Yusuf Estes: A Journey from Doubt to Faith

Early Life and Background:

Yusuf Estes, formerly known as Joseph Edward Estes, was born into a devout Christian family in the Midwest of the United States. Raised in an environment dedicated to Christian teachings, his grandparents built churches and schools, dedicating their lives to the faith. He pursued theological studies, feeling ignorant about his religion, and continued his education until he became a minister and a Christian preacher.

Yusuf’s View of Islam:

Initially, Yusuf had a distorted view of Islam, believing that Muslims were pagans who worshipped a black box in the desert (the Kaaba). He harboured hatred towards Islam and Muslims based on these misconceptions. Yusuf studied various religions, including Hinduism, Judaism, and Buddhism, in his quest for truth and inner peace.

Meeting Muhammad Abdul Rahman:

In 1991, Yusuf’s father started a business with an Egyptian Muslim named Muhammad Abdul Rahman. Despite Yusuf’s initial reluctance and refusal to meet him, his father insisted on the meeting. Upon meeting, Yusuf was surprised by Muhammad’s calm and humble demeanour, sparking a long conversation about religious beliefs.

First Dialogue:

Yusuf: “Do you believe in God?” Muhammad: “Yes, absolutely.” Yusuf: “What about Abraham? Do you believe in him and how he tried to sacrifice his son for God?” Muhammad: “Yes, we believe in Abraham and respect his story.” Yusuf felt comfortable starting the dialogue, realising common ground between his beliefs and Muhammad’s. He decided to invite Muhammad to his home for further discussions.

Nightly Gatherings:

Yusuf and his family hosted Muhammad Abdul Rahman in their home for some time, gathering every night to discuss religion. While each family member held a different version of the Bible, Muhammad spoke about Islam with calmness and respect.

Discussion on the Trinity:

Yusuf: “How can God be one and three at the same time? This doesn’t make sense to me.” Muhammad: “In Islam, we believe that God is One. Allah says in the Quran: ‘Say, He is Allah, [who is] One, Allah, the Eternal Refuge. He neither begets nor is born, nor is there to Him any equivalent.'” (Al-Ikhlas: 1-4).

Yusuf was moved by the simplicity and clarity of this statement, feeling that Muhammad spoke sincerely and truthfully.

Comparing the Bible and the Quran:

Yusuf: “How many versions of the Quran have appeared over the past 1400 years?” Muhammad: “There is only one Quran, unchanged, memorised by millions around the world.”

Yusuf’s doubts about Christianity grew, especially as he noticed increasing contradictions in the Bible. He began seriously studying the Quran and Islam.

Ongoing Dialogues:

Yusuf: “Muhammad, how do you explain God being three persons? Does this make sense to you?” Muhammad: “In Islam, we believe God is One, unique with no partners. This strengthens our belief in the oneness and uniqueness of God.”

Discussion on Evidence:

Yusuf: “We believe based on feelings and emotions. Religion for us is pure faith.” Muhammad: “But in Islam, we have evidence and miracles proving the religion’s truth. The Quran is the greatest proof, preserved without alteration since its revelation.”

Daily Life with Muhammad:

Muhammad lived with Yusuf and his family, sharing daily life with them. One night, Yusuf and Muhammad talked about monotheism. Yusuf: “Muhammad, what are the most compelling signs that made you believe in Islam?” Muhammad: “The first is the Quran. It hasn’t changed since its revelation, memorised by millions worldwide. Additionally, the scientific miracles in it prove the truth of the message.”

Reflection and Conversion:

After three months of continuous research, Yusuf decided to embrace Islam. One day, Yusuf declared his conversion to Islam before two witnesses, Muhammad Abdul Rahman and former pastor Peter Jacob. His wife followed suit, and his father converted sometime later.

Proclamation of Islam:

Yusuf: “I bear witness that there is no god but Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.” His wife: “I also bear witness that there is no god but Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.”

This transformation marked a turning point in Yusuf’s and his family’s lives, as they all began to learn more about Islam and delve deeper into it.

Engaging with the Community:

After converting, Yusuf began attending mosques and participating in religious activities. One day, his friend and former pastor, Peter Jacob, decided to visit the mosque with him. Peter: “Yusuf, I feel I need to know more about Islam. Can I go with you to the mosque?” Yusuf: “Of course, it will be a great experience for you.”

Visiting the Mosque:

In the mosque, Peter observed Muslims praying with humility and tranquillity, deeply moved by the sight of prostration. Peter: “Yusuf, this is amazing. I’ve never seen anything like this before.” Yusuf: “Prayer in Islam is a direct connection with God, without intermediaries.”

Involvement in Dawah:

Yusuf became an active preacher of Islam, founding the website “Today Islam” (todayislam.com) to spread the message online. He began visiting American prisons to teach Muslim inmates about their religion and giving lectures at universities. Despite his age, Yusuf remained an exemplary active and humble preacher, dedicating his life to serving Islam and inviting others to it.

End of the Journey:

Yusuf Estes: “My heart became attached to the love of Islam, the love of monotheism, and faith in Allah Almighty. I became more protective of Islam than I ever was of Christianity. I began the journey of inviting people to Islam and presenting the pure image of this religion, which is the religion of tolerance, good manners, kindness, and mercy.”

Yusuf’s Legacy:

Yusuf Estes’ story is a remarkable example of the transformative power of faith and sincere dialogue. It shows how one can move from doubt and confusion to faith and certainty, and how love and understanding can change a person’s life.

Through his encounter with Muhammad Abdul Rahman, Yusuf found his path to Islam and became one of America’s prominent preachers, dedicating his life to spreading the message of Islam and educating new Muslims about their faith.