## His Beginnings and Youth Challenge
Wesley Lebrón was born in Puerto Rico and grew up in Passaic, New Jersey, in a Christian family. During his teenage years, he became involved in street and gang life starting in the seventh grade, when he was introduced to the "Fourth Street Bossy" gang through his cousins. At age 19-20, he joined the "Zulu Nation" gang, which combined gang life with hip-hop culture.
## An Existential Crisis and the Beginning of a Spiritual Search
Wesley suffered from depression and excessive drinking and experienced serious incidents, including a car accident due to drunk driving and an assault outside a nightclub. Things reached a climax when his father kicked him out, leaving him in a nearby park with only $100. In that difficult moment, he began sincerely praying to God, asking for help and change.
## A Fateful Encounter with Islam
Through his friend Edgar (who lived in their home as a foster child), Wesley met Abdul Aziz, the leader of the Zulu Nation who was Muslim. While giving him a ride home, Abdul Aziz spoke about Tawheed (monotheism) and Islam, giving Wesley his first copy of the Quran and the book "The Fundamentals of Tawheed" by Dr. Bilal Philips.
## The Journey to Find the Truth
Wesley and his friends began studying the Quran and the Bible in depth. He was shocked to discover that the Bible does not explicitly state that Jesus is God, and he wondered: "How can God die?". The turning point came when he reflected on Jesus' words on the cross: "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?", leading him to conclude: "I feel more comfortable calling upon the One whom Jesus himself called upon, and that is God."
## Embracing Islam with Conditions
Wesley accepted Islam on one condition: that he would not be forced to change his behavior immediately, as he knew he was not ready to abandon some habits all at once. He took his Shahadah in 1998, then began his gradual journey of change, cutting off his past relationships and making the mosque his second home.
## Islam's Impact on His Life and Family
- **His Wife**: Embraced Islam three years after he did.
- **His Father**: Was happy with his son's change, saying, "Now I can sleep peacefully."
- **His Mother**: After 20 years of observing her son's transformation and his achievements in Dawah and humanitarian work, she also embraced Islam, which was the "greatest gift" Wesley ever received.
## His Philosophy for Dealing with New Muslims
Wesley emphasizes that change does not happen overnight, comparing it to the Quran being revealed over 23 years. He criticizes the expectations of some born Muslims that new converts should change everything immediately, believing the focus should first be on building a relationship with God.
## Pivotal Moments in His Journey
The most prominent moment he felt closeness to God was during his first visit to the Prophet's Mosque and the Kaaba, where tears streamed down his face, overwhelmed by the greatness and sanctity of the place.
## His Message to Non-Muslims
Wesley advises everyone, especially Latinos, to read the Quran in their native language with an open mind and a sincere heart, promising that this reading will affect them deeply and may lead them to Islam.
## His Current Dawah Work
Wesley Lebrón now works in Dawah and helping new Muslims, managing a humanitarian organization that works worldwide. His journey proves that Islam is not only a religion that saves souls but also builds a complete life full of meaning and achievement.
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