Assalamualaikum, dear brothers and sisters. Today, we share the remarkable journey of Dr. Jeffrey Lang, a renowned mathematician and professor at the University of Kansas, who transitioned from atheism to Islam after a profound encounter with the Quran. His story is a testament to the transformative power of Allah’s words and the beauty of Islamic teachings.
Early Life: A Search for Meaning
Dr. Jeffrey Lang was born on January 30, 1954, into a Roman Catholic family in Bridgeport, Connecticut. For the first 18 years of his life, he attended Catholic schools, where he was left with numerous unanswered questions about faith, suffering, and the nature of God.
Like many young people in the late 1960s and early 1970s, Lang began questioning societal values, including religious institutions. By the time he turned 18, he had rejected Catholicism and embraced atheism. He struggled with questions like, “If God is all-merciful and all-loving, why does suffering exist? Why doesn’t He just take us to heaven instead of creating people to endure pain?”
A Turning Point: Discovering Islam
As a young mathematics lecturer at San Francisco University, Lang’s life took a dramatic turn when he met Muslim students who introduced him to Islam. One of these students, Mahmoud Qandeel, a confident and articulate Saudi, left a lasting impression on Lang. Their discussions about religion revealed the depth of Islamic thought and provided thoughtful answers to Lang’s questions.
Qandeel gifted Lang a copy of the Quran and books on Islam, sparking his curiosity. Lang began reading the Quran independently and was captivated by its profound wisdom. He described his experience as if the Quran was “reading him,” anticipating his questions and addressing his doubts in real-time.
Surrendering to the Truth
Lang’s encounter with the Quran was transformative. He found himself drawn to the student-run prayer hall at the university, where he eventually embraced Islam. Reflecting on his journey, Lang wrote, “Painters can make the eyes of a portrait appear to follow you, but which author can write a scripture that anticipates your daily struggles? Each night, I would formulate questions, and the next day, I would find the answers in the Quran. It was as if the author was reading my mind.”
Lang found immense spiritual satisfaction in performing the five daily prayers, particularly the Fajr (pre-dawn) prayer, which he described as one of the most beautiful rituals in Islam. When asked how he connected with the Quran despite not understanding Arabic, he replied, “Why is a baby comforted by his mother’s voice?”
A Scholar and Advocate for Islam
Dr. Lang’s journey to Islam did not hinder his academic pursuits. He earned his master’s and doctoral degrees in mathematics from Purdue University, driven by his fascination with logic and concrete answers. However, he found that Islam uniquely appealed to both his intellect and his heart, offering a balance of faith and reason.
As the faculty advisor for the Muslim Student Association, Lang served as a bridge between Muslim students and the university administration. He helped students navigate cultural adjustments and organized Islamic lectures to address misconceptions about Islam.
Author and Thought Leader
Dr. Lang has authored several influential books on Islam, including “Even Angels Ask: A Journey to Islam in America,” which has become a bestseller among Muslims in the United States. In this book, he shares his personal journey, insights, and the spiritual growth he experienced through Islam.
A Message of Hope and Reflection
Dr. Jeffrey Lang’s story is a powerful reminder that the Quran has the ability to touch hearts and transform lives. His journey from atheism to Islam highlights the importance of seeking truth with an open mind and heart.
May Allah (SWT) continue to guide Dr. Lang and bless his efforts to spread the message of Islam. Ameen.
