Latinos are the fastest growing ethnic group embracing Islam in America, and Fernando Castro — now Abdul Rahman — is a living example of why. Born in Honduras to a Catholic family, he served in the Navy ROTC, sat in Jehovah’s Witness study circles, even played the role of Jesus in a church play, and eventually came to hate Islam. Then he met actual Muslims, and everything he thought he knew was turned upside down. His story of transformation from Catholic Honduran to proud Muslim is one shared by a growing wave of Latino converts across the Americas.
From Catholic Honduras to Islam
Fernando’s journey through multiple Christian denominations left him with more questions than answers. Playing the role of Jesus deepened his love for Christ but also planted seeds of doubt about the doctrines being taught in his name. When he finally encountered Muslims and began studying Islam, something clicked that had never clicked before. As a former Catholic, he now understands the words of Jesus better through the Quran than he ever did through the Bible — because Islam presents Jesus as the mighty messenger of God he truly was, not as God himself.
As a Muslim, I can understand the words of Jesus even much better than when I was a Catholic. His teacher gave him a book on Salahuddin, and that opened the door to everything.
Latinos and Islam: A Natural Fit
- Latinos are the fastest growing ethnic group accepting Islam in the United States — a trend that continues to accelerate
- All Latin Americans, whether from Mexico, the Caribbean, Central or South America, consider each other brothers because they share one language — Islam adds another layer of universal brotherhood
- Honduras has less than 1% Muslim population, yet Islam is reaching even the most remote Spanish-speaking communities
- Seeing Muslims prostrate on their faces in prayer immediately resonated with Fernando: “The light bulb went off in my head — I love this”
The Invitation That Transcends Language
Fernando’s message to all Spanish-speaking people is direct: Islam is the natural continuation of what every prophet taught, from Abraham to Moses to Jesus to Muhammad (peace be upon them all). The Quran is available in Spanish, and the invitation to worship the Creator alone transcends every language, culture, and nationality. Death comes without warning, and the test of this life cannot be retaken. The time to seek guidance from the One who created you is now.
I saw the Muslims bowing and prostrating on their faces, and immediately the light bulb went off in my head. I said: man, I love this. It all made sense.
