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"A Journey of Faith: From Catholicism to Islam
In this candid discussion, we delve into the transformation of a revert (convert) to Islam. The narrative explores the evolution of faith from a non-practicing Catholic upbringing to embracing Islam, providing insights into historical and religious contexts such as Bani Israel and personal reflections on Christianity and Judaism.
The conversation begins by examining Bani Israel, a historical community closely tied to religious traditions, with a call for empathetic understanding of their context. Rabbi Tovia Singer, a Jewish scholar, is referenced, particularly for his views on Kabbalah, which he sees as an advanced study of the Tanakh (Jewish Scriptures) that requires deep understanding. However, he warns of its distortion, as many esoteric traditions have strayed from their original focus on God-consciousness.
These insights into Jewish thought are relevant to the revert’s journey, where parallels are drawn between religious misinterpretation and the misuse of symbolic practices. Similar distortions were encountered during the speaker’s pre-Islamic exploration of esoteric and pagan symbols, adding depth to the reflection shared.
The Personal Journey: Conversion and Reflection
Lillah shares memories of her conversion to Islam, which took place in 2009. In past interviews, she discussed her journey broadly, but this time she reflects more deeply on the Quran's essence and the experiences that shaped her path. Unlike other reverts, her connection to Islam was thematic, rooted in an overarching sense of consciousness rather than specific Quranic verses. This consciousness, planted during childhood, became the foundation of her faith.
Despite her non-practicing Catholic family, her early exposure to religion came through schooling at a Catholic convent. During adolescence, Lillah experienced internal conflict, questioning God’s existence and the church’s patriarchal structure. At nine years old, she made a personal prayer expressing her doubts, yet soon after, she felt a new sense of conviction, marking the start of her faith journey.
Exploring Faith: From Catholicism to Paganism and Back
By age 12, Lillah chose to identify as Catholic due to family tradition but also explored other belief systems like astrology, Celtic Druidism, and paganism. Her attraction to these esoteric traditions stemmed from an appreciation of nature and cyclical themes. In retrospect, she sees these interests as reflections of The Creator, though she remained within Catholicism and completed her confirmation.
Her faith journey took an unexpected turn with the release of ‘The Da Vinci Code.’ Defending Catholicism in debates, she was challenged by a friend to read the Bible. This challenge led to a comprehensive study, which deepened her understanding of monotheism.
Discovering the Quran
Through this study of the Bible, Lillah noticed inconsistencies, especially in the Old Testament. Some stories appeared biologically implausible, and multiple authors seemed to contribute to its writing. Despite this, the theme of monotheism—worshipping One God—resonated deeply. However, she grew uneasy with Catholicism's focus on statues and images, which conflicted with the Bible’s warnings against idolatry.
Her growing awareness of Islamic practices and discovering Hajjar in the Bible further influenced her journey toward Islam. The theme of monotheism became the foundation of her new faith.
Conclusion: A Journey Continues
This conversation captures the complexity of a spiritual journey that spans multiple faith traditions, intellectual explorations, and personal reflections. From Catholicism to paganism, back to the Bible, and finally to Islam, Lillah’s path to faith is a testament to the power of personal inquiry and deep reflection. She emphasizes the universal value of scripture and encourages all believers to seek deeper understanding and foster a connection with the Divine beyond race or tribalism."