Why My British Family Became Muslim | My Dad's Amazing Story

Summary

This inspiring video tells the story of a person’s journey to Islam, highlighting the challenges faced, from family reactions to the impact on friendships. The speaker shares how their conversion led to the conversion of their siblings and mother, showing the power of faith to bring change. The video explores how Islam's visibility in the UK has grown, and how perceptions have evolved over time. With heartfelt reflections on family and the importance of sharing stories, the speaker encourages viewers to share the video and spread understanding of Islam.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker began their journey to Islam while studying in Bristol, while their Islamic community was in Cardiff, leading to initial feelings of isolation.
• 😀 The speaker's parents initially thought their conversion to Islam was a passing phase, believing they'd return to their old ways after a few weeks.
• 😀 Over time, the speaker’s siblings, including their brother and sister, also embraced Islam, with their sister being influenced by her travels to Palestine.
• 😀 The speaker’s mother also embraced Islam, completing the conversion of their immediate family, which initially shocked their parents.
• 😀 The speaker's father, a close friend of the Archbishop of Canterbury, began to question the narrow view of Islam and its role, even acknowledging Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) as a prophet for all.
• 😀 The speaker lost many of their old friends after converting to Islam, with some avoiding them and even lying about their whereabouts, as they weren’t interested in discussing religious topics.
• 😀 The speaker experienced a period of loneliness after losing old friends, feeling isolated as their previous social circles focused primarily on partying rather than meaningful conversations.
• 😀 Despite their own struggles, the speaker found it fulfilling to see others embrace Islam, including their wife and their brother’s wife, who also converted to Islam.
• 😀 The speaker reflects on how the perception of Islam in the UK has changed over the years, with increasing acceptance and integration, especially among the younger generation.
• 😀 The speaker notes the shift in public attitudes towards Islam, with more people using Islamic phrases like 'InshaAllah' and 'Mashallah,' signaling a wider familiarity with Islam.

Q & A

What was the initial reaction of the speaker's family when he converted to Islam?

The speaker's family initially believed that his conversion was just a phase and that he would return to his previous ways soon. His parents thought he was just exploring something new each week.

How did the speaker’s siblings react to his conversion to Islam?

The speaker’s brother converted to Islam after about six months, and his sister, who initially had no interest in Islam, became curious after visiting Palestine and interacting with Muslims. Eventually, she converted to Islam as well.

What role did the speaker's parents play in his religious journey?

The speaker's father, who was a friend of the Archbishop of Canterbury, started to accept the idea of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) being a prophet, but he initially believed he was a prophet only for Arabs. This led to discussions, and the father's views seemed to evolve over time.

How did the speaker’s friends react when he converted to Islam?

The speaker’s friends distanced themselves from him after his conversion. They stopped inviting him over and even lied about being unavailable when he tried to visit them. They were focused on partying, while the speaker sought meaningful discussions.

How did the speaker feel about losing his friends after converting to Islam?

The speaker felt that he had lost his friends, but he also recognized that their priorities were different. He was seeking deeper conversations about religion, while his friends were more focused on enjoying life and partying.

Did the speaker have any influence on his family members regarding Islam?

Yes, the speaker’s brother, sister, and eventually his mother all converted to Islam. The speaker’s influence, as well as his sister’s experiences in Palestine, played a significant role in their conversions.

How did the speaker's wife and brother’s wife come to Islam?

The speaker’s wife converted to Islam, and although the speaker didn't directly talk to his brother’s wife about Islam, she converted as well, likely influenced by the broader family dynamic.

What was the societal attitude toward Islam in the UK during the speaker’s early years?

In the early years, people in the UK viewed Islam with some curiosity and hesitation. The speaker mentions that even a few years ago, people found it strange when he introduced himself as a Muslim. However, attitudes have changed, and now phrases like 'Insha'Allah' and 'Masha'Allah' are more commonly used by the public.

How has the perception of Islam changed in the UK over time, according to the speaker?

The speaker observes that Islam has become more normalized in the UK. Phrases related to Islam are now commonly heard in everyday conversations, and there is greater acceptance compared to when he first became Muslim.

What does the speaker suggest about sharing his story with others?

The speaker encourages sharing his story with non-Muslims, believing it is an inspiring tale that could help others learn about Islam. He mentions that this video could potentially spark more discussions and help others understand Islam better.