A Tale of Spiritual Conversion, by a Man Looking for Answers

A British author gave up drink and drugs for Islam

Jakarta Globe, Sylviana Hamdani, Aug 01, 2014

Author John Michaelson, who has converted to Islam, with his wife
and editor Hetih Rusli. (JG Photo/Sylviana Hamdani)

Jakarta. British author John Michaelson found God when he realized that alcohol and drugs were not giving him the answers he wanted from life. But it was not until four years ago, when he visited a quiet town in West Java, that he made peace with his existence.

Michaelson says that Islam has the answer and has written about his journey of spiritual discovery in a novel titled “ Mualaf ” (“Convert”).

“[Islam] just felt right,” he said.

The book, which was first published by Gramedia Pustaka Utama in April 2014 and is now printing its second edition, is his answer to those who questioned why he decided to become a Muslim.

“I was never able to answer all their questions. That’s why I wrote this book; to show people what I’ve experienced and how I came to Islam.”

Michaelson was born in a small town in southwest England in the 1970s and had a difficult childhood. His parents fought a lot, and they got a divorce when he was just a toddler. His father took him to live with him, but they did not get along. When Michaelson’s father re-married, he was sent to live in an all-boys boarding house.

The young Michaelson lost himself in alcohol and drugs. He writes eloquently about his problems: the dark years in which he got kicked out of school, went to live with his mother, and studied at an ill-reputed high school in town where he fell even deeper into the cycle of drugs and alcohol.

After his then-girlfriend became a heavy drug addict, and as the relationship faltered, he took another job as a mechanic at a telecommunications company. The job took him to exotic places all over the world.

“And I discovered through working [at the company] that I like working with people of other nationalities,” the author said. “I enjoy communicating with people of other nationalities.”

But the job sent him further down the road of decadence. Whenever the ship anchored, he and his friends scoured the foreign towns in search of booze and women.

“It was a good job, but there was too much alcohol involved,” Michaelson said, with a chuckle. “Too many parties.”

Determined to lead a better life, Michaelson went back to school. He studied English language and sociology at a university in his hometown. After finishing his studies, he taught English to foreign students.

In his new job he was introduced to Islam by a French-Algerian colleague. Michaelson admitted that his previous understanding of Islam was of a religion that encouraged terrorism and the oppression of women. He soon learned that the holy Koran is often misinterpreted.

When Michaelson applied to work as an English teacher in a small town in West Java, he found a Koran in the house where he was staying. It piqued his interest, and he went online to find an English translation.

“The Koran touched on things that I experienced earlier in my life,” he said. “We had a connection. And I think that’s important.”

When his neighbors found out about his interest in Islam they introduced him to an ustadz , or religious teacher, who helped him to understand more.

Michaelson also enjoyed observing his neighbors’ lifestyle. When he could not sleep, he often stood at the fence of his house to see them go to the mosque at dawn to pray. They would look back, wave and greet him enthusiastically.

“Something feels right about their morning ritual,” he said. “They always seem very happy.”

After a couple of months of learning the Koran, Michaelson decided to convert to Islam.

His neighbors and colleagues drove him to a nearby mosque and became the witnesses as he uttered his first syahadat (Islamic testimonial).

Since his conversion to Islam, Michaelson prays five times a day, recites the Koran and fasts during Ramadan. He also abstains from alcohol and drugs completely.

“I’m at the bottom of the mountain at the moment,” he said. “I have a lot to study, a lot to understand [about Islam].”

His family supports his decision.

Last week, Gramedia published the English version of “Mualaf.”

Michaelson’s wife and editor, Hetih Rusli, said that he had a fresh, new perspective on Islam.

“I’m not a Muslim, but through his eyes I saw that Islam is actually a peaceful and tolerant religion,” she said.

The story, which is written in the first person, is quite easy to read and understand for both Muslims and non-Muslims. Instead of presenting religious dogmas and Koranic verses in the book, the author narrated his own life experiences that had led him into conversion. Through the story, both Muslims and non-Muslims can reflect on their own lives and spiritual journeys.

Indonesian author and scriptwriter Boim Lebon also lauded the book, saying it would satisfy many people’s curiosity of the unique phenomenon of a Westerner converting to Islam.

“Many of us wonder why and how he came to that decision,” Boim said. “By reading the book, we can learn of John’s experience and maybe become inspired by it.”

Michaelson is now married to an Indonesian and lives in East Jakarta. The couple have a 17-month-old daughter, Frances.

Michaelson and his wife run their own translation and copy-editing company, which is called “Fair Measure.”

He is also writing his next novel, a romance fiction, which is set to be published in October.

Author John Michaelson, who has converted to Islam, with his wife and editor Hetih Rusli. JG Photos/Sylviana Hamdani

(JG Photo/Sylviana Hamdani)

“Mualaf”

Indonesian version: 

Paperback, 349 pages, Rp 78,000 ($6.75)

English version: 

Paperback, 343 pages, Rp 139,000 ($12)