MAKKAH — Hajji Abu Bakr, a Filipino pilgrim, has recounted an incredible story of his evolution from an enemy of Islam to its staunch advocate and a beacon of hope and understanding for the people of his native village.

His conversion to Islam is an epitome of his struggle in pursuit of truth and guidance.

Speaking to the Saudi Press Agency, Hajji Abu Bakr shared his newfound sense of comfort and reassurance in the Islamic faith.

Abu Bakr said for many years, he harboured a deep-seated hostility towards Islam, a sentiment fueled by the negative portrayal of the religion in certain media outlets.

He However said that his mother, who had embraced Islam during her life in Saudi Arabia a decade ago, persistently urged him to explore the religion on his own terms.

According to him, in his role as a researcher, he embarked on a deeply personal journey of self-discovery and enlightenment by taking his mother’s advice to heart and delving into the study of Islam from many sources.

“Through this process, I was able to dismantle many of the misconceptions that had clouded my understanding for years.

“This transformative experience not only led me to embrace the religion wholeheartedly but also to become a vocal advocate for it in my community.”

Abu Bakr’s journey culminated in the performance of the Hajj, the fifth pillar of Islam, an experience made all the more profound by the services and facilities the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia provided to pilgrims.

He explained that his transformation has not only brought him personal peace but also sparked a ripple effect in his village, where he now stands as a beacon of understanding of Islam and its acceptance.