Asalamu alaikum, dear brothers and sisters--I was raised as a christian and made a profession of faith to Jesus Christ in 1969. I studied the Bible seriously for many years. Over the course of time, I saw how many christians were living lacksadaisical lives, ie, drinking and smoking etc... I was in the US marines since 1979 and later sent to Operation Desert Storm in Saudi Arabia in the desert of Al Jubail. I remember being very impressed with the Azan echoing out over the loud speakers 5 times a day and how the Muslims would pray 5 times a day. I bought several prayer rugs and over the years, admired the Muslim way of praying on the rugs. In 2007, Dec, I purchased an english translation of The Noble Qu'ran at a used book store for 5 dollars. After studying it for a month, I felt a drawing to convert to Islam. 10 weeks ago this sunday, I went to the Islam Religion.com web site and said the Shahada. My muslim brothers in Saudi Arabia sent me several books on Islam, which I am now studying along with The Noble Qu'ran. I immediately started my wudu and 5 daily prayers and going to the friday prayers. I have been very happy and contented since converting.
