It doesn’t escape me that family members occasionally like taking subtle digs at my beliefs and practices whenever we get together. I don’t let it bother me, though, because if they had any deep knowledge of their own religious tradition, they would quickly realise that they’re in fact mocking sacred precepts of their own. In …
If you’re a bloke and you become Muslim, are you duty-bound to start treating your woman badly? Only if you’re a jerk. If you can be a gentleman without the light of faith, something’s seriously gone awry if you think becoming a tyrannical monster is a measure of piety. This path is supposed to help …
Did we ever read the Book we claim to uphold, or were we too enamoured by our pseudo-intellectuals bamboozling us with their speech? Indeed, We have revealed to you the Book in truth so you may judge between the people by that which God has shown you. So do not be an advocate for the …
Many of us converts are nowadays bemused by the typical view Muslim communities have of us, as degenerates only redeemed by our adoption of faith. It seems to escape them that many of us had highly ethical upbringings, raised with good morals and manners. Alas, many Muslims are triumphant without reason. You have nothing unless …
Everyone wants easy answers, but there are none. You have to struggle and strive.
Though it may upset us, we can neither force our children to believe nor to go through the motions of religious practice. Indeed, it would be quite hypocritical for us to do so, having gone through such phases in our own lives. In my case, I had boldly proclaimed my disbelief at their age, moderating …
By far, our biggest problem is not the assault of our enemies. It’s that we claim to champion virtue whilst being immersed in vice ourselves. If we can’t lead virtuous lives personally, why would we think anyone else would? If you must lead, lead by example. If you can’t do that, perhaps it’s best not …
I feel that you have to have a need to believe. Otherwise, you will not believe. It’s why the disenfranchised are usually the first to believe, and princes mostly the last. Something has to stir within. Maybe you’ve been brought low, to depths greater than you thought possible. Maybe you’ve tried everything else. Maybe you …
We converts often fall foul of the expectations of the wider community, for the simple reason we tend to find ourselves able to view issues from both sides. We may be embraced initially, but soon enough, we will be cast aside for failing to toe the line. It happens to nearly everyone. But rest easy. …
So many atheists deciding they’re Cultural Christians. Mostly, it seems, to stand in opposition to the Muslims. But bad news: the Muslims can out-Christian most Cultural Christians. For we believe in One God, the maker of heavens and earth, and of all things visible and invisible. We believe in the person English Christians call Jesus, …
Abu Dharr reported that that the Messenger of God, peace and blessings be upon him, said: God Almighty says: Whoever comes with a good deed will have the reward of ten like it and even more. Whoever comes with an evil deed will be recompensed for one evil deed like it or he will be …
Are we ourselves obstacles to the seekers seeking? Tragically, I fear we are. Our Lord! Do not make us a trial for those who disbelieve, and forgive us, our Lord! Surely you are the mighty, the wise. Quran 60:5
What must it be like to be a single parent? I’m one month alone with one child, and I can barely stand it. It’s not the cooking, the washing, the cleaning. I’ve been well domesticated for years. I can do all that. It’s the supervision, setting boundaries, the making sure they’re doing what they’re meant …
When I speak of the attraction of that living, practical faith, this is what I mean. The life of service witnessed especially amongst the older generations. That incredible hospitality despite often difficult circumstances. That going out of their way to help others, expecting no reward in return. To be charitable, clement, kind, and merciful in …
Most of us converts live solitary lives. By which I mean, we’re usually the only person in our extended families and friendship groups to take up the path. Indeed, many of us come from environments which make that seem highly unlikely, if not impossible. The sister of hardcore secularists. The son of a Jewish rabbi. …
