Who am I?

 

Born in Bendigo, Victoria, I converted to Islam 45 years ago. My mother died when I was young, and my father was not able to take care of me, so I was put in a catholic orphanage. I spent from the ages of 2 to 16 in two different catholic orphanages in Victoria and learnt what it was like to be physically, mentally and sexually abused.

I remember one night at the age of 9, after just having had the **** kicked out of me by one of the Christian brothers, I mean bruised and battered and unable to move. that I did pray to god and actually stated, ‘If there is a god’, can you please help me? 

Why would I question if there is a god, remember I am in a catholic orphanage up every morning at 6am and in the chapel praying by 6:30 or else.

I had seen other boys dragged from the chapel by the hair kicking and screaming, for not having made their bed.

I had been abused at the hands of the brothers, who gave the impression to outsiders that they were kind and caring people. So with what I had seen, is it no wonder I questioned if there was a god, remember the priests, brothers and nuns are meant to do god's work. So if they are doing his work what kind of monster is he?

As strange as it may sound, I thought my life was normal, I only started to realize how different my life was when one day one of the kids from school invited me to his home to swim in his pool. His mother at some stage asked me what I would like to eat, and I just started crying, when I was asked what was wrong, I said, I have never been asked that question before, I think I was about 12 at the time, she started crying. I had always been told when to eat and not given a choice of menu.

It was when I was 17 that I converted to Islam. I had seen my brother-in-law do wudu before reading the Quran. I thought to myself what is so special about that book that people would wash before reading it. When I finally saw what was in the Quran, Arabic, I thought to myself yeah sure people can read that, it is just scribble. 

After reading a translation and finding it, the book started with ‘In the name of god, most compassionate, most merciful’. Ok so the Muslims monster is compassionate and merciful, this should be a good read. Like most people cheating is the best way to read a book so skip to the back 

It was whilst reading Surat 107 Al Maun that I got hooked, so this monster had told people how to treat orphans. So back to the beginning and read the whole book. Now at the age of 62 it is that same book that has helped me through life and explained so much. 

I converted to Islam on the 1st day of Ramadan. Yes! I know that was stupid I could have waited 30 days and found it a bit easier. When introducing people to Islam just a hint, let them know Islamic fasting is not the same as Catholic fasting.

I have not studied Islam formally, however what follows in this blog will just be my opinion on Islam and life, feel free to comment and join in discussions.