Tears welled up in Idris Tawfiq’s eyes when he first read the Quranic verse: “Strongest among men in enmity to the Believers wilt thou find the Jews and Pagans; and nearest among them in love to the Believers wilt thou find those who say “We are Christians”: because amongst these are men devoted to learning (priests), and men who have renounced the world (monks), and they are not arrogant. And then they listen to the revelation received by the Messenger, thou wilt see their eyes overflowing with tears, for they recognize the truth. They pray: ‘Our Lord! We believe, write us down among the witnesses.’ (Surat Al-Maida 82-83)”.
A former Catholic priest, Tawfiq recalled in this interview published in the Egyption Gazette in July 2007 the piivotal moment that led to his conversion to Islam:
“At that moment the call to prayer was made and everyone got ready and stood in lines to pray. “I sat at the back, and I cried and cried. Then I said to myself, ‘Who am I trying to fool?’ “After they ended their prayers, I headed to Yusuf Islam, asking him to teach me the words by which I announce my conversion. “After explaining its meanings to me in English, I recited after him in Arabic that there is no God but Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah,” recounted Tawfiq, holding back his tears. (Read more here)
Since then, Idris has strived to write and speak in a very simple way about Islam to those in the West who are not Muslim and who know nothing of its story and its message. In his website www.idristawfiq.com, he warmly calls towards a better understanding of Islam with the invitation: “If you are one of those people, you are very welcome. Stay for a while and allow Islam to speak for itself.”
Idris Tawfiq has a degree in English language and Literature from the University of Manchester and a degree in Sacred Theology from the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas in Rome. For many years he was Head of Religious Studies in different schools in England and Wales and has much experience of teaching, both in the UK and Egypt. Before embracing Islam, Idris was a Roman Catholic priest.
A prolific writer and a much sought after speaker, Idris Tawfiq will be speaking on the topic “Status of People-to-People Programs in the Muslim World” in the Community, Arts and Education section of the IIF2008 conference to be held in Dubai from 23 to 25 December, 2008.
In his online bio, Tawfiq professes that he “tries to break down the barriers of understanding between Muslim and non-Muslim. In the language of ordinary men and women, rather than in technical religious language, he talks about matters of faith, reflecting on what is important in life. He tries to speak to the hearts of people of all religions and of none.” For those who would like to hear him speak to your hearts, please be sure to join us in the IIF2008 in Dubai.
International Islamic Fair 2008 