Jeddah, MINA – A United States pastor who is now a preacher said he was impressed by the hospitality which he received while visiting Saudi Arabia, making him convert to Islam.
Samuel Earle Shropshire commented in an interview with the Saudi news site, Sabq, which was published on Tuesday as reported by alaraby.co.uk.
The 70-year-old explained that when he first traveled to Jeddah in 2011 to work as an editor for translation of Al-Quran, he was worried because of negative image portrayed about Muslims in US’s media.
“I soon realized the reality was completely different from what I saw in the media,” he said.
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“What I see and meet is actually good people, who take the initiative to greet people and be generous regardless of whether you are Muslim or not,” he replied.
Shropshire said the hospitality he received in Jeddah coupled with his work related to the Al-Quran made him converts to Islam.
“The Saudis only worship one God and they have good morals,” he explained.
Shropshire, who now lives in Saudi Arabia, is the founder of non-profit organization Suara Muslim for peace and reconciliation or Muslim Voice for Peace & Reconciliation.
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The Saudis, which impose strict interpretations of Islam, are home to two of the most sacred sites in religion-Makkah and Madinah. (T/Sj/P2)
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