German U20 International footballer Danny Blum has announced his reversion to Islam, describing it as a religion of hope and strength.
“Islam gives me hope and strength. Prayer calms my soul,” Blum told Bild newspaper on Monday, January 26.
“I was short-tempered, erratic and did not know where I belonged” he added.
Blum joined FC Nürnberg in Bavaria last July. The team plays in the Second Division of professional football in Germany, the Bundesliga. Shortly after joining the team, he injured his knee and was forced eventually to take six months off. A few weeks ago, he took the decision to revert to Islam, joining the world’s fastest growing religion.
“I have visited a mosque and my heart rate rose immediately, I felt this is something for me and wanted to know more,” Blum told Bild.
Ever since, he has been praying five times a day and eats halal food. Informing his parents of his decision, the 24-year-old player said they were scared at first.
“They are devout Christians. But soon they said that I have to go the route that I believe is right,” he said.
“Islam is a peaceful religion. My faith says: never force anyone to do what he does not want. If you think, it has to come voluntarily from the heart!”
Germany is believed to be home to nearly 4 million Muslims, including 220,000 in Berlin alone. Turks make up an estimated two thirds of the Muslim minority.
Ref: On Islam
