Abdurraheem Green’s Inspirational Journey to Papua New Guinea

I begin with praise for Allah and seek help only from Him. We seek refuge in Allah from the evil that our own selves and actions may bring. No one can mislead the one whom Allah guides, and no one can guide the one whom Allah leads astray. I bear witness that only Allah is worthy of worship, and Muhammad, may peace and blessings be upon him, is His servant and messenger.

These words belong to Abdurraheem Green, whose story has likely influenced many of us. For those wondering whom we are talking about, let’s briefly introduce him in response to that question.

Originally from England, Abdurraheem Green was born in Tanzania, located in the Middle East of the African continent, in 1962 due to his father’s job. Influenced by his devout Catholic mother, he received religious education from an early age and, at the age of 11, his father’s duty station changed to Cairo. After this date, he spent winters in the UK for education and summers in Egypt for holidays. In his twenties, during a discussion with an Egyptian about the purpose of life and the meaning of existence, doubts about Catholicism arose, leading to internal questioning. After about five years of searching, he encountered Islam and embraced the faith. Nowadays, Green is known for his Dawah project, serves as a host on Peace TV, and is the president of The Islamic Education & Research Academy (IERA).

This article will focus on Abdurraheem Green’s preaching journey to Papua New Guinea. Green begins his narrative as follows:

Imagine having to paint your face with specific colors and symbols to visit a town. Initially, this may seem strange to you. However, in Papua New Guinea, located on the other side of the world, visiting a tribe requires this peculiarity to be considered perfectly normal.

In this mysterious and unfamiliar country, when invited to a small village with the permission of tribal chiefs, they begin to explain the fundamental principles of Islam, the true religion, to the villagers. They talk about the uniqueness of Allah and that there is no deity other than Him. After delivering their message, as they always do, they pose the question, “Who is ready to accept this beautiful Islamic faith?” Green describes the initial response:

Contrary to expectations, there was a silence around, akin to the stillness after a bomb has been defused, instead of raised hands. No one raised their hands for the testimony. The disappointment on their faces and the dissatisfaction in their gazes were so evident that it seemed we were too much for this village.

At this point, let’s make a note. Papua New Guinea gained independence from Australia in 1975 and is predominantly a country with Christian beliefs or other local beliefs.

A Different Journey of Guidance

Afterward, Green approaches them in a different way. He talks about how Muslims accept the prophethood of Jesus, the references to Jesus in the Quran, and a separate chapter named after Mary. They continue to help dispel their misconceptions, answer questions, and explain the similarities between Islam and Christianity. They also demonstrate step by step how to perform the prayer.

Thinking that they have done everything they can with their hands and words, Green and his friends do not want to waste any more time. They begin preparations to leave the village. However, just as they are about to leave, something unexpected happens. People suddenly start surrounding their cars. They request them to bear witness for their conversion to Islam. Thus, these people, who had never heard of Islam before, accept the truth. Green records the final thoughts:

There is a small Muslim group in Papua New Guinea. They will be thousands tomorrow, insha’Allah. But this is how it always starts. The real question is, will we share in this reward? Certainly, if we are pleased with what we see and want a share in this reward, of course, we can take it. With a donation less than the price of a cup of coffee you drink in a day, you too can support Dawah.