In this episode, we explore the incredible journey of Daniel Amin Colman, whose spiritual path led him from a Buddhist upbringing to embracing Islam through the lens of Sufism. Raised in a Nichiren Buddhist household with a Jewish-Greek heritage, Daniel was always a seeker—drawn to spiritual depth wherever it was found. His journey included practices from shamanism, kundalini yoga, and Buddhist chanting, all pointing toward a deeper truth.

It was through the experience of zikr—the remembrance of God—that Daniel first encountered the inner light of Islam. Unlike the self-powered effort of Buddhist chanting, he found zikr to be spiritually nourishing, invoking a divine presence that felt both personal and profound. This opened the door to exploring other dimensions of Islam, including prayer, fasting, and eventually the full path of the Sharia.

His transition wasn’t without difficulty—he faced emotional and cultural challenges, including the end of a relationship and the disappointment of his father, a practicing Buddhist. Yet Daniel remained guided by spiritual experiences and signs that pointed him toward Islam, including a vivid moment of transformation during a healing session that solidified his certainty in God's presence and in Islam itself.

What stands out is Daniel’s powerful insight into the balance between the inner and outer aspects of faith. His story is a reminder that Islam, at its core, is about a personal relationship with the Divine—one that is both intimate and transformative. His advice to others on the path is clear: be merciful with yourself, seek companionship with sincere believers, and don’t lose sight of the inward journey that gives life to outward practices.

00:00 | IntroductionMeet Daniel Amin and learn about his background in Buddhism and spirituality.

02:32 | From Buddhism to Seeking TruthDaniel shares how his Buddhist roots laid the foundation for a wider spiritual search.

04:24 | First Encounter with ZikrZikr opened Daniel to a deeper spiritual experience unlike anything he had felt before.

07:40 | Embracing SalatAn honest account of his initial resistance to prayer and the powerful shift that followed.

09:43 | Early ChallengesDaniel navigates personal relationships and cultural expectations while embracing Islam.

13:09 | Finding Truth in IslamDaniel explains how Islam clarified and deepened truths he valued in other traditions.

14:58 | Zikr vs. Buddhist ChantingA deep dive into the experiential and theological differences between the two.

17:02 | A Defining Spiritual ExperienceA vision during a Sufi retreat marks a turning point on Daniel’s path.

22:09 | Signs and Divine GuidanceDaniel recounts literal signs and personal revelations that confirmed his faith.

26:08 | Healing and CertaintyA spiritual healing session leaves Daniel with unshakable certainty in God's existence.

29:04 | Nourishing Practice from WithinHow love and gratitude, not obligation, came to fuel Daniel’s religious practice.

33:04 | Community and BrotherhoodThe role of friendship and belonging in Daniel’s journey into the Muslim community.

40:20 | Advice for New ConvertsDaniel shares practical and heartfelt guidance for those new to Islam.

42:43 | A Message to the UmmahAn invitation to restore balance between Islam’s inner essence and outer form.