Muslim convert says adhan heard in New York church began his journey to Islam

A Bahamas-born Christian who was deeply moved after hearing the adhan and Quran recitation by a guest imam at a church program in New York says his subsequent personal research ultimately led him to Islam.

Conor Scott, a 35-year-old from the Bahamas who later adopted the name Ilyas after becoming Muslim, says his journey to Islam began unexpectedly at a church in New York.

Scott, who was raised in a Christian family in the Bahamas, said he had spent much of his younger years immersed in entertainment, nightlife and alcohol before beginning to question the meaning of life and exploring different religious beliefs.

During this period of spiritual searching, he regularly attended church and sought to bring God more deeply into his life. A turning point came when an imam invited to a program at a New York church recited the adhan and verses from the Quran.

"I was so deeply affected that I cannot put it into words," Scott recalled. "I just thought to myself, 'This is what is right.' It was as if everything was in perfect harmony."

The experience prompted Scott to begin researching Islam on his own. He said that he continued listening to the adhan while working in the banking sector and gradually learned more about Islam through personal study.

After returning to the Bahamas, Scott began reading the Quran, starting with Surah Al-Baqarah, and visited a local mosque to learn how to pray and practice Islam.

He said his conversion was not the result of a single miraculous moment but rather a gradual process that brought significant changes to his life.

"Entering Islam was not easy. There is no miraculous moment that changes everything," Scott said. "When a person turns to God, responsibilities come with it. But that is also the beautiful part. Islam gives you discipline, goals and allows you to rebuild your life."

Finding brotherhood at the mosque
Scott said the absence of a Muslim mentor during the early stages of his journey made the process more challenging, as he had to learn much of the religion independently.

He also recalled being the only white person — and the only white Bahamian — at his local mosque. Despite racial divisions he had witnessed in the Bahamas, he said the Muslim community welcomed him warmly.

A few years later, a Yemeni Muslim he met became particularly influential in his life by listening to his story and showing him genuine brotherhood.

"I think that was what kept me strongest in Islam," Scott said, describing the experience as a rare sense of genuine love between people.

'I love Türkiye'
Scott also spoke warmly about his experiences in Türkiye, saying the country holds a special place in his heart.

He recalled visiting Istanbul for the first time without knowing any Turkish and being struck by the hospitality he received. His apartment owner did not speak English, while Scott did not speak Turkish, yet the two were able to communicate and the landlord took him around mosques on the European side of Istanbul.

"He wanted to show me his culture and Türkiye. That really affected me," Scott said.

Describing Istanbul as a magnificent city, Scott said he believes the country's deeper character can be found beyond its tourist attractions and nightlife.

"To me, the real Türkiye lies in the culture and sincerity of the people living outside Istanbul. I love Türkiye and I keep coming back."

Scott's story illustrates how an unexpected encounter with the adhan led to a prolonged period of personal reflection, religious study and, ultimately, his decision to embrace Islam.