Faizel Patel, Radio Islam News – 10-08-2017

Former al-Qaeda captive, 42-year-old Stephen McGowan says he converted to Islam while being held captive in the Sahara desert but was not forced to do so. 

McGowan is back on South African soil after his release from Timbuktu was finally secured at the weekend.

He was abducted by al-Qaeeda in 2011 along with Swiss national Johan Gustafson, who was released in July.

Swedish hostage Johan Gustafsson was released in June this year.

In his first public appearance organized by the Gift of the Givers since his release, McGowan says before the incident he was Christian and wasn’t forced into Islam by his captors.

“I certainly learnt a lot from Islam, there is a lot of good in Islam. It has taken me away from capitalism. People are more important than money.” 

He says after converting to Islam, he was given the name Lut, after the Prophet Lut (AS) by his captors. 

“Once converted, the guys wanted to wash your clothes for you. You would sit and recite with them in the riverbeds…this is in the Qur’an, you have to look after your prisoners well.” 

McGowan says he cannot believe the support he and his family received during his abduction.

“South Africans are incredible.” 

He says he hopes to join his dad and get into the family business.

Twitter: @FaizelPatel143