Why do Westerners Embrace Islam?
by Mohammad Aman Hobohm (Translated from German by Selim Ahmed)
The Islamic Review (UK), October/November 1982 Issue (Vol. 3, Nos. 1–2, p. 18)
Introduction: M.S. Abdullah [Muhammad Selim Abdullah], in his book, Geschichte de Islams in Deutschland, refers to the work of the German-born Muslim, Mohammad Aman Hobohm, during his period of service as imam of the Berlin Mosque, and quotes a newspaper article relating to his diplomatic career and the honours which he has received. The following extract from an article written by M.A. Hobohm himself is taken from the book Islam Our Choice (Woking, 1961), pp. 161–162. — Selim Ahmed
“Why do westerners embrace Islam? There are various reasons. In the first place, truth always has its force. The basic tenets of Islam are so rational, so natural and so appealing that an honest truth-seeker cannot help being impressed by them. To take, for example, the belief in monotheism. How it raises the dignity of man and how it frees us from the grip of superstition! How naturally it leads to the equality of men, for all have been created by the same god and all are servants of the same Lord.
“Then the idea of a life after death turns the tables. Life in this world is no more the main objective and much energy is devoted to the betterment of the Hereafter. The faith in the day of judgement automatically spurs a man to give up misdeeds, for good deeds alone can ensure eternal salvation, although the wrong deeds may prosper here for a limited time. The belief that none can escape the consequences of the judgement of a just, impartial and omniscient Lord makes one think twice before one does anything wrong — and surely this internal check is more effective than the most efficient police in the world.
“Another thing that attracts foreigners to Islam is its emphasis on tolerance. Then the daily prayers teach us punctuality and the one month of fasting enables one to exercise self-control over oneself, and without doubt punctuality and self-discipline are two of the most important attributes of a good man and a great man.
“Now comes the real achievement of Islam. It is the only ideology which has succeeded in instilling in its followers the spirit of observing the ethical and moral limitations without external compulsion. For a Muslim knows that, wherever he is, he is being observed by God. This belief keeps him away from sin. As man is naturally inclined towards goodness, Islam also offers peace of mind and heart — and this is what is totally absent from the Western society.
“I have lived under different systems of life and have had the opportunity of studying various ideologies, but have come to the conclusion that none is as perfect as Islam.”