As the years went by I studied books and bought a Holy Qur’an translated into English by Maulana Muhammad Ali. To this day I still favor this translation above others. I always had doubts about the doctrines preached in Christian churches. I was attracted to the worship of one God and the belief that the one God has created all things in heaven and on earth. The Qur’an verified what I was born to believe.

I got out of the Marines and began working for the police department in Birmingham, Alabama. I met a woman who braided hair in an African Hair Braiding shop while I was on patrol one day in May 2002. I thought she was so beautiful. She hesitantly gave me her phone number and permission to call her. She explained that she doesn’t trust American men because of the stereotype associated with them. I explained to her that I do understand and that most of it is true what they say.

After seeing her for about three months I wanted to marry this Muslim woman who was from Senegal West Africa. Never in my 30 years had I ever met a woman so pure, dedicated to principle and virtue, and addicted to prayer. I wanted this Muslim woman for my wife. But there was a problem.

Her father, a "Hajji" (one who has performed pilgrimage) would never allow his daughter to marry a non-Muslim no matter what. One reason she continued to talk me was that she had seen my extensive collection of Islamic books in my house.

I became friends with another African man (Musa from Senegal) who taught me the basics of Islam, short surahs, abolution, and the five pillars. Although I have a degree in Bible Studies and I knew the Qur’an back and forth, I found that there was always something more to learn about Islam.

Exactly 12 years after graduating from Marine Corp Boot Camp, I took the shahadah. Musa fought for me, convincing Aisha’s father that he had never seen me smoke, drink or associate with bad people. On March 2, 2003, El Hajji Diallo, Aishas’ father, with approval of all of his brothers gave me Aisha’s hand in marriage. Allah blessed us a healthy son named Jibril, and insha’Allah, God willing, we will have more.