In this deeply inspiring episode of The Deen Show, Shaykh Yusuf Estes interviews 85-year-old James — a Scottish-born man who accepted Islam late in life and traveled all the way to Makkah to perform Hajj. His story is a profound reminder that it is never too late to find the truth, and that Allah’s mercy and guidance have no age limit.
85 Years of Searching — A Lifetime Rewarded
Born in Scotland to a middle-class family, James spent over eight decades exploring life, traveling the world, and searching for meaning. Despite his advanced age and physical challenges, he made the journey to perform Hajj — fulfilling the obligation that every Muslim who is physically and financially able must undertake at least once in their lifetime. Speaking from a hotel in Jeddah after completing his pilgrimage, James described the experience as the most marvelous thing he had ever done, acknowledging that while it was not easy for someone his age, it was absolutely worth every struggle.
“As a newcomer to the Muslim faith, I am bound to come here if Allah wills during my lifetime at least once. I have been most fortunate with the people who have helped me come to the position I am in today. This experience has truly been worth it.”
A Message to Those Still Searching
- James accepted Islam after a lifetime of investigation, proving that sincerity in seeking truth is what matters — not how long the journey takes
- He completed Hajj despite the physical demands, demonstrating that faith can give strength beyond what the body alone can provide
- His story challenges the assumption that only young people convert to Islam — Allah guides whomever He wills, at whatever age He wills
- The episode reminds viewers that time is running out for all of us — we may not make it to 85, or even to tomorrow — making the search for truth the most urgent task in any person’s life
“The signs that God gives to an individual and to the nations — did you accept His signs? Know that you are intelligent enough, and it is in your very nature, that when the truth comes to you it is simple to understand. It is nothing complicated. It is the way of life that all the messengers of God brought.”
James’s story at 85 years old is living proof that the door to Islam — and to Allah’s infinite mercy — never closes. Whether you are 18 or 85, the Creator is waiting for you to turn to Him with a sincere heart. The only question is whether you will answer the call before your time runs out.
