A Remarkable Journey: From Catholic Priest to Muslim – The Story of Said Abdul Latif

Allah Ta'ala has opened many paths for whomever He accepts into Islam. A remarkable example of this is the story of Catholic priest Hilarion Heagy. For over twenty years, he had been trying to learn about Islam. After two decades of deep contemplation, study, and inner struggle, he finally found the straight path and accepted Islam. After his conversion, he adopted the name Said Abdul Latif.

The Courage of a Religious Leader

It is not an easy matter for a religious priest to accept Islam. If a common man abandons his religion and adopts another, he faces personal and family problems. However, when a religious priest—a man with years of dedication to preaching and upholding his faith—embraces another religion, he faces immense pressure from his followers, his community, and religious organizations.

A priest does not merely follow a religion; he represents it. He preaches it after gaining deep and structured knowledge. In the midst of his duties and commitments, how can such a person find time to explore other belief systems in depth? To change his religion, he must study and understand the new faith better than his own. This is no small task. As I mentioned earlier, Allah makes everything easy for whomever He accepts.

A Warm Welcome to Islam

Said Abdul Latif has been warmly welcomed by the Muslim Ummah all over the world. He himself said that the news of his conversion to Islam spread rapidly. The support, love, and encouragement he received from Muslims around the globe was far beyond anything he had imagined. He described the experience as "unbelievable" and overwhelming in the most beautiful way.

As Allah Ta’ala says in the Holy Qur'an:

"And your Lord is going to give you, and you will be satisfied."
(Surah Ad-Dhuha, Ayah 5)

Sharing His Story with the World

Now that his conversion to Islam is official and public, Said Abdul Latif decided to share his journey with the world. To answer everyone’s questions at once, he wrote a heartfelt blog on Medium.com. He describes his transition to Islam as "feeling like coming home."

In his blog titled “Resources Along the Way,” he outlines the roadmap of his journey toward Islam. He mentions the books, articles, and other resources that guided him over the years. This blog is a treasure trove for those who are curious about Islam or are seeking the truth. It serves as a sincere and inspiring guide for anyone on the same path.

A Message to Seekers of Truth

To those who are searching for truth and understanding, I urge you to read his blog and benefit from the resources he has shared. The journey to Islam may be long and challenging, but as Said Abdul Latif’s story shows, Allah guides whom He wills and eases the path for those whom He chooses.

Let us take inspiration from this courageous transformation. Let us remember that knowledge is the key that opens the door to truth. May Allah guide us all and keep us steadfast on His path. Ameen.