By Dharmesh Prajapati

A young man recently left Islam and embraced Hinduism in Madhya Pradesh’s Khandwa district, admittedly after feeling distressed over the sacrifice of animals during Eid al-Adha (also known as Bakra Eid or Bakrid). Bilal, who is now Vishal, has been employed by a man named Rajesh Sarang since a very early age.

He said that he has always been treated like a family member by his employer. Vishal admitted that the family-like treatment he got caused him to become influenced by Hindu customs and traditions.

Speaking about his decision to leave Islam, Vishal said that he was particularly influenced by the principle of “Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah” (May all beings be happy), which promotes compassion toward all living creatures.

He said that he expressed his desire to Sarang about converting to Hinduism and requested him to take him to a temple in Khandwa that is known for facilitating “ghar wapsi” (conversion) of non-Hindus.

As part of the ceremony to embrace Hinduism, Bilal worshipped Lord Shiva, and participated in a yajna (fire ritual) at the temple, and had his head shaved.

He was also made to undergo ten forms of ritual bathing, including with Ganga water, cow milk, panchamrit (a sacred mixture of five ingredients), cow urine, cow dung, tulsi dust, fruits, metals, panchagavya (a traditional mixture derived from cow products), and other ritualistic substances.

After completing the rituals, the man adopted the name “Vishal” and pledged to regularly read the Ramcharitmanas, a copy of which he also placed on his forehead as a mark of reverence.

“I love Sanatan Dharma very much; I was destined to join it. I have been following its practices from the beginning. On Bakra Eid, I could not bear to see what was happening to the innocent animals,” he said. Vishal said that he has felt attached to Hinduism since childhood.