Father Abd al-Majid Jean-Marie Douchman: Finding Solace in Islam

Early Life and Interest in Islam:

On September 6, 1988, Abd al-Majid Jean-Marie Douchman passed away in Casablanca, Morocco, at the age of eighty. He was buried in a Moroccan cemetery, fulfilling his wish to be laid to rest in an Islamic land. This former Christian priest had decided to move to Morocco in 1987 after converting to Islam in the final years of his life.

Douchman begins his story: “In the early days of my life, I dreamed of becoming a missionary in Morocco or Africa. I admired Charles de Foucauld, who founded a religious group focused on converting Muslims. However, my health prevented me from pursuing this project, so I entered the seminary and graduated in 1932. I was appointed head of several churches in the cities and villages around my hometown of Le Mans.”

Douchman recalls, “My dream and cultural background, along with my taste as a painter who created oil paintings under the pseudonym ‘Duto,’ made me popular among the wealthy and nobles of the district. However, I couldn’t bear the psychological aspects within the church, which I felt contradicted the sincerity of true faith. In 1947, I found a translation of Surah Al-Fatihah and began reading it amid the Christian propaganda. In 1957, I visited the Paris Mosque and bought a complete translation of the Quran.”

Connecting with the Muslim Community:

After the Algerian War, Douchman met some Algerians who had migrated with the French army and helped them find work. He became interested in the Muslim community in Le Mans and its surroundings and engaged with them despite not knowing Arabic. Douchman considered opening a mosque for the Muslim workers who prayed in his home. He recounts, “I submitted a request to the church administration to sell a piece of land to the Muslim Association of Sarthe. Initially, the church refused, but I persisted until Bishop Chevalier agreed.”

With the volunteer efforts of Muslim workers and funding from other benefactors, one of the largest mosques outside Paris was inaugurated in the early 1970s. Douchman continued caring for the Muslim community, visiting cafes to meet Muslim workers and encouraging them to return to the mosque.

Converting to Islam:

Douchman says, “In 1976, I visited India and Pakistan for forty days. I probably decided to embrace Islam during this year, but I kept it a secret to avoid upsetting my cousin who strongly adhered to traditional Christianity. After her death in 1982, I changed my home’s atmosphere, placing the name of Allah in places where crosses or idols had been. I chose the name ‘Abd al-Majid’ after the young Tunisian man who helped me learn about Islam.”

In 1983, Douchman went to the Paris Mosque to officially declare his conversion to Islam. He decided to move to an Islamic country to be buried in Islamic land. He says, “There were reactions in the local Christian circles to my announcement, but I decided to leave for Morocco.”

Life in Morocco and Challenges:

Douchman adds, “In August 1987, I left Le Mans and headed to Casablanca, where I was surprised by the difference between my idea of Islam and the current state of Muslims. I continued supporting the Muslim community, accompanying workers to the mosque for prayers. I started fasting with Muslims during Ramadan and read the Quran several times a year.”

Reflecting on his contemplation of the Quran, Douchman says, “I revisited my religious studies, reopening the books that were part of the seminary curriculum. I became an expert in comparing Christianity and Islam, rejecting several Christian beliefs such as the divinity of Jesus and the concept of the Trinity.”

Death and Legacy:

On September 6, 1988, Abd al-Majid Jean-Marie Douchman passed away in Casablanca and was buried in the city’s Islamic cemetery according to his wishes. Douchman expresses his legacy: “Islam was the spiritual refuge I had long searched for. I found in Islam the true faith and sincerity I missed in the church. I hope my conversion serves as an example for others in their search for truth and sincere faith.”

Through these details and dialogues, the journey of the Moroccan priest Abd al-Majid Jean-Marie Douchman from a Christian priest to a devoted Islamic preacher is highlighted, showcasing the power of Islam and its ability to attract hearts seeking the truth.