World-renowned mixed martial arts fighter Jeff Monson has announced his conversion to Islam, citing the resilience and spirit of Gazan refugees as a primary inspiration.

In an interview with Ilke News Agency (ILKHA) during his visit to Ankara, Monson detailed the experiences that influenced his conversion and his reflections on his newfound faith.

Born into a devout Catholic family, Monson's upbringing was steeped in religious traditions. However, as he progressed through high school, he began to question his beliefs, finding himself increasingly disillusioned with various aspects of Christianity. This period of questioning set Monson on a lifelong quest to understand God and find a spiritual path that resonated with him.

Monson’s perspective began to shift dramatically when he met refugees from Gaza six months ago. During a meeting with these individuals, he was deeply moved by their remarkable resilience and the way they maintained a spirit of peace and forgiveness despite the severe adversities they faced due to the ongoing conflict in Palestine. “They didn’t harbor hatred for Israel; they didn’t condemn the people there. They wanted peace and love,” Monson recalled. This encounter provoked a deep curiosity in Monson about the principles and teachings of Islam, which he began to explore more earnestly.

Motivated by his interactions with the Gazan refugees, Monson started reading about Islam and connecting with Muslim friends and communities. His exploration led him to discover a sense of belonging and acceptance that he had been searching for. “I started to get interested, I have friends who are Muslims, and I met a few more people, some children and families. They confirmed that this kind of love, this kind of acceptance, this kind of brotherhood is what I want to be part of,” Monson explained. His decision to convert to Islam was not taken lightly but was the result of a deeply reflective process. “It was a very complicated decision that I have been searching for most of my life,” he added. Once he made the decision, Monson felt a profound affirmation that it was the right choice for him.

Despite his initial anxieties about embracing a new faith and the unknown aspects of Islamic practice, Monson expressed that the experience has been overwhelmingly positive. “I was still worried at first. I had no experience before. I didn't know everything. But I felt like I was part of something special,” he said. Monson described his conversion as joining a “very, very big and very close-knit family,” where he felt supported by a community of brothers and sisters in faith. “It is much easier to be a good person, to be loving, merciful, compassionate when you have people around you who support you and feel the same as you,” he noted. He emphasized that this sense of family and support has provided him with a deep sense of fulfillment and belonging that he had long been seeking.

Monson, who relocated to Russia around a decade ago and became a Russian citizen in 2018, has now integrated his new faith into his life. His conversion to Islam represents a significant personal milestone and reflects his ongoing journey of spiritual exploration and self-discovery.

In addition to his spiritual transformation, Monson’s story highlights the power of personal encounters and experiences in shaping one's beliefs and identity. His reflections on the generosity and resilience of the Gazan refugees, coupled with his engagement with the Muslim community, underscore the profound impact that empathy and understanding can have on one's spiritual journey.

As Monson continues to navigate his new path, his story serves as a testament to the transformative power of faith and the importance of community in providing support and guidance through life's pivotal moments. (ILKHA)