The Conversion of Egyptian Pastor Fawzi Subhi Samaan: Details and Dialogues

Ранняя жизнь и биография:

Fawzi Subhi Samaan Al-Sisi was born on May 3, 1953, in the village of Al-Bayadiya in the Malawy district of Minya Governorate. Raised in an Orthodox Christian family, he was nurtured with a deep love for the church and its service. He dreamt of becoming a priest at the Church of St. George in Zagazig and eventually fulfilled that dream.

Первая трансформация:

Fawzi began studying the lives of the prophets, sparking an internal intellectual conflict. Questions started to arise in his mind, such as:

Fawzi (to himself): “How can Christ save us if he couldn’t save himself from crucifixion and torture?” Fawzi (again to himself): “What are the seven sacraments? Why does a child born to Christian parents need baptism to become a Christian?”

В поисках истины:

Fawzi started reading about other religions and began listening to the Quran. He was deeply affected by the cleanliness and purity he found in Islam and was attracted by the morals and behavior of Muslims. He decided to return to the church, but felt rebellious whenever he heard about the “seven sacraments of the church.”

Internal Conflict:

Questions kept growing in his mind, such as:

Fawzi (to himself): “Why do people confess to the priest instead of confessing directly to God? How can wine turn into the blood of Christ?” This wasn’t enough to cause a complete shift in his thinking, but he continued his search for the truth.

Moment of Decision:

During his military service in Ismailia, Fawzi entered a church and prostrated as Muslims do. He cried intensely and asked God for guidance.

Fawzi (praying to his Lord): “My Lord, You know that I am in great confusion. If Christianity is the truth, let the Holy Spirit descend upon me now. And if Islam is the truth, then make it enter my heart.” Fawzi (after raising his head from prostration): “My heart has found peace with Islam.” Before leaving the church, he approached the priest with some questions.

Fawzi: “Why do we need baptism to become Christians? And why do we confess to the priest instead of confessing directly to God?” The priest (angrily): “We are the only ones who read the Quran, not you and the general public.”

Conversion to Islam and Separation from the Church:

After embracing Islam, Fawzi faced significant challenges. News spread among his family and church, prompting them to fight against him and attempt to kill him. He fled his village and moved to another city. He began calling people to Islam and spreading its teachings.

Family and Faith:

His sister came forward and expressed her desire to embrace Islam. Their father also converted to Islam after a while. His sister married a young Christian man who had converted to Islam and became a preacher. He is currently serving as an Imam in a mosque in Qatar.

Dialogue with the Priest and His Brother:

Fawzi: “If the priest forgives me, who forgives the priest?” Christian doctor: “The Pope.” Fawzi: “And who forgives the Pope?” Christian doctor: “God.” Fawzi: “So why don’t we confess directly to God to forgive us? Why expose ourselves to people when God has covered us?!”

Заключение:

Fawzi Subhi Abdul Rahman Al-Mahdi currently works as an Islamic education teacher at Manarat Jeddah Schools in Saudi Arabia. His story embodies a sincere quest for truth and God’s response to the prayer of a faithful servant seeking guidance.