When news broke that Andrew Tate had embraced Islam, Muslims everywhere were shook. And why wouldn’t they be? The way he was received, the sheer number of followers he had, the influence he wielded, the controversies surrounding him—the hate he spewed, the crimes he was accused of—his name was a storm in itself.

Yet, despite all of that, there was one thing in his story that struck a deeply personal chord with me as a revert. That moment in a convert’s journey when you look for your people—the ones you expect to be there for you—and they aren’t.

To be completely honest, even some of the Muslims I thought I could turn to weren’t there.

Strangely enough, it was often those who barely knew me who were the most encouraging. Meanwhile, those who had been part of my life, who had witnessed my struggles, either didn’t want me to “change” or projected their own doubts onto me.

I didn’t understand it back then. And I still don’t fully understand it now.

Are they also in doubt of the Turner of Hearts?

When I saw the video of Tate in the masjid, I didn’t doubt for a second that it was real. Not many people noticed this, but if you watch closely—just look at his feet. Only Muslims will get this.

And yet, once again, the masses flocked to him. Some called it clout-chasing. I won’t lie—there was a brief second when that thought crossed my mind too. But I caught myself. We humans are so quick to judge.

Now that it’s proven to be true, all I can say is: If this is in Allah’s plan, then there is a very good reason and purpose for it.

Here are a few reflections for the Judgmental:

🔹 Allah guides whom He wills.

🔹 Be grateful that your sins aren’t public.

🔹 All the young men who idolized him now have a chance of not being led astray from Islam. He was their role model before, and now he walks the path of Islam—whether or not he stumbles, that’s between him and his Lord.

🔹 He has a Muslim friend guiding him—make du’a for them. Be that Muslim friend to a convert. Many of us lost friends and family when we chose Islam. Not every convert has the support, resources, or sense of brotherhood/sisterhood they need and deserve.

🔹 No, this doesn’t mean he has a pure heart overnight. But before judging, ask yourself—do you?

🔹 Once he uttered the Shahadah, his slate was wiped clean. Whether you like it or not, that’s the reality of Allah’s mercy. This should be the clearest sign for you not to lose hope in your own journey back to Him.

🔹 Some people claim that reverts only say the Shahadah with their tongues, not their hearts. If you ever find yourself questioning the sincerity of someone’s conversion, pause. Why do you feel that way? No matter how well you think you know their past, their struggles, their darkest moments—you are not the one who turns hearts.

🔹 Again, Allah guides whom He wills. No matter their past. No matter how messy their journey ahead may be. No matter whether their reasons seem noble or flawed by human standards. If you struggle to accept that, then the question isn’t about them—it’s about your trust in Al-Muqqallib al-Qulub, the Turner of Hearts.