In Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, after completing the Hajj pilgrimage, Sheikh Yusuf Estes interviews Jibril Mason, a British revert to Islam whose journey to faith began in the most unlikely place: childhood in Nigeria, where his father trusted his Muslim workers above all others. Decades later, that early impression blossomed into a full embrace of Islam.
Seeds Planted in Childhood
Born to an Italian Catholic mother and a British Protestant father, Jibril (formerly Eric) Mason grew up in Nigeria where his father worked for the government. As a child, he noticed that all the security guards, truck drivers, and household helpers were Muslims. When he asked why, his father’s answer was simple and profound: “Because they’re good people. You can trust them.” That statement planted a seed that would take decades to fully grow.
“My father said the Muslims are good people, you can trust them. The media today says the opposite. There is another misconception being cleared up right away.”
Why It Took 35 Years
- Jibril carried a Quran with him since childhood in Nigeria but did not formally accept Islam until his fifties
- He wanted his conversion to be entirely for himself and his relationship with God, not influenced by anyone else
- When the moment came, there was no choice left; the truth was undeniable
- Nobody in Saudi Arabia or anywhere else pressured him; the decision was entirely his own
Islam Is Common Sense
Jibril describes Islam in the most practical terms possible. Why do Muslims wash before prayer five times a day? Because in a hot climate, cleanliness is common sense. Why avoid pork? Because it is a dangerous meat. Why abstain from alcohol? Because it impairs judgment and leads to terrible decisions. For Jibril, Islam is not a burden of complicated rituals but a straightforward guide to living well.
“God doesn’t sit at a table with 20 different color telephones. There is only one God. Islam is not difficult. It’s common sense.”
Words of Wisdom for Seekers
- Be a good person; that is the foundation of everything in Islam
- Get a copy of the Quran and read it; it is a book of wisdom and practical guidance
- The choice to accept Islam is yours alone; no one should pressure you
- Do not wait 35 years like Jibril did; when the truth becomes clear, act on it
