My Christian mother, siblings happy when I converted to Islam — 19-year-old barber

A 19-year-old barber, Aliyu Aso Oji, formerly Simon Aso Oji, speaks to VICTORIA EDEME about his conversion from Christianity to Islam

Can you tell us a little about your background and upbringing?

My name is Aliyu Aso Oji, formerly known as Simon Aso Oji. I’m from Keana in Keana Local Government Area of Nasarawa State. I am 19 years old and will turn 20 later this year. I stopped my education at Junior Secondary School a few years ago, but I plan to write my West African Senior School Certificate Examination and National Examination Council exams soon. I am a barber. My father is deceased, and I live with my mother and three siblings. I am the third born.

Are you from a Christian family?

I’m from a Christian family. My mum is a Christian. My eldest brother, Mohammed, is a Muslim. The second son, Zechariah, is a Christian. I was formerly known as Simon before I was renamed Aliyu after embracing Islam. My younger sister, Lovina, is a Christian. So, only my eldest brother and I are Muslims in the family.

Can you share your experience of being a Christian before you converted to Islam?

I attended a Roman Catholic Church in Keana, Nasarawa State, where I was in the choir.

Did you miss being in the choir after your conversion?

I miss it, but now Islam is on my mind. Since I joined Islam, it has been my focus.

What initially sparked your interest in exploring Islam and considering conversion?

I was drawn to the religion because of the lifestyle of the Muslims around me. I feel joy whenever I see them do what they do. My heart was always with them when I saw them, so I joined them. Nobody persuaded or forced me to join Islam. It was my choice and decision to join the religion.

What particular Muslim activity drew you to them?

I love the way they wash their legs and hands with water before going to pray in the mosque. I also love that they pray daily and give their attention to God.

How did your family react when you told them about your decision to convert?

Before I embraced Islam, I spoke to my mother and siblings and told them about my intention to convert to Islam. They asked if I was being forced or if it was a decision I made willingly. I told them that it was my choice. My mother and older siblings told me to go ahead with my decision. Even my younger sister said she was happy for me and congratulated me. She was not angry with me. I converted to Islam on 5 July 2024.

How do you feel about practicing Islam since you converted?

I feel so much joy. I’ve never felt such a way before. I don’t feel bad at all. I’m happy. My mother is still congratulating me, despite being a Christian.

How did your friends react to your conversion to Islam?

My friends organised a football match because I became a Muslim. They were so happy with me and showed me love. Some even followed me to my house to celebrate and gist with me. Even at my shop, my friends come to stay with me.

Are your friends also Muslims?

Yes, my friends are Muslims.

How about the friends that you had in church? Are they also happy about your conversion?

They are also happy with me. They keep calling me ‘Mallam Aliyu’ and I answer them. I visit them, we greet each other, and we shake hands. They are not angry with me.

Are members of your community predominantly Muslims?

Yes, there are more Muslims in my community than Christians.

What were some of the challenges you faced during your conversion process?

No, I didn’t face any challenges or problems.

Did you have any mentors or community support that helped you through the transition?

I have a friend who teaches me how to read the Qur’an. There’s another man, also called Aliyu, who comes to my shop and takes me to the mosque for prayers on his motorcycle. These people support me. They have helped me learn more about Islam.

Do you have previous knowledge of the Arabic language?

I don’t have previous knowledge of the language.

How do you understand the words of the Qu’ran without prior knowledge of Arabic?

My friend is teaching me the language now and I understand. It’s not hard to learn and I’ve started grasping it.

What are some of the biggest differences between practicing Christianity and Islam?

I’m a recent convert to Islam, having been a Christian earlier, so I can’t say much about it yet as I’m just starting on my journey as a Muslim. One difference I’ve noticed is the washing of hands, legs, face, and head with water before prayer. In Christianity, this isn’t practiced. Christians typically enter the church without performing such ablutions, listen to preaching, and engage in other activities. That’s the main difference I’ve observed so far.

Why do you prefer Muslim activities to that of Christians?

When I was a Christian, I always saw Muslims and liked them. I felt joyful whenever I observed what they did. That’s why I made up my mind to convert to Islam.

What are the changes you’ve seen in your day-to-day life since your conversion?

Honestly, everything has been normal, except that I now go to the mosque every day. Since I became a Muslim, I’ve never missed salat (prayer) time on any day. I pray every day, going to the mosque five times daily.

Does stepping away from your shop to attend mosque prayers affect your business?

No, it doesn’t affect my business.

How do you maintain and strengthen your faith in your new religion?

I pray with fellow Muslims, asking God to help me, guide my family, and keep my enemies away from me.

What aspect of Islam do you find most fulfilling or inspiring?

What I like most about Muslim activities is the reading of the Qur’an. That’s because I enjoy learning more about the Qur’an, and it’s interesting. I also understand it because my friend teaches and translates it for me.

How do you see your future in terms of your faith journey and personal development?

I’m a new convert to Islam and I don’t know what the future holds. Everything is in God’s hands. It will be as God wants it to be.

What message or advice would you give to someone considering converting to Islam?

I’m still learning about the Islamic faith at the moment, especially about the Qur’an. So I can’t answer that question right now.