Why Islam? -By Seun Elere

A few weeks ago, I had the privilege of experiencing my first Jumaat prayer after converting to Islam on December 31, 2024. My friend, Malami, who had given me a ride to the mosque, shared the news of my conversion with another passenger. The person asked, “What changed your mind? Why did you choose Islam?” It was a personal question, and though I only muttered “it’s personal,” a myriad of reasons raced through my mind.

One key reason is the Qur’an. Unlike the Bible, which has distinct Old and New Testaments, the Qur’an is one unified book. There is no need for selective interpretation—its teachings are meant to be applied in total. This sense of wholeness and consistency resonated deeply with me. The Qur’an is not fragmented or subject to revisions based on time or culture. Its message remains steadfast and relevant, untouched by the passage of history.

Another factor that drew me to Islam is its inclusive nature. A mosque is a mosque, plain and simple. There are no denominations, no divisions based on clergy or hierarchy. In Islam, everyone is equal in the eyes of Allah. This equality is reflected in the way we worship together, shoulder to shoulder, regardless of social standing or background. There are no elevated seats for clergy or church leaders. In Islam, when we stand, bow, and prostrate, we do so in unison, showing that all are equal in submission to the Almighty.

Islam also places a profound emphasis on servitude to Allah. It calls for a complete submission to His will, constantly reminding us of the afterlife and our purpose on Earth. Before I embraced Islam, I marveled at how shop owners and traders would lock up their businesses, abandoning their trades, just to fulfill the obligation of prayer. The sense of devotion to God in Islam was palpable. Compare this with Christianity, where the commitment to serving God can sometimes feel more passive. Many Christians, for example, seek to align God’s will with their own desires, not realizing that true submission involves surrendering to His plan—without exception. Islam taught me the value of saying Insha’Allah (God willing), recognizing that no matter our plans, God’s will prevails.

The declaration La ilaha illallah—there is no god but God—is central to Islam and echoes a message found throughout the Bible (Exodus 20:5-6, Isaiah 46, Jeremiah 32:27). We serve the same God. Islam acknowledges and honors Jesus Christ, his miraculous birth, and his divine miracles. The difference lies in how Islam views Jesus—not as God but as a prophet. There is hardly any scriptural evidence where Jesus directly asks to be worshipped, yet in many Christian teachings, Jesus is equated with God. This distinction in perspective is crucial to my decision to embrace Islam.

Lastly, Islam is a religion of peace. It preaches peace—not just in the world, but within the hearts of those who follow its teachings. Since my conversion, I have experienced this peace firsthand. The sense of tranquility that comes with knowing you are in submission to the Creator is unmatched.

These are just a few of the many reasons I chose Islam. It is a path of devotion, equality, and peace—one that has given me clarity, purpose, and inner peace. To those who seek truth, I say: take a step forward, seek understanding, and embrace the path that leads to peace.

Assalamualaikum.

Seun Elere

Public Affairs Analyst