A Turkish Cypriot Revert: Ramez's Journey
Ramis
United Kingdom
Previous Religion: Islam (non-practicing)
My Life Before Islam
Ramis was born in London to a Turkish Cypriot family. Although his background was technically Muslim, he grew up without practicing the faith. In his late teens, he visited Turkey and learned Surah Al-Fatiha from his uncle, but upon returning to London, he lived a completely secular life without prayer or religious commitment. As he approached the age of 30, he felt a deep, mounting restlessness and a "mad" need to find purpose. He traveled to Cyprus and the United States searching for answers, but it wasn't until he returned to London that his spiritual journey truly began.
The Moment of Guidance
While working as a caregiver for a young Jewish boy, Ramis attended a Jewish school and heard a rabbi speak about the absolute oneness of God. This resonated with the "Fitra" (natural inclination) he felt within himself. He began praying and eventually entered a mosque that had been across from his father's shop for 15 years—a place he had never stepped into before. He describes his path as a struggle against the whispers of "Shaytan" (Satan) that tried to make him feel out of place, but the "Sakina" (tranquility) he found in the house of Allah gave him the strength to commit fully to his faith.
Reflections
Ramis emphasizes that true happiness is found only when the heart submits to its Creator. He views the Quran as a vital, daily guide rather than a book to be kept on a shelf for special occasions. He recalls his first time reading the Quran with tears, feeling a sense of sadness as he reached the final pages because he didn't want the experience to end. Today, he is active in "Dawah" (inviting others to Islam) and stresses the importance of understanding the meaning of prayer, particularly Surah Al-Fatiha. His greatest wish is for his children to grow up as "Hafiz" (memorizers of the Quran) and for people to seek contentment through the truth of the Quran.