The present text is taken from the life of the enlightened martyr Morteza Salavati, compiled from his own writing in the book “Then I Became a Shia.”
•┈┈┈┈┈••✾••┈┈┈┈┈┈•
Martyr Morteza Salavati was a Kurdish convert to Shia Islam (Mustabsir) whose curiosity about Imam Mahdi (may Allah hasten his reappearance) sparked the first light of guidance in his heart. This led him on a path that ultimately ended with his martyrdom.
•┈┈┈┈┈••✾••┈┈┈┈┈┈•
Name: Morteza Salavati
Place of Birth: Salavatabad / Sanandaj / Kurdistan
Date of Birth: 1978
Date of Martyrdom: 2012 / unknown
Father’s Name: Mohammad Ali
Education: Seminary (Hawza)
•┈┈┈┈┈••✾••┈┈┈┈┈┈•
I was born in 1978 in the village of Salavatabad, located in the city of Sanandaj, in the province of Kurdistan, into a Shafi’i family. My parents named me Morteza.
I was raised in a rural family who followed the Shafi’i school of thought (followers of Imam Shafi’i, one of the four Sunni Imams). Following the example of my father, mother, and brothers—without having any personal opinion of my own—I was a Sunni Muslim. What I knew about my religion came from what I had heard from my family, fellow believers, and ancestors, and what I had observed in their actions and behavior. I adhered to that path. However, I knew nothing about the Shia school of thought, because I never allowed myself to know—or more precisely, I had no interest in learning anything about it.
Because of what had been implanted in my mind by a group of fanatical extremists, I even harbored resentment toward the Shia. However, I had heard that the Shia await a figure named Mahdi, who is expected to fill the world with justice and fairness. This raised questions in my mind—questions for which I had no answers! (Questions about his long life, being alive, his powers, etc.)
Throughout the year, we would occasionally host some preachers from the Hanafi school of thought. They came from various places such as Zahedan and other cities in the Sistan and Baluchistan province and visited our mosque. These preachers would bring along some gifts and distribute them as prizes to those who quickly memorized their lessons and discussions. By giving out these items, they were able to attract more youths and teenagers to their sessions and talks.
One night, my friends and I decided to stay at the mosque to benefit from the presence of those same preachers. During the gathering, a series of questions were raised. I, the humble one, asked a question that became the first spark leading me toward researching and exploring the Shia school of thought. That question was: Who is the Imam Mahdi? Is what the Shia say about Mahdi true?
However, in response, I heard every form of insult directed at the sacred personality of this noble figure—except an actual answer to my question. In the end, I was given some baseless and empty arguments, among them being:
“If there is to be an Imam or reformer at the end of times, it is only Jesus, son of Mary (peace be upon her), and no one else! You should avoid such useless questions and not pollute your time and thoughts with them.”
Since I did not receive a proper answer, I refrained from asking such questions again.
There was not much time left until the call to Adhan al-Fajr, and while I was reciting the Qur’an, extreme fatigue overcame me. I kissed the Qur’an, set it aside, leaned my head against the wall while sitting, and drifted into a state between sleep and wakefulness. In that state, I saw certain things in a dream, which I initially dismissed as mere thoughts and imagination.
However, the same dream repeated again later at home. That’s when, almost involuntarily, I began to read Shia books. After some time, I took a short trip to Tehran and Qom. In the holy shrine of Lady Fatima Masumeh (peace be upon her), I observed the pilgrims with a strange gaze, and at times, I would silently mock their acts of worship. My misplaced pride and prejudice didn’t even allow me to kiss the shrine.
As I entered the courtyards and halls of the shrine and saw different parts of it—especially the grave and the picture of Ayatollah Borujerdi—the dream I had seen began to partially come true. With a bit of reflection, I was awakened from my state of ignorance.
This very visit to the shrine and my acquaintance with a few young Shia seminary students—who, contrary to the fear and horror I had been made to believe about Shias, welcomed me warmly—paved the way for my visit to Jamkaran Mosque.
When I arrived at that sacred place, my entire being trembled. There, the dream I had seen was completely fulfilled.
It was at that moment that I began to pursue my research seriously.
In conversations with Shia and examining whether they are Muslims or not, a new world was revealed to me—or rather, God opened it before my eyes. Although I was opposed to and resentful of them, this newly discovered world brought new ideas to me and awakened in me a love for curiosity, research, and investigation to understand a reality that had constantly occupied my mind while reading the narration attributed to the Prophet (peace be upon him). He said:
“The Children of Israel were divided into seventy-one sects, and the Christians into seventy-two sects, and my nation will be divided into seventy-three sects, all of which will be in the Hellfire except one.”
It is surprising that every group claims to be the only one on the right path, while in the continuation of the narration, the Companions asked: “Who are those (the saved ones)?” He replied: “Those who follow the path that I and my companions are on.” Therefore, we have no choice but to say and admit that one sect is right and the others are wrong. After meeting and seeing the Shia, doubt arose in me: who knows, perhaps they are right? Why shouldn’t I investigate and research?
During my research, I began to find the answers to my questions one after another. Regarding the successors of the Prophet (peace be upon him), the Prophet himself clearly said:
“The Imams after me will be twelve, the first of whom is Ali ibn Abi Talib (peace be upon him), and the last is Imam Mahdi, the master of the time (may Allah hasten his reappearance).”
Also, in Sahih Muslim, it is narrated:
“The religion will remain firm and established until the Day of Resurrection, and there will be twelve caliphs after me, all of whom will be from Quraysh.”
So, when the Prophet (peace be upon him), even according to Sunni narrations, says that his name is Muhammad and his title is Mahdi (may Allah hasten his reappearance)—does he not know how many Imams will come after him?
It is truly unfortunate that scholars and clerics still doubt this matter.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) never speaks from his own desire. His words are nothing but divine revelation:
وَمَا يَنْطِقُ عَنِ الْهَوَىٰ * إِنْ هُوَ إِلَّا وَحْيٌ يُوحَىٰ
“Nor does he speak from [his own] inclination. It is not but a revelation revealed.”
(Surah An-Najm, verses3–4)
The more I studied about Shi’ism, the clearer the truth became to me—until at the end of my studies and research, the jewel of truth shone like the sun, leaving no room for doubt.
After three years of deep investigation, with full faith and certainty, I accepted this salvific school of thought, the Twelver Shi’a, and chose it as my path. I thank God for that, and with all my heart, conviction, and belief, I proclaim:
اشهد ان لا اله الا الله، اشهد انّ محمدا رسول الله، اشهد انّ علیا ولی الله
“Ashhadu an la ilaha illa Allah, Ashhadu anna Muhammadan Rasool Allah, Ashhadu anna Aliyyan Waliyyullah.”
(I bear witness that there is no God but Allah, I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, I bear witness that Ali is the guardian of Allah.)
Even though, in this journey, my close family fiercely opposed me, disinherited me, and at times their opposition led to insults, conflicts, and even physical abuse. At one point, I was even threatened with death.
But Allah says in Surah Al-‘Ankabut, verse 69:
وَالَّذِينَ جَاهَدُوا فِينَا لَنَهْدِيَنَّهُمْ سُبُلَنَا ۚ وَإِنَّ اللَّهَ لَمَعَ الْمُحْسِنِينَ
“And those who strive for us—we will surely guide them to our ways. And indeed, Allah is with the doers of good.”
Indeed, God revealed the verse “We have certainly honored the children of Adam…” in the dignity of humankind, and adorned him with intellect so he may distinguish between good and evil, benefit and harm.
We must live consciously and eternally, follow the righteous, and seek guidance from the true guides—rather than blindly following our ancestors.
In the year 2008–2009 (1387–88 AH), I entered the Marvi School in Tehran to pursue religious studies. During the same year, I compiled my research and authored the book “Then I Became a Shia”.
My purpose in writing this book was to investigate and explore the most fundamental and doctrinal issue—an issue that has always been a point of debate and dispute among Muslims.
And furthermore, I aim to invite Muslims to a word that is common among them all—that they unite for the sake of their religion, not for their specific sect or methodology. That they give priority to the principles (usool) of faith, not the subsidiary matters (furoo’), forget hostilities, reduce fanaticism, and rally around the agreed-upon fundamentals. They should not allow secondary issues—which are not pillars of Islam and whose denial does not equate to the denial of the essentials of religion—to create division among them.
All praise be to God, who saved me from false nations, protected me from ideological misguidance, and guided me to the Saved Sect al-Firqat al-Najiyah. He introduced me to the infallible Imams and their lofty stations and placed their love in my heart.
Was-salaam.
•┈┈┈┈┈••✾••┈┈┈┈┈┈•
Sources cited:
Al-Darimi, Sunan al-Darimi, vol. 2, p. 241, Chapter on the division of this nation (باب افتراق هذه الامه)
Sulayman al-Hanafi al-Qunduzi, Yanabi‘ al-Mawaddah, p. 440
Sahih Muslim, vol. 6, p. 3
Surah An-Najm, verse 3:
Jul 27 2025
Converted to Shia – Martyr Morteza Salavati
The present text is taken from the life of the enlightened martyr Morteza Salavati, compiled from his own writing in the book “Then I Became a Shia.”
•┈┈┈┈┈••✾••┈┈┈┈┈┈•
Martyr Morteza Salavati was a Kurdish convert to Shia Islam (Mustabsir) whose curiosity about Imam Mahdi (may Allah hasten his reappearance) sparked the first light of guidance in his heart. This led him on a path that ultimately ended with his martyrdom.
•┈┈┈┈┈••✾••┈┈┈┈┈┈•
Name: Morteza Salavati
Place of Birth: Salavatabad / Sanandaj / Kurdistan
Date of Birth: 1978
Date of Martyrdom: 2012 / unknown
Father’s Name: Mohammad Ali
Education: Seminary (Hawza)
•┈┈┈┈┈••✾••┈┈┈┈┈┈•
I was born in 1978 in the village of Salavatabad, located in the city of Sanandaj, in the province of Kurdistan, into a Shafi’i family. My parents named me Morteza.
I was raised in a rural family who followed the Shafi’i school of thought (followers of Imam Shafi’i, one of the four Sunni Imams). Following the example of my father, mother, and brothers—without having any personal opinion of my own—I was a Sunni Muslim. What I knew about my religion came from what I had heard from my family, fellow believers, and ancestors, and what I had observed in their actions and behavior. I adhered to that path. However, I knew nothing about the Shia school of thought, because I never allowed myself to know—or more precisely, I had no interest in learning anything about it.
Because of what had been implanted in my mind by a group of fanatical extremists, I even harbored resentment toward the Shia. However, I had heard that the Shia await a figure named Mahdi, who is expected to fill the world with justice and fairness. This raised questions in my mind—questions for which I had no answers! (Questions about his long life, being alive, his powers, etc.)
Throughout the year, we would occasionally host some preachers from the Hanafi school of thought. They came from various places such as Zahedan and other cities in the Sistan and Baluchistan province and visited our mosque. These preachers would bring along some gifts and distribute them as prizes to those who quickly memorized their lessons and discussions. By giving out these items, they were able to attract more youths and teenagers to their sessions and talks.
One night, my friends and I decided to stay at the mosque to benefit from the presence of those same preachers. During the gathering, a series of questions were raised. I, the humble one, asked a question that became the first spark leading me toward researching and exploring the Shia school of thought. That question was: Who is the Imam Mahdi? Is what the Shia say about Mahdi true?
However, in response, I heard every form of insult directed at the sacred personality of this noble figure—except an actual answer to my question. In the end, I was given some baseless and empty arguments, among them being:
“If there is to be an Imam or reformer at the end of times, it is only Jesus, son of Mary (peace be upon her), and no one else! You should avoid such useless questions and not pollute your time and thoughts with them.”
Since I did not receive a proper answer, I refrained from asking such questions again.
There was not much time left until the call to Adhan al-Fajr, and while I was reciting the Qur’an, extreme fatigue overcame me. I kissed the Qur’an, set it aside, leaned my head against the wall while sitting, and drifted into a state between sleep and wakefulness. In that state, I saw certain things in a dream, which I initially dismissed as mere thoughts and imagination.
However, the same dream repeated again later at home. That’s when, almost involuntarily, I began to read Shia books. After some time, I took a short trip to Tehran and Qom. In the holy shrine of Lady Fatima Masumeh (peace be upon her), I observed the pilgrims with a strange gaze, and at times, I would silently mock their acts of worship. My misplaced pride and prejudice didn’t even allow me to kiss the shrine.
As I entered the courtyards and halls of the shrine and saw different parts of it—especially the grave and the picture of Ayatollah Borujerdi—the dream I had seen began to partially come true. With a bit of reflection, I was awakened from my state of ignorance.
This very visit to the shrine and my acquaintance with a few young Shia seminary students—who, contrary to the fear and horror I had been made to believe about Shias, welcomed me warmly—paved the way for my visit to Jamkaran Mosque.
When I arrived at that sacred place, my entire being trembled. There, the dream I had seen was completely fulfilled.
It was at that moment that I began to pursue my research seriously.
In conversations with Shia and examining whether they are Muslims or not, a new world was revealed to me—or rather, God opened it before my eyes. Although I was opposed to and resentful of them, this newly discovered world brought new ideas to me and awakened in me a love for curiosity, research, and investigation to understand a reality that had constantly occupied my mind while reading the narration attributed to the Prophet (peace be upon him). He said:
“The Children of Israel were divided into seventy-one sects, and the Christians into seventy-two sects, and my nation will be divided into seventy-three sects, all of which will be in the Hellfire except one.”
It is surprising that every group claims to be the only one on the right path, while in the continuation of the narration, the Companions asked: “Who are those (the saved ones)?” He replied: “Those who follow the path that I and my companions are on.” Therefore, we have no choice but to say and admit that one sect is right and the others are wrong. After meeting and seeing the Shia, doubt arose in me: who knows, perhaps they are right? Why shouldn’t I investigate and research?
During my research, I began to find the answers to my questions one after another. Regarding the successors of the Prophet (peace be upon him), the Prophet himself clearly said:
“The Imams after me will be twelve, the first of whom is Ali ibn Abi Talib (peace be upon him), and the last is Imam Mahdi, the master of the time (may Allah hasten his reappearance).”
Also, in Sahih Muslim, it is narrated:
“The religion will remain firm and established until the Day of Resurrection, and there will be twelve caliphs after me, all of whom will be from Quraysh.”
So, when the Prophet (peace be upon him), even according to Sunni narrations, says that his name is Muhammad and his title is Mahdi (may Allah hasten his reappearance)—does he not know how many Imams will come after him?
It is truly unfortunate that scholars and clerics still doubt this matter.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) never speaks from his own desire. His words are nothing but divine revelation:
وَمَا يَنْطِقُ عَنِ الْهَوَىٰ * إِنْ هُوَ إِلَّا وَحْيٌ يُوحَىٰ
“Nor does he speak from [his own] inclination. It is not but a revelation revealed.”
(Surah An-Najm, verses3–4)
The more I studied about Shi’ism, the clearer the truth became to me—until at the end of my studies and research, the jewel of truth shone like the sun, leaving no room for doubt.
After three years of deep investigation, with full faith and certainty, I accepted this salvific school of thought, the Twelver Shi’a, and chose it as my path. I thank God for that, and with all my heart, conviction, and belief, I proclaim:
اشهد ان لا اله الا الله، اشهد انّ محمدا رسول الله، اشهد انّ علیا ولی الله
“Ashhadu an la ilaha illa Allah, Ashhadu anna Muhammadan Rasool Allah, Ashhadu anna Aliyyan Waliyyullah.”
(I bear witness that there is no God but Allah, I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, I bear witness that Ali is the guardian of Allah.)
Even though, in this journey, my close family fiercely opposed me, disinherited me, and at times their opposition led to insults, conflicts, and even physical abuse. At one point, I was even threatened with death.
But Allah says in Surah Al-‘Ankabut, verse 69:
وَالَّذِينَ جَاهَدُوا فِينَا لَنَهْدِيَنَّهُمْ سُبُلَنَا ۚ وَإِنَّ اللَّهَ لَمَعَ الْمُحْسِنِينَ
“And those who strive for us—we will surely guide them to our ways. And indeed, Allah is with the doers of good.”
Indeed, God revealed the verse “We have certainly honored the children of Adam…” in the dignity of humankind, and adorned him with intellect so he may distinguish between good and evil, benefit and harm.
We must live consciously and eternally, follow the righteous, and seek guidance from the true guides—rather than blindly following our ancestors.
In the year 2008–2009 (1387–88 AH), I entered the Marvi School in Tehran to pursue religious studies. During the same year, I compiled my research and authored the book “Then I Became a Shia”.
My purpose in writing this book was to investigate and explore the most fundamental and doctrinal issue—an issue that has always been a point of debate and dispute among Muslims.
And furthermore, I aim to invite Muslims to a word that is common among them all—that they unite for the sake of their religion, not for their specific sect or methodology. That they give priority to the principles (usool) of faith, not the subsidiary matters (furoo’), forget hostilities, reduce fanaticism, and rally around the agreed-upon fundamentals. They should not allow secondary issues—which are not pillars of Islam and whose denial does not equate to the denial of the essentials of religion—to create division among them.
All praise be to God, who saved me from false nations, protected me from ideological misguidance, and guided me to the Saved Sect al-Firqat al-Najiyah. He introduced me to the infallible Imams and their lofty stations and placed their love in my heart.
Was-salaam.
•┈┈┈┈┈••✾••┈┈┈┈┈┈•
Sources cited:
Al-Darimi, Sunan al-Darimi, vol. 2, p. 241, Chapter on the division of this nation (باب افتراق هذه الامه)
Sulayman al-Hanafi al-Qunduzi, Yanabi‘ al-Mawaddah, p. 440
Sahih Muslim, vol. 6, p. 3
Surah An-Najm, verse 3:
By english • Chronicles of the converted to Shia • 0 • Tags: Convert to Shia Islam, converted to Islam, Converted to Shia, Martyr, Martyr Morteza Salavati, Morteza Salavati, Mostabserin, Reborn