🌟 A Journey to Islam: Chris Mortimer's Story
Source: http://rahyafteha.ir/40040/
Chris Mortimer: “The most peaceful place in the world is Mashhad al-Reza.”
In the second part of "Global Citizens," Chris Mortimer, a British convert to Islam, shares his inspiring journey. Having lived in Syria for a year, Chris often visited the shrine of Hazrat Zainab (SA). "Her shrine has a special feeling. She is the Mother of Calamities and has an extraordinary personality. Being there is like being near your own mother—someone who has endured great hardship and has always protected the survivors of Karbala. You feel you are in the presence of a great and powerful personality."
From London to Islam
Born and raised in south London, Chris grew up in a devout Catholic family. However, as a teenager, religion played a minimal role in his life. It wasn't until his friendship with Ali, an Iraqi Muslim, that he began to explore Islam deeply. Their bond wasn’t built on preaching but on genuine care and shared values. "What I truly felt about Ali was that he was my close friend and cared for me. He had a strong attachment to his faith—like when you have something good and want to share it with everyone."
Embracing Islam
After years of reflection, Chris converted at age 19. His family initially struggled with his decision, influenced by negative media portrayals of Islam. But over time, they witnessed positive changes in his behavior—more respect, helpfulness, and kindness. His mother even began buying halal meat for him.
Life-Changing Journeys
Chris’s first trip to Iran—visiting Isfahan, Tehran, Qom, and Mashhad—transformed his life. "When I went to the shrine of Imam Reza (AS), I said this is the most peaceful place in the world. Thousands, even hundreds of thousands, were there. It was crowded, yet it felt like the calmest place on earth." He also described his Hajj experience: "When I saw the Kaaba for the first time, an overwhelming force took over me. I fell into prostration and cried uncontrollably—a completely different experience for someone like me."
Marriage and Family
Chris met his wife, Safiya, while working on a religious TV program. Despite initial hesitations—her father was the director of an Islamic center—her family welcomed him warmly. They now hope to raise their children with multiple languages and a deep connection to their faith.
Media and Modern Challenges
Chris highlights the double standards in Western media: "You can’t criticize someone for being Jewish, or for their race, sexual orientation, or gender—but one group you can easily criticize is Muslims!" This pressure may eventually lead his family to consider moving to a Muslim-majority country for a more supportive environment.
A Message of Peace and Resilience
Chris’s story is a testament to the power of sincere friendship, personal research, and spiritual discovery. His journey reflects how the Islamic Revolution influenced Muslims worldwide, inspiring many to embrace their faith more deeply.
Read the full story at the link above. 🌸
#ConversionStory #BritishMuslim #JourneyToIslam #ImamKhomeini #IslamicRevolution #Mashhad #Hajj #Interfaith #Family #Resilience
âś… @rahyafte_en
Source: http://rahyafteha.ir/40040/
Chris Mortimer: “The most peaceful place in the world is Mashhad al-Reza.”
In the second part of "Global Citizens," Chris Mortimer, a British convert to Islam, shares his inspiring journey. Having lived in Syria for a year, Chris often visited the shrine of Hazrat Zainab (SA). "Her shrine has a special feeling. She is the Mother of Calamities and has an extraordinary personality. Being there is like being near your own mother—someone who has endured great hardship and has always protected the survivors of Karbala. You feel you are in the presence of a great and powerful personality."
From London to Islam
Born and raised in south London, Chris grew up in a devout Catholic family. However, as a teenager, religion played a minimal role in his life. It wasn't until his friendship with Ali, an Iraqi Muslim, that he began to explore Islam deeply. Their bond wasn’t built on preaching but on genuine care and shared values. "What I truly felt about Ali was that he was my close friend and cared for me. He had a strong attachment to his faith—like when you have something good and want to share it with everyone."
Embracing Islam
After years of reflection, Chris converted at age 19. His family initially struggled with his decision, influenced by negative media portrayals of Islam. But over time, they witnessed positive changes in his behavior—more respect, helpfulness, and kindness. His mother even began buying halal meat for him.
Life-Changing Journeys
Chris’s first trip to Iran—visiting Isfahan, Tehran, Qom, and Mashhad—transformed his life. "When I went to the shrine of Imam Reza (AS), I said this is the most peaceful place in the world. Thousands, even hundreds of thousands, were there. It was crowded, yet it felt like the calmest place on earth." He also described his Hajj experience: "When I saw the Kaaba for the first time, an overwhelming force took over me. I fell into prostration and cried uncontrollably—a completely different experience for someone like me."
Marriage and Family
Chris met his wife, Safiya, while working on a religious TV program. Despite initial hesitations—her father was the director of an Islamic center—her family welcomed him warmly. They now hope to raise their children with multiple languages and a deep connection to their faith.
Media and Modern Challenges
Chris highlights the double standards in Western media: "You can’t criticize someone for being Jewish, or for their race, sexual orientation, or gender—but one group you can easily criticize is Muslims!" This pressure may eventually lead his family to consider moving to a Muslim-majority country for a more supportive environment.
A Message of Peace and Resilience
Chris’s story is a testament to the power of sincere friendship, personal research, and spiritual discovery. His journey reflects how the Islamic Revolution influenced Muslims worldwide, inspiring many to embrace their faith more deeply.
Read the full story at the link above. 🌸
#ConversionStory #BritishMuslim #JourneyToIslam #ImamKhomeini #IslamicRevolution #Mashhad #Hajj #Interfaith #Family #Resilience
âś… @rahyafte_en