In a small town in the Netherlands, where materialism and atheism dominate, Tom G. De Vile (23 years old) grew up torn between a Christian family and an atheist one. Since childhood, existential questions haunted him: What is the meaning of life? Why are we here? Where are we going? While his peers indulged in pleasures, Tom searched for answers, eventually finding them where he least expected: in Islam. This is the story of his journey from doubt to certainty.
Upbringing: A Child Seeking Answers in a Silent World
Tom grew up in a traditional Dutch village where the prevailing philosophy was "just accept life as it is." Part of his family (on his mother's side) was Christian, and the other part was atheist. This contradiction generated early questions:
"In the end, we all die... I saw successful people and unsuccessful people, and then they die."
At the age of ten, he would contemplate the stars and wonder: "Why are we floating in this vast universe?"
But every time he asked, the answer was the same: "That's just how it is, just accept it." His curiosity was silenced, but the flame remained kindled inside him. In his early teens (13-14), he began to believe in "something higher," but he couldn't name it or find it.
The First Connection: A Meeting with Muslims
At fifteen, Tom made a different decision from his peers: he wanted to build a business and succeed in life. While his classmates were partying and drinking alcohol, he found himself isolated. He knew that alcohol would affect his work, and he needed to wake up early.
This was his first encounter with a small group of Muslims (mostly Moroccans and Turks):
They were the only ones who didn't drink alcohol.
They woke up early for Fajr prayer, just as he woke up for work.
He felt a spiritual and intellectual connection with them that he hadn't found with anyone else.
He was amazed when these brothers told him: "You are already Muslim! You believe in something higher, and you believe alcohol is harmful." But Tom rejected the idea at the time because he thought Islam was "only for Arabs" and not for white young people like him.
The Strike and the Fall: The Turning Point
At seventeen, Tom achieved remarkable financial success (around 2000 euros per month) and started traveling, living what seemed like a perfect life. But success didn't last. He started making mistakes in his business, spent more than he earned, and moved to Amsterdam.
During that difficult period, when he was at "the lowest point in his life" and feeling overwhelmed by negative thoughts, Ramadan arrived.
He received an invitation from his Muslim friends to break the fast with them. He accepted and found what he was looking for:
"We had deep conversations until midnight about the meaning of life... That was exactly what I needed at that moment."
Every critical question he asked about life was answered in a way that gave him more purpose and meaning.
First Ramadan: The Challenge and Fascination
Tom was so influenced by the Ramadan atmosphere that he decided to participate the next day. But initially, he viewed it as a challenge and an opportunity for self-development:
"If you fast, I will fast."
"If you pray five times, I will meditate five times."
"If you read the Quran, I will read self-development books."
He wasn't doing it for God, but to improve himself and his worldly goals. However, the experience was powerful and planted deeper seeds.
Second Ramadan: The Serious Search
The following Ramadan, Tom joined them in fasting again, but this time with a different heart. He asked his friends for a copy of the Quran and began to read it. Meanwhile, he started a serious intellectual search:
He looked into other religions (Christianity, Hinduism) and philosophical beliefs.
He felt that most of them were "illogical" or lacked a clear foundation.
He believed in the existence of one Creator because the concept of multiple gods would imply the possibility of disagreement and contradiction, which doesn't align with the perfection of the universe.
Conviction: Why Is Islam the Truth?
Tom attributes his conviction to two main reasons:
Creation and the Universe:
He contemplated the infinite universe, the perfection of creation in plants and animals, and the intelligence surrounding everything.
He concluded that "if there is creation, there must be a Creator." Such order couldn't have come from nothing or by chance.
The Social and Moral Aspect:
He witnessed the confusion in Western society, where people follow their desires and whims, making "your desires your god."
He observed the unity and cohesion of Muslims when facing problems because they "refer back to the Quran and Sunnah" to resolve differences.
He realized that rules and boundaries (halal and haram) bring true peace, unlike the "freedom" that makes a person a slave to their desires.
Sincere Advice Before the Shahada
When Tom told one of his Muslim brothers that he was convinced Islam was the truth, he received golden advice that deepened his conviction:
"Before you make your decision, do a little research on other religions as well... because you will become even more convinced."
Tom was amazed! How could a religion invite its followers to study other faiths? This was proof of Islam's absolute confidence in being the truth. And he did it. He researched Christianity and other religions for weeks, and the more he read, the more certain he became that Islam was the only truth.
The Decisive Moment: "What If You Die Tonight?"
One ordinary day, Tom was at the barbershop. He asked the barber, "Isn't it time for Dhuhr prayer?" The barber asked him back, "Are you Muslim?" Tom replied, "No, but I'm very close. I pray, and I feel peace."
Then the barber asked him the question that was the final blow to doubt:
"What if you die tomorrow? Or what if you die today? Would you die as a Muslim or as a non-Muslim?"
On his way home, the question echoed in his mind. Death is the "best reminder." He immediately called his friends and told them: "Tomorrow, I will take my Shahada. I am ready."
The Shahada: A New Birth
The next day was Friday. Tom stood in the mosque, filled with worshippers, and pronounced the Shahada. It was a wonderful day, full of congratulations and gifts.
But the deepest moment came when he returned home alone that evening. He stood before the mirror, looked at himself, and said: "Now I am a Muslim. Now I am Tom, and I am a Muslim."
Prayer was no longer just a temporary spiritual experiment; it became a necessity and a daily duty. He felt "reborn." The existential loneliness vanished, replaced by serenity, faith, and trust in God.
Final Advice and Reflections
For those seeking Islam: Don't just type "What is Islam" into a search engine, as the media is full of misinformation. Go to people of knowledge, trusted Muslim friends, meaningful channels (like the one hosting him), and read authentic books.
For secularists and materialists: Science does not contradict Islam. On the contrary, Islam encourages contemplation of the universe. Science explains "how" things happen (cause and effect), but it doesn't answer the question of "why" and "who" is behind all of this causation. The universe had a beginning (the Big Bang), and the Quran mentioned this 1400 years ago.
A Message to the World: Remember that you will die. Every creature in this universe has a purpose and follows its innate nature (fitrah), except humans, who have free will to choose between good and evil. Life is a test. Ask critical questions about it, open your heart, and you will find the path to the Creator.
Conclusion
Tom's story is living testimony that guidance knows no geographical or racial boundaries. It is the journey of a Western young man who, through his innate curiosity and sincere search for meaning, away from the noise of desires, finally reached the shore of Islam. It is a reminder that whoever asks sincerely and seeks earnestly will find the path to the light of God.
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