As a child I was raised by Christian relatives, molded by good christian values, studied in catholic schools, and attended church services every Sunday. I grew up pampered with love and affection by my family who are mostly Christians. I grew up in an environment where most people that I know and see everyday are Christians. In fact, I never had any “Muslim” friend until I was 20 years old! My mother who is born Christian married my father who happens to be a Muslim. So although I had a Muslim lineage, I was never taught about Islam. No one told me about it. Not because there was no Muslim relative around, but because no one knew what Islam was. I always regarded myself as a Muslim, but ironically, I was ignorant about Islam. Years went by and I was beginning to ask myself some serious questions about the reason of my existence. Why I am here in this world. What is the purpose of life. So I made research and deeply studied Islam. It was the most overwhelming learning experience. It was the turning point of my life. Its like being in the dark room, then suddenly, somebody turns on the light! When the light of Islam enters the confines of a dark heart, that heart finds peace in the awareness of Allah.
After years of studying this wonderful religion, I started to write something about my research and share it with others who, like me before, have heard of Islam but knew nothing about it. This present work is a product of years of study and research. I compiled excerpts from books, articles and audio materials that I’ve come across, and re-write it in my own unique style and added my personal thoughts on the subject. The result is an entirely original work that appeals to our logic so that each and every one can examine objectively the material presented and choose what appears to be right after reflecting with an open mind using intellectual reasoning. My only purpose of this work is to present Islam in a clear, rational approach so that people, including Muslims, will have a better understanding about it. I include Muslims because most of them are Muslims by chance. They are just Muslims because they were born in a Muslim family, but in actuality, they don’t know what Islam is all about. Understanding the true nature of Islam is so important because there is a vast difference between people who falsely claim to be Muslims and those peace-loving people who knows well about Islam and are therefore Muslims by choice.
I have high regard on good Christians who are well-mannered and polite, and I truly respect what they believe in. I really value their opinion and strongly treasure my relationship with them. I do not intend to jeopardize any religion or twist your mind about your faith. My purpose and goal is to inform you with what Islam is all about for the sake of sharing the knowledge, and it is up to you whether to accept or reject it. I only wish to explain and to clarify misinformation about Islam and hoping that in doing so, I could somehow lessen the gap between Muslims and Christians and build bridge among them, creating a friendly, harmonious relationship based on tolerance and respect. I greatly value individual choice and respect differences of religion. Interfaith dialogue and understanding are the way to peace, and because Islam is often perceived as a religion of barbaric people out to terrorize the world, I feel it is necessary that I convey my faith in a clear and simple language to counter misconceptions.
