Royce Gracie embraces Islam after controversial post about Israel

04 March 2024

Renowned Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) legend and Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) pioneer, Royce Gracie, has embraced Islam following a profound encounter with Muslim personalities, including Youtuber Eddie Redzovic and esteemed preacher Shaykh Uthman Ibn Farooq.

In a recent episode of Redzovic’s popular show, The Deen Show, which aired on Friday, Gracie candidly discussed his journey towards Islam, his reflections on the ongoing Gaza crisis, and his aspirations to visit the holy city of Makkah. Notably, Gracie mentioned his abstinence from alcohol and pork, practices that already align with Islamic principles.

Gracie's conversion to Islam comes amidst a wave of controversy sparked by a social media post expressing apparent support for Israel. Just 10 days prior, Gracie faced backlash for a statement on Instagram, where he declared solidarity with Israel against terrorism. However, his subsequent participation in The Deen Show suggests a shift in perspective.

The meeting that led to Gracie's conversion was orchestrated by BJJ black belt Idriz Redzovic, cousin of Eddie Redzovic, who clarified Gracie's intentions in light of the controversy. Idriz emphasized that Gracie sought to understand the Palestinian perspective and ultimately embraced Islam, symbolized by reciting the Shahada, the testimony of faith.

Idriz Redzovic urged patience and cautioned against hasty judgments, emphasizing the importance of hearing Gracie's story before passing judgment. He underscored the need for empathy and understanding, highlighting the essence of Islam's teachings in promoting compassion and tolerance.

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Gracie's conversion marks a significant personal journey and underscores the power of dialogue and open-mindedness in fostering understanding and acceptance across diverse communities. As he embarks on this new chapter in his life, Gracie's story serves as a testament to the transformative potential of mutual respect and dialogue in bridging cultural and religious divides.