Arab West Report Egyptian press summaries and media research for dialogue

A. My first encounter with Islam was not through Islamic books or media. It was through a practical experience. It all started through an Egyptian child who was less that 12 years old, and polished shoes in Ramses square. When I stood before him to polish my shoes, he looked at me, smiled and said “As-Salamu ‘Alikum.” I, as a westerner who knows nothing about Islam except that it is a violent and terrorist religion, was attracted to this expression. At that time, I started to wonder about this religion whose greeting starts with peace. Since then, I started my journey of knowing more about Islam and later, I became one of the defenders of Islam.

 

A. Of course not. I went back to London and quit my job as a priest. I started teaching English where I got in touch with Arab students from Iraq, Lebanon and Saudi Arabia. Because I used to talk to the students about religion, I started to read more about Islam, since I did not have enough information about it.

 

A. I converted to Islam ten years ago. Although this is a short period, my work as a priest provided me with information and experiences about all religions. Through these experiences, I try to help correct the image of Islam before non-Muslims.

 

A. Islam is a complete religion that is valid for all times and places. However, Muslims distorted its image through their attitudes inside and outside the Islamic World. The problem is not in Islam as a religion; it is in us as Muslims.

 

A. I definitely do my religious duty concerning this issue. I deliver lectures about Islam in more than ten universities in Europe.
 

Q. Many Westerners, including the Pope of the Vatican, are afraid of the idea of Europe becoming an Islamic state. What do you think of this?
A. This is true and is very noticeable in Europe. I also assert that this is a truth; not only fear. Islam is spreading in Europe and the 21^st century will be the real Islamic century in Europe. Europe will witness a real Islamic rise either through Muslims showing the true image of Islam or through Europeans converting to Islam.