This article shares the heartfelt testimony of Ishar, who was raised as a devout Sunni Muslim in Egypt and Canada, experienced radical views in his youth, and eventually found faith in Christianity through encounters with genuine believers at university. His journey highlights struggles with religious identity, interfaith experiences, and the transformative power of grace and love.
Ishar, also known as Ismael, shares his profound testimony of transitioning from Islam to Christianity. Born in Halifax, Nova Scotia, to a Sunni Muslim father from Cairo, Egypt, and a Canadian mother who once was a Jehovah's Witness, Ishar's life journey is marked by cultural intersections, religious struggles, and ultimately, spiritual transformation.
Ishar was raised in a household where his father was a devout Sunni Muslim and his mother, originally a Jehovah's Witness, converted to Islam primarily due to Egyptian inheritance laws. His parents married quickly after meeting, a decision reflecting cultural norms in Egypt.
Growing up, Ishar was immersed in Islamic faith from birth until the age of sixteen. He practiced diligently—praying, fasting during Ramadan, and memorizing parts of the Quran. Despite his devotion, he began noticing troubling aspects of his faith, especially regarding how it viewed others outside the Muslim community.
Ishar lived in Heliopolis, a neighborhood predominantly Coptic Christian, situated literally between a mosque and a Coptic church. This unique environment exposed him to both Islamic prayers and Coptic liturgies. He observed a stark contrast: the mosque prayers focused exclusively on Muslims, while the Coptic church prayed for all people, including those affected by disasters like Hurricane Katrina.
This difference troubled Ishar deeply. When he questioned an Imam about why Muslims did not pray for such tragedies, he was met with hostility and political rhetoric. This experience planted early seeds of doubt about the exclusivity and divisiveness within his faith.
As a child and teenager, Ishar wrestled with radical views. He recalls an incident at age eight when he spat on a Coptic monk passing by his apartment, an act he now regrets deeply. At fifteen, he and his friends made a cruel joke about the 21 Coptic martyrs, reflecting the intensity of his radicalization.
Despite these actions, Ishar acknowledges that he was unaware of the deeper implications of his hatred and that he was still loved unconditionally.
Returning to Halifax for high school, Ishar met people of various beliefs—Christians, Jews, atheists—who challenged his worldview. He was disturbed by the idea that his faith deemed these people unclean or second-class citizens.
One atheist friend, ironically Christian by background, questioned Ishar's beliefs and encouraged him to read about the life of Prophet Muhammad. This challenge led Ishar to read Ibn Ishaq's biography of Muhammad, which profoundly affected him.
Within five days of reading the biography, Ishar left Islam. He realized that his anger and hatred were not his own but influenced by external forces. He prayed to Allah for help but felt no response, marking his first experience of spiritual emptiness.
He then lived as an atheist, skeptical of all religions, including Christianity, which he associated with superficial believers who did not practice their faith sincerely.
At eighteen, after a personal crisis involving a drug overdose and a desperate plea to God for help, Ishar entered university. There, he encountered Michael, a member of the Catholic Christian Outreach, who invited him to meetings with free food and the chance to skip classes.
Initially skeptical and intending to challenge the believers, Ishar attended daily, debating and arguing with them. He was struck by their genuine faith, visible in their prayers, study of the Bible, and joyful demeanor.
Despite his anger, Ishar noticed the kindness and patience of the Christians, which only intensified his frustration. They shared personal stories of conversion and experiences of the Holy Spirit, which Ishar found bewildering.
One day, a missionary shared the story of the prodigal son with Ishar. Although he did not believe in God at the time, the story moved him to tears. This emotional response marked a significant moment in his spiritual journey.
He expressed a heartfelt desire that if God existed, he wanted it to be the God represented by these Christians.
Eight years later, Ishar stands in a Coptic church, sharing his testimony. His journey from a devout Muslim upbringing through radicalism, atheism, and finally to Christianity is a testament to the transformative power of grace, love, and genuine faith.
He expresses gratitude for the opportunity to share his story and glorifies Jesus Christ for the change in his life.
This testimony highlights the complexities of religious identity, the challenges of interfaith understanding, and the profound impact of encountering authentic believers. Ishar's story encourages openness, compassion, and the pursuit of truth in one's spiritual journey.
