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For the seeker and convert alike, it is imperative that they understand that Muslims are just people like anyone else, as diverse as humanity at large. They are buffeted by the same forces that affect all people, influenced by histories, culture, politics, wealth, power and their personal circumstances. Amongst the Muslim there are those who are very good people, but equally we may encounter some who are extremely wicked, perpetrating heinous crimes. In between these two poles, we find the majority, just as in humanity in general.

Though we may seek out simple binaries, there are none. Though we may wish to present ourselves as universal victims, forever misrepresented by malicious propaganda, the world itself does not present such simplicity. Sure, we can point out hypocrisies. It is easy for Christians in the United Kingdom to present themselves as the guardians of a peaceful religion when they live in a state protected by the eighth most powerful army in the world, but we know that history has been less kind. Of course, we will encounter hypocrisies aplenty, but they won’t change our reality.

Unfortunately the seeker and the convert will just have to accommodate the world as they find it. Unfortunately they will have to reconcile themselves to the realities that they encounter: the fact that all communities have their extremists, that some men are misogynists, that some societies are riven by sectarianism, that some people use religion for nefarious ends, that ignorance is rife, and many have never allowed their faith to reach their hearts. On the other hand, they may find that they have to broaden their horizon, training their eyes to really see.

To see those in their midst, quietly working away without making a fuss. Perhaps we don’t even see them as Muslims, because they’re not found jumping up and down in a zealous frenzy, but they could be the most Muslim of any of us. The research scientist at the top of his field. The doctor along the corridor. That trustworthy colleague, quietly working away. That dedicated mother, caring for a disabled husband, her family and her neighbours. They say the gratitude of the eyes is to see good with them. So maybe we should open them more.

But in the end, the seeker and the convert will have to remember the road: the actual reality of this journey that we are walking. Just as prayer, fasting and pilgrimage are not goals in themselves, but vehicles to higher goals, so too for this thing we call community. We may yearn to wander amidst the best of people, but the reality of the world is that it is a testing realm. Our journey is not towards belonging, but towards God. Thus are we asked to sit and reflect at length.

Indeed, in the creation of the heavens and the earth and the alternation of the night and the day are signs for those of understanding. Those who remember God while standing or sitting or lying on their sides and give thought to the creation of the heavens and the earth, saying, ‘Our Lord, You did not create this aimlessly; exalted are You!’

Quran 3:190-1

So it is that the seeker and convert must recenter themselves: to return to the core. To seek God, alone, without partner. Perhaps it’s time to start that conversation within. To give thought to the creation of the heavens and the earth, and allow your heart to speak. Seek the One who created all of this for a reason. Stand in prayer, however you’re able to, no matter how alien it may seem. Years ago, emerging from my agnosticism, I decided to do the same. Those stumbling first steps of mine didn’t come easy either, but they were necessary. You have to start somewhere, and it’s not in searching for perfect companions. It’s in looking within, to reform your soul.