Kisah Mualaf Drs. Sulaiman Gosalam, M.Si

Summary

In this heartfelt speech, the speaker shares their spiritual journey from Buddhism and Catholicism to Islam. They explore the concept of monotheism, questioning the validity of multiple gods in different religions, and ultimately finding peace in the oneness of Allah. The speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding religious texts directly, comparing them to discover the truth. Through study and reflection, they embraced Islam, highlighting the comprehensive and consistent teachings of the Quran. The speech concludes with a call for objectivity and a genuine search for truth in one's spiritual path.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker begins by expressing gratitude to Allah for guidance and discusses his spiritual journey towards Islam.
• 🔍 He details his initial confusion about the existence of multiple gods in different religions and his quest to find the true God.
• 📚 The speaker highlights his exposure to various religions, including Buddhism, Confucianism, and Catholicism, and his study of their scriptures.
• 🌟 A significant turning point in his journey was the realization of the concept of monotheism in Islam, particularly the phrase 'La ilaha illallah,' meaning 'There is no god but Allah.'
• 🕌 The speaker emphasizes that the Quran is unique among religious scriptures, as it is preserved in its original language, Arabic.
• 🤔 He questions the Christian concept of the Trinity and the crucifixion of Jesus, finding contradictions and seeking clarity in Islamic teachings.
• 💡 The speaker appreciates the comprehensive and detailed teachings of Islam, which cover all aspects of life, from small daily actions to major spiritual matters.
• 📖 He expresses admiration for the Quran’s consistency and the way it is safeguarded, which further solidified his belief in Islam.
• 🛐 After embracing Islam, he learned to pray and recite the Quran, and initially kept his new faith private from his family.
• ❤️ Over time, he demonstrated good character aligned with Islamic teachings, which eventually led his family to accept and support his decision.

Q & A

What was the speaker's religious background before embracing Islam?

The speaker was initially a follower of Buddhism and later practiced Catholicism before converting to Islam.

What was the speaker's main reason for exploring different religions?

The speaker was searching for inner peace and a consistent understanding of God, which led them to explore various religions.

How did the speaker first get introduced to Islam?

The speaker was introduced to Islam during their school years when they attended Islamic religious classes taught by an objective teacher.

What key Islamic phrase profoundly impacted the speaker?

The phrase 'La ilaha illallah' (There is no god but Allah) deeply resonated with the speaker, aligning with their belief in the existence of only one God.

How did the speaker's study of religious texts influence their decision to convert to Islam?

The speaker studied the scriptures of Buddhism, Christianity, and Islam, and found the Quran to be consistent, unaltered, and uniquely preserved, which influenced their decision to embrace Islam.

What Quranic verse had a significant impact on the speaker?

The verse from Surah Al-Hijr (15:9), 'Indeed, it is We who sent down the Quran and indeed, We will be its guardian,' convinced the speaker of the Quran's divine preservation.

What challenges did the speaker face after converting to Islam?

Initially, the speaker practiced Islam secretly, especially while performing prayers, due to concerns about how their parents would react.

How did the speaker’s parents react when they discovered their conversion to Islam?

The speaker's mother initially questioned the decision, associating Islam with negative stereotypes. However, over time, the speaker's good behavior and adherence to Islamic teachings positively influenced their parents.

What teachings of Islam particularly appealed to the speaker?

The speaker was drawn to Islam's comprehensive and detailed guidance on all aspects of life, from daily rituals to moral conduct and the afterlife.

How does the speaker describe their conversion to Islam?

The speaker describes their conversion as a return to Islam, emphasizing that every human is born in a state of fitrah (natural disposition) which aligns with Islamic belief.