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Up until a week ago I had no idea what Apocalypse Now was, other than the name of a film: I knew nothing of its content. Beyond the basics of scoring goals, I don’t know the rules of football. When I overheard a discussion about Ronnie’s salary, I thought they were talking about the gentleman comedian of a more sedate age of entertainment. I haven’t a clue about cricket.

In my entire life I have only watched half an episode of Eastenders; I have never watched Coronation Street. I am not well read and many a famous song has passed me by. In the world of popular culture there is much I do not know. I do know the names of all the birds in my garden, I can recognise the song of a blackbird and a robin, and I can identify common plants and trees, but what I do not know far outweighs what I do.

I do however know that my Lord is One, that He is the Maker of the heavens and the earth, of all things visible and invisible; that He is the All Wise, the Knower of all things, the Bestower, the Guide, the Generous, the Merciful. Yes, I know all this. When friends and colleagues mock my ignorance, I simply reflect on this. Allah is enough for me.