Murad Hofmann was a German born in Bavaria in 1931. He pursued his education to the highest academic levels, studying at Harvard University in the United States and at Munich, where he earned a doctorate in law.
He served as his country’s ambassador in several countries, including Belgium, Austria, Algeria, Switzerland and Morocco.
Through extensive reading, he searched for the truth about the universe until he concluded that Islam was the truth that should prevail and that people everywhere should embrace.
He announced his conversion to Islam in 1980 and took the name Murad Farid. He wrote numerous books, including “Diary of a German Muslim,” “Journey to Mecca” and “The Role of Islamic Philosophy.”
Among his best-known works is “Islam as an Alternative,” which caused a stir in the West and was translated into many languages. It is among his bestselling and most widely circulated books.
He said: “Islam, with its great book, is the religion God distinguished and gave the highest status, completing the human edifice. There is therefore no doubt that Islam will rise, because an extraordinary strength lies in its simple teachings, which accept no intermediary with God.”
He also said: “This great religion will attract young people in Europe and America because they are tired of materialism and no longer care for those who do not respect their minds and humanity. Islam is the religion that values human dignity.”