Henry de Castro was a French officer, who, during the French occupation of Algeria held a high Government post. One day, he was riding out on a mission through the desert. Behind him were thirty Arab horsemen who served under him. During the journey, the time came for the afternoon prayer. They told their officer that it was time for prayer, and without waiting for his permission, they dismounted. After giving the call to prayer aloud they stood in rows to pray. The French officer felt affronted at this arrogant behaviour on their part, but he kept silent. He stopped his horse and observed the Arabs in their prayer. The sight of praying in even rows had a profound effect on him. Afterwards, when they had finished praying, he began to ask them questions about prayer, and listened attentively to their answers.

The boldness of the Arabs and the sight of prayer in such array made a deep impression on Henry de Castro. When he returned home he started to study Islam. First of all, he read a French translation of the Quran. Then he travelled extensively in Arab countries to observe the Islamic way of life, his impressions became more and more profound. Eventually he accepted Islam.

Thereafter he wrote a book in French on how he had come to accept Islam. This book was translated into Arabic by the famous Egyptian writer, Fathi Zaghlul. It was published under the title of “AI-Islam: Khawater wa Sawaneh.”

At first the French officer thought that the Arabs were being proud in their action, so he felt offended; but when he saw them dismount from their horses in order to bow down humbly before the Lord of the Universe, he realized that what they had done had been out of humility, not pride. His true nature awakened within him. The sight of God’s servants bowing down before Him so inspired a feeling of submission to God within him that eventually he entered the fold of the religion of God. □