He used to live as a homeless person, but now this man with a face full of tattoos has transformed into a devout follower of Islam after converting. His appearance has since garnered public attention.
Long before converting to Islam, his life was filled with problems that left him directionless and in despair for a long time. The many challenges in his life made him feel lost and in need of guidance towards a better path.
Determined to improve himself, he became acquainted with the teachings of Islam, and since then, he feels his life has become more orderly and peaceful. His journey has now inspired some people worldwide.
He is Joseph Johnson, a man with a tattooed face from England. After converting to Islam, Joseph Johnson changed his name to Ibo, which he explained is short for Ibrahim.
Ibo shared his story of struggle when deciding to embrace Islam. Before converting, he faced a difficult life without a home or hope. With a body full of tattoos, he was forced to steal to survive.
However, now he has found peace and purpose through Islam. Joseph Johnson was born a devout Christian until the age of 23.
He converted to Islam and changed his name to Fatih Ibrahim, now called Ibo. Ibo or Ibrahim went viral on various international Instagram accounts, highlighting his tattooed face and body during his pilgrimage to Mecca.
Ibo recounted his life journey leading to Islam. According to Ibo, he was very lost before discovering Islam.
He even associated with people using drugs. Then, after discovering Islam, he admitted becoming a better person.
"Like most people, I now have structure in my life. I have purpose and direction; Islam is the best thing that ever happened to me," said Ibo in English.
Ibo explained who introduced him to Islam. Apparently, it was his family because his brother married a Muslim.
"Initially, it was my family, cousins, and aunt who converted to Islam in 2011. They married men from Kurdistan (Iraq). That was my first insight into Islam," he explained.
Ibo then elaborated on his life experiences before discovering Islam. It all began when his father passed away, leaving Ibo devastated and directionless.
"In 2015, my father passed away, and I felt a great loss. I needed direction and purpose because I needed help; I needed my father's help," said Ibo.
After his father's death, Ibo became disillusioned with God. Although he tried attending church, he still felt empty and disconnected from God.
"I did not believe in the Holy Trinity, I did not believe Jesus was God, and then I did not believe in God," he revealed.
He admitted that he became homeless after his father's death. Not knowing how to rent a house, he was forced to live on the streets.
"I slept on the streets; my house was sold when I was very young. I did not understand mortgages, rent, or insurance," explained Ibo.
"I was very unprepared at that time because I did not know about these things," Ibo added.
When he was sleeping outside a fast-food restaurant on the roadside, a Pakistani man suddenly approached and asked about his desperate situation.
Like a miracle, Ibo admitted always meeting kind Muslims. This sparked his curiosity, leading him to watch Islamic lectures on KZfaq.
He said he never experienced such kindness as shown by the Pakistani man. Although many around him viewed Muslims as criminals, his personal experiences were different.
"Where I come from, I was told that they (Muslims) are bad people, propaganda from social media. But in my experience, they are the kindest people," he revealed.
"I never experienced brotherhood and loyalty like that. He did not want any reward; he did not even mention anything about Islam," he continued.
Ibo felt saved by Allah SWT amid his life's difficulties. Even during his first visit to Turkey, hearing the call to prayer touched his heart and made him want to learn about Islam.
In short, Ibo decided to convert to Islam after meeting the Pakistani man who helped and housed him in his time of need.
"I eventually learned about Islam and asked him questions. They taught me about the Quran and the Prophet Muhammad. In short, I eventually embraced Islam," he concluded.
Now, Ibo also strives to spread the message of goodness in Islam.