On Friday, December 6, 2024, Ahmed Zarrouq Mosque witnessed a touching moment after the Friday prayer when young footballer Jacob from Ivory Coast, a midfielder for Al-Ahli Al-Musrati, embraced Islam.

The event was attended by hundreds of worshippers, who were moved by the spiritual significance of the occasion.

Jacob, now renamed Muhammad in honor of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), recited the Shahada (Islamic declaration of faith) in the presence of the mosque’s imam and the congregation, the club page on Facebook reported.

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The atmosphere was one of profound joy as attendees warmly welcomed him into the faith, offering heartfelt congratulations and prayers for his steadfastness.

“I made this important decision with complete conviction,” Jacob said.

“My journey to Islam began years ago, through reading Islamic books and observing the Muslim community. I also have a sister who embraced Islam some time ago.”

He credited his teammate, Baba Ousmane, a devout Muslim from Senegal, for playing a significant role in guiding him toward Islam. “The grace of God and the support of my teammate were instrumental in leading me to this faith,” he remarked.

In his concluding words, Jacob expressed gratitude to everyone for their support. “I am looking forward to starting a new life filled with peace and faith. I hope to be an active and positive member of the community and to help spread Islam in my country,” he said.

The mosque’s imam also expressed his happiness about the conversion.

He thanked Al-Ahli Al-Misrati Club for its contributions to creating an environment that promotes Islamic values through sports and culture.

This momentous event is a testament to the enduring appeal of Islam’s universal message, which continues to inspire people from diverse backgrounds to embrace its teachings.