Yusuf Estes (يوسف إستس)
Dawah & Conversion Stories
Sheikh Yusuf Estes is a former Christian preacher and music minister from Texas who converted to Islam in 1991 — and his conversion story is one of the most remarkable in modern Islamic history. He, his father, his wife, and an Egyptian Coptic priest (who was trying to convert Muslims to Christianity) all accepted Islam together.
Before Islam, Yusuf Estes was a successful businessman, a music store owner, and a youth minister in various churches. His journey to Islam began when he agreed to host a Muslim exchange student, which led to months of debates, research, and ultimately, conviction.
Today, he is one of the most active dawah speakers in the world, having delivered thousands of lectures across every continent. His folksy, humorous, distinctly Texan style of preaching has made Islam accessible and engaging to Western audiences in a way few others can match.
What Yusuf is Known For
Incredible Conversion Story
A former Christian preacher who converted to Islam along with his father, wife, and the Egyptian priest who was trying to convert Muslims. One of the most-watched Islamic videos online.
Dawah to Non-Muslims
Specializes in explaining Islam to non-Muslims in a friendly, non-confrontational way — using humor, storytelling, and common ground.
Guide US TV
Founded GuideUS TV — a free Islamic channel in the US dedicated to sharing Islam with Americans in their own cultural language.
Prison Dawah
Has spent decades doing dawah in American prisons — one of the most effective environments for people to discover Islam.
Recommended Lectures
My Journey to Islam
His famous conversion story — how a Texan preacher, his family, and a priest all became Muslim. One of the most-viewed Islamic lectures on the internet.
Why Priests & Preachers Enter Islam
An exploration of why Christian religious leaders convert to Islam — based on his own experience and those of others he has met.
The Bible Led Me to Islam
How studying the Bible deeply — especially the Old Testament and the words of Jesus — led Yusuf Estes to the conclusion that Islam is the truth.
What Everyone Should Know About Islam
A friendly, accessible introduction to Islam for non-Muslims — covering basic beliefs, misconceptions, and why Islam makes sense.
Notable Quotes
"I was a preacher for over 40 years. It took me that long to realize I was preaching the wrong message."
— Yusuf Estes
"Islam didn't ask me to throw away my Bible. It asked me to read it properly — and when I did, it led me to the Quran."
— Yusuf Estes
"The beauty of Islam is that it doesn't ask you to believe blindly. It says: think, question, study — and then decide."
— Yusuf Estes