His Holiness Paus Fransiskus,
Supreme Leader of the Roman Catholic Church,
The Vatican.
In the name of Allah, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful.
Through this letter, I would like to humbly convey the beauty and truth of Islam, the faith I believe to be the path blessed by Allah, the Almighty. As a Muslim, I feel a responsibility to share the message of Islam, which teaches the oneness of Allah (tauhid), peace, compassion, and justice. In Islamic teachings, there is an emphasis on the belief in Allah, the One and Only, the recognition of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) as the final messenger, and the truth contained in the Qur'an.
I sincerely hope that this letter may serve as a means for Your Holiness Paus Fransiskus to reflect and consider Islam as a path towards salvation, happiness, and eternal peace, both in this world and the hereafter. With profound respect and love, I invite you to see Islam as a faith that calls for goodness, tolerance, and compassion toward all mankind. May it be that Pope Francis embraces Islam with sincerity and willingness of heart.
I pray that this letter is received with an open heart and a soul eager to learn more about Islam. I hope it is read in the spirit of seeking truth and genuine salvation.
As a Muslim, I firmly believe that the path to truth and salvation lies in the belief in Allah, the One and Only, and in the prophethood of His final messenger, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). With all humility, I invite Your Holiness to reconsider the teachings of Islam, which represent the continuation of the divine revelations sent to previous prophets, including Jesus, the Messiah, son of Mary.
Indeed, all prophets were Muslims, as Allah says: "Say, 'We believe in Allah and in what was revealed to us, and in what was revealed to Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, and the descendants, and in what was given to Moses and Jesus and the prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction between any of them, and we are Muslims [in submission] to Him.'" (Qur'an 3:84). "And whoever desires other than Islam as a religion—never will it be accepted from him, and he, in the Hereafter, will be among the losers" (3:85). "How shall Allah guide a people who disbelieved after their belief and had witnessed that the Messenger is true, and clear signs had come to them? And Allah does not guide the wrongdoing people" (3:86).
Islam is a religion that teaches the oneness of God, love, justice, and peace for all humanity. We believe that Allah sent Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) as the seal of the prophets, bringing the perfect guidance for mankind through the Qur'an.
In Islam, we believe that every person has the opportunity to return to the truth and the path approved by Allah. Therefore, I invite Your Holiness Paus Fransiskus to consider Islam as a way of life that will lead to true salvation and happiness, both in this world and in the hereafter.
Whoever follows this path, believes in Allah and His messenger, and bears witness that there is no god but Allah, and that Muhammad is His servant and messenger, will find salvation. I extend this call, in line with Allah's command, for indeed I am the messenger of Allah to all humanity, to warn those who are alive. Should Your Holiness embrace Islam, you will find salvation.
I write this letter with utmost sincerity and hope that Allah, the Almighty, opens the heart and mind of Your Holiness Paus Fransiskus to His final message. There is no compulsion in this invitation. Ultimately, the choice rests with Your Holiness. Islam is the path of truth, and there is no compulsion in becoming a Muslim. May Allah, the Almighty, always grant His guidance, mercy, and blessings upon us all. Thank you for your attention and kindness in reading this letter.
With my deepest respect,
Ahmad Sastra
A Muslim who seeks the mercy of Allah.
