I Thought Islam Wasn't for Me

I had my own opinion about Islam before I even knew what Islam really meant.

In Belgium, where I was raised, Islam seemed like a whole other world: people, culture, laws. It didn't cross my mind to ask questions. I thought I already knew enough about it.

After 9/11, however, it became impossible to ignore the way Islam was constantly mentioned in the news media: terrorism, extremism, severe punishment. Same old stuff. Without any serious study of the religion, I thought I knew everything about it.

I was absolutely wrong.

Life then brought me a new point of view: my lovely wife. She was raised in two different worlds: German mother, Pakistani father. She was a believer of Islam but not necessarily a practicing one. She never tried to convert me. No preachings, no pressure. I just watched her and started to wonder what I might be missing.

My questions, however, were not only about the religion. I wanted to know why we're here, if there is a greater purpose in life, what we truly know about God and the truth. I wasn't searching for some comfort. I was searching for answers.

And I found them in Islam.

I realized that Islam, even though it is very much a part of the Arab heritage, is not an exclusive Arab or Arabic religion. It originated in Arabia, but the message it carried is universal and is for every human on the planet.

You don't have to be Arab, to speak Arabic and give up your culture to study Islam. The message of the religion is based on the stories of Abraham, Moses, Jesus and Mary and calls all people to examine their relationship with God.

Although Islam was born in Arabia, its message goes far beyond it.

I've created Islam Without Borders for seekers like me: curious, skeptical and open-minded.

No preachings. No pressure. Just questions and honest discussion.

Welcome. Let's explore.