left behind. His journey into Islam adds an intriguing dimension to his life story, showcasing the intersection of spirituality and artistic expression in the world of jazz.
#Rahyafte
🌐 @rahyafte_en

🔺 Cassia, a new Muslim from England

The feeling when I uttered the Shahadah was akin to being awakened from a deep slumber, as if someone had shaken me to clarity. It was a sensation of potent serenity, illumination, and above all, peace.
[Link: rahyafteha.ir/34578/]

🌐 Follow us @rahyafte_en for more. #NewMuslim #Conversion #FaithJourney 🕊️

Leyla Hossein, formerly Jewish, recently converted to Islam.

The first thing that inspired me was the Quran. All the evidence I found indicated that this is a true religion...

Check out Leyla's inspiring journey here: https://rahyafteha.ir/69408/

#Conversion #FaithJourney #Inspiration #Islam #Quran #Testimony 🕌

Barbara, a recent convert to Islam from France, expresses, "If I hadn't embraced Islam, my life would have been devoid of meaning." Her journey into Islam unveils a profound transformation, echoing the sentiment that faith can imbue existence with depth and purpose. Explore her inspiring story: [Link] 🌐 #Conversion #Islam #France #LifeJourney 🕌

A Buddhist monk converts to Islam after 50 years of being a monk!

🌐 @rahyafte_en

#Conversion #Islam #Buddhism #SpiritualJourney #Faith #Inspiration #Transformation 🌟🙏

🔺 Lina Konstantin, the newly converted Muslim woman from Egypt

The Quran transformed all my thoughts about Jesus...

#Islam #Quran #Conversion #Inspiration #NewMuslim
🌐 @rahyafte_en

✅ When the Christian mother of the newly converted Muslim, Ms. Niki (Zahra) Harman, a Dutch #NewMuslim, visited the shrine of Hazrat Masoumeh (SA)....

https://rahyafteha.ir/33080/

🌐 @rahyafte_en
#HazratMasoumeh #NewMuslim #Conversion #Islam

Becoming a Shia Muslim
During my studies, I came across a book by a non-Muslim Dutch orientalist, which detailed the events after the passing of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). I had a deep admiration for Lady Fatima Zahra (SA) and tried to model my life after hers. This book helped me greatly in that regard, and I was deeply moved by the sufferings she endured. This inspired me to persevere through my own challenges, constantly reminding myself that my difficulties were insignificant compared to the trials Lady Fatima faced. Through this journey, I discovered the truth of Shia Islam and became a follower of the Twelve Imams.

One day, while shopping, a woman who appeared to be an immigrant approached me and asked, "If you wanted to wear a hijab, why did you come here? You should have stayed in your own country." I lifted my niqab and said, "This is my country. I was born here, and I chose my faith through research, and I am committed to it." The woman was taken aback and walked away.

I longed to connect with other Shia Muslims, but they are quite rare in Europe. Eventually, I met an Iranian woman online, and we had many discussions about faith. This led to an invitation from her to visit Iran, where I stayed at her home. After some time, her brother proposed to me, and I returned to the Netherlands to discuss it with my family. My grandmother was strongly opposed, fearing for my safety, but my mother, seeing the joy and transformation in me, gave her blessing, and I returned to Iran and got married.

My Mother's Changing Views on Islam and Iran
My mother attended our wedding in Iran, and her perspective on Muslims changed after interacting with my in-laws and experiencing the culture. During a visit to the shrine of Hazrat Masoumeh in Qom, my mother wept and touched the sacred grill. My sister-in-law asked her, "Do you understand that people come here to ask for their needs?" My mother replied, "Yes, that’s why I came here. But when I mention this back home, people tell me, ‘How can someone ask for help from a being they cannot see? You must be out of your mind!’"

One of my husband’s relatives told my mother, "You don’t need to wear a hijab inside the house since you’re not a Muslim." But my mother responded, "No, that’s not right. Hijab is part of the law here, and I respect the laws of this country."

My mother was also amazed by the safety in Iran, observing that women could walk outside even at 10 PM, whereas in Europe, women don’t usually go out after dark. She returned to the Netherlands with a determination to change the perception of Iran among her acquaintances.

🌐 @rahyafte_en #NewMuslim #Conversion #Islam #Shia

Richard Kilehoard, #NewMuslim from Belgium:

✅ "By embracing Islam, I was saved from death..."
Read more: rahyafteha.ir/4330

#Islam #Conversion #Faith #LifeChanging

🗣️ The Great Debate: How Allamah al-Hilli Led a Sultan to Shi’ism

In the court of Sultan Muhammad Khodabandeh (Öljaitü) of the Ilkhanate, a historical turning point took place—one that reshaped the religious landscape of Iran. The story is narrated by Muhammad Taqi al-Majlisi in his commentary on Man La Yahduruh al-Faqih, and echoed in works like A'yan al-Shia and Rawdat al-Jannat.

---

📖 The Background:
One day, in a fit of anger, the Sultan pronounced three divorces (ṭalāq al-thalāth) to his wife — a critical issue in Islamic law.

📌 What is “Three Divorces” (Ṭalāq al-Thalāth)?
It is a divorce pronounced by a husband three times. According to consensus among Shi‘a and Sunni jurists, a woman who has been divorced three times becomes ḥarām (forbidden) for her former husband to remarry — unless she first marries another man, and after that marriage ends (by divorce or death), she may then return to her first husband.

· Shi‘a View: A triple divorce must occur over three separate sessions — the husband must revoke (rujū‘) or remarry between each pronouncement. Pronouncing three divorces in one sitting is invalid.
· Sunni View: It is permissible to pronounce a triple divorce all at once.

The ruling is derived from Quran, Surah Al-Baqarah, verses 229-230.

After calming down, the Sultan deeply regretted his action and sought a religious solution. The Sunni scholars of the four schools were summoned, but none could offer a way to revoke the divorce.

Then, a minister mentioned a scholar who could solve the issue: Allamah al-Hilli (r.a.).

---

⚔️ The Debate Begins:
A grand assembly was held with scholars from all four Sunni schools present. When Allamah al-Hilli entered, he carried his own shoes and sat beside the Sultan.

When questioned about this unusual act, he replied humorously:
“I feared a Hanafi might steal them, just as their founder stole the Prophet’s (PBUH) sandal!”
The Hanafis protested: “Abu Hanifa wasn’t alive during the Prophet’s time!”
Allamah said: “My mistake—it must have been a Shafi’i!”
And so he repeated the jab for each school, exposing that none of the four founders lived during the Prophet’s era.

Then he turned to the Sultan and said:
“Sunni Muslims have innovated by choosing four imams after the Prophet—while we, the Shi’a, follow Ali (AS), the Prophet’s brother, successor, and the gate to the city of knowledge.”

---

⚖️ The Ruling on the Divorce:
Regarding the Sultan’s divorce, Allamah declared — based on Shi‘a jurisprudence:
“Your divorce is invalid. One condition for a valid triple divorce is the presence of two just witnesses who hear it. Did two just witnesses hear it?”
The Sultan said no.
“Then the divorce never occurred, and your wife is still lawful to you.”

---

🕯️ The Aftermath:
Allamah then engaged in deep theological debate with the Sunni scholars, answering every objection with clarity and proof. By the end, Sultan Muhammad Khodabandeh embraced Shi’ism right there in the assembly.
During his reign, he gave official recognition to the Shi’a faith, marking a pivotal moment in Iranian history.

---

🌟 Lessons from This Event:
✅ Knowledge coupled with courage can change history.
✅ Following the Ahl al-Bayt (AS) means following those directly linked to the Prophet’s legacy.
✅ Sometimes, divine guidance arrives through unexpected debates—and a pair of shoes.

#AllamahAlHilli #ShiaIslam #IslamicHistory #Debate #SultanKhodabandeh #Ilkhanate #Conversion #Ahlulbayt #Knowledge #Wisdom #Iran #IslamicLaw #Divorce #Fiqh

✅ @rahyafte_en

Interestingly, when asked about the greatest challenge of becoming a Twelver Shia, the person did not mention learning Arabic, attending a mosque or changing their daily lifestyle.

They identified something much more fundamental:

Going from having no belief in God to having an absolute belief in God.

That is a much bigger psychological and philosophical transition than simply changing religious affiliation.

For someone raised as an atheist, the starting point is not:

“Which religion is true?”

It can be:

“Is there anything beyond the material world at all?”

Only after that question is answered does the next one become possible.

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

🧩 What can we actually learn from this story?

We should be careful not to turn one person's experience into a general rule.

This is a single self-reported testimony, posted anonymously on Reddit.

It cannot tell us how common this pathway is.

But it does give us a fascinating example of one possible route:

Atheism → Theism → Islam → Shi‘ism

And it shows that conversion can involve multiple separate intellectual decisions rather than one single leap.

First:

“I believe God exists.”

Then:

“I believe Islam is true.”

And finally:

“I believe Twelver Shi‘ism best explains Islam.”

Three different questions.

Three different stages of the journey.

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

🌱 A second recent example

Interestingly, another Reddit testimony from May 2025 describes a similar journey.

That person says they were raised by atheist parents and began searching for spiritual answers as a teenager.

After exploring several religions, they came to believe in monotheism and eventually Islam.

They then chose Twelver Shi‘ism, mentioning the stories of Sayyidah Fatimah, the Twelve Successors, Karbala, and an interest in Iranian culture among the factors that drew them toward Shi‘ism.

Again, this is an individual testimony — not statistical evidence.

But having two recent, independent personal accounts with a similar broad structure is noteworthy.

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

💭 Perhaps the most interesting question isn't “Why did they become Muslim?”

It's this:

Why didn't their search end with belief in God?

For these individuals, becoming convinced that God exists was only the beginning.

They continued searching for answers about:

Who is God?
What is revelation?
Why Islam?
Who should lead the Muslim community?
What happened after the Prophet Muhammad?
What is the significance of Ghadir Khumm?
What is the role of the Ahl al-Bayt?

And eventually, their answers led them toward Twelver Shi‘ism.

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

📌 SOURCE
Personal AMA published on Reddit:
May 26, 2026

🔗 Full testimony and Q&A:
https://www.reddit.com/r/religion/comments/1toicd6/i_am_a_former_atheist_who_has_converted_to/

A related 2025 testimony:
https://www.reddit.com/r/progressive_islam/comments/1kojtwh/i_was_raised_atheist_and_that_was_what_i_believed/

📚 For academic context:
Akif Tahiiev, “Becoming a Shia in Russia: Reasons for Conversion to Shi‘ism in Russia”, Anthropological Journal of European Cultures, 2025.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/399917744_Becoming_a_Shia_in_Russia_Reasons_for_Conversion_to_Shi%27ism_in_Russia

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

Sometimes a religious journey doesn't begin with faith.

Sometimes it begins with a question.

And sometimes one question leads to another — until a person finds an answer they are willing to build their life around.

#Islam #ShiaIslam #Shiism #TwelverShia #Conversion #Atheism #Faith #IslamicStudies #AhlulBayt

🆔 @rahyafte_en