My Submission to Allah

Asalam Alaikum Brothers and Sisters,

My Christian name is Rodney Schilling. I am in the process to change to my Muslim name to Zahir Abdul-Rahmaan. If you have any objections please let me know. My story may not be as long or as eloquent as others. However it is my story of submission. I was first introduced to Islam in 1990. Just before a deployment to Turkey for Desert Storm. Being raised a Christian(I was not a practicing Christian at the time)I thought Islam to be a peculiar religion. Later, on deployment to Saudi Arabia, I got to see Islam close up. To be honest I held a certain disdain for Muslims and Saudi's in general. I was able to spend some time with an old Bedouin man who sold wares at our PX and he gave me more insight on Islam. But, I just brushed it aside. I did give some thought to reverting then. But, I was more interested in the pleasures of the flesh. I got out of the Army in 1996. My life was a complete shambles. I thought if I gave my life to Jesus, he would save my marriage. I spent six years in misery and suicidal depression. Then the terrorist attacks happened in New York, and the Pentagon. My interest in Islam was again awakened. I started searching the web and studying Islam and what other Muslims had to say about the attacks. The more I studied the more I became convinced that Islam is the true religion of peace. And I wanted to be part of Islam. Even though men like Bin Laden, Saddam Hussein, the Taliban, etc, twist and pervert true Islam. The same thing goes on in the Christian religion. So, with the help of a Muslim man I met on the internet, I recited the Shahada with gladness in my heart. I still struggle with my Christian up bringing. I live in a very small town in Ohio. There are no other muslims here and the closest mosque is 60 miles away, I have no transportation. I do wish to go and pray at a mosque. I have so many questions. I just want to associate with other Muslims. To learn what being Muslim is like. I do not even know how to pray. All I have is a Qur'an and a few books a kind Muslim brother sent to me. Also, in 3 weeks I will be without a home. My brother has told me to leave. I do know that Allah will open away for me. He is most gracious and merciful. Thank-you for allowing me to share my story with you.

Sincerely,

Zahir Abdul-Rahmaan