‘From MTV to Mecca’ is the truly inspiring story of Kristiane Backer, who at the height of her career as one of Europe’s leading pop culture icons, converted to Islam. The book can be purchased from Amazon; Paperback and Kindle edition.
In the early 1990s, Kristiane Backer became one of the very first presenters on MTV Europe. For years she lived and breathed the international music scene, quickly gaining a cult following amongst viewers and becoming a darling of the European press. Rubbing shoulders with the likes of Mick Jagger, Bono, Bob Geldof, Jim Kerr, Take That and Cat Stevens, Kristiane was catapulted to the forefront of popular culture.
Through a fateful meeting with the famous cricketer Imran Khan, Kristiane travelled to Pakistan, where she encountered a completely different world to the one she knew: the religion and culture of Islam. She was drawn to this way of life which was dominated by a love of God and began to read the Quran and to study books about the Faith. The more she immersed herself in the world of Islam, the more she found herself dissatisfied with her own life. With the support of friends she met through Imran Khan, Kristiane began to learn the true values of the religion and, in 1995, decided to become a Muslim.
From MTV to Mecca takes the reader on a spiritual and cultural journey across the globe – from Pakistan to Bosnia, LA to London, Hamburg to Saudi Arabia – that will inspire Muslims and non-Muslims alike. Encountering Islamic academics, musicians and fellow converts, Kristiane finds the spiritual path of Sufism and embarks on the ultimate journey – the pilgrimage to Mecca. We share Kristiane’s highs and lows as she adopts Islam; from the difficulties of finding love, to embracing Islamic practices in day-to-day life, to dealing with prejudices, misconceptions and professional struggles, and she speaks with startling honesty of what it truly means to be a practising Muslim in Western society.
‘I admire Kristiane for her strength of conviction to walk a different path and follow her heart. Rock ‘n’ roll has taken many of its participants down a variety of paths.This is the story of one of the more unusual ones.From MTV to Mecca? From babe to burka is more like it!’ Bob Geldof
‘I am glad I had the chance to introduce Kristiane to the culture and religion of Islam. She not only loved the sacred music and the desi food but had an open mind to study and look beyond the headlines. I admire the sincerity with which she continued to discover the faith for herself and her steadfastness in practicing. This book will inspire Muslims and non- Muslims alike. May Allah bless her and give her all success’ Imran Khan
‘A spirited woman’s journey towards the Light’ Tariq Ramadan
‘It was a privilege to meet Kristiane Backer all those years ago. Equally a privilege to share in her fascinating journey to date’ Jim Kerr (Simple Minds)
‘From MTV to Mecca is a long journey not only physically but even more so psychologically and spiritually. The fascinating account of the undertaking of such a journey by Kristiane Backer should be of much interest not only to those concerened wtih the relation between Islam and the west, but also to those who search for the spiritual meaning of life in the present- day desacralised world dominated by modernism!’
Seyyed Hossein Nasr (Professor of Islamic studies, George Washington University)
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peace be upon muslims
hello and sala alikoum ,
that is a good story of a coverted muslim woman , it shows that western people are looking for peace and right way , fleeing the bad wrong european society .
As a Muslim we believe that ALLAH guides only those to right path who tries to find right path by themselves, but ALLAH rewards those people who tries to guide other people to right Path. tributes to Imran Khan, may ALLAH reward him with his blessings, and prayers for Kristiane that may ALLAH strengthen her believes and reward her success for ever.
Only God can guide someone to Islam, and He guides that person only when He sees goodness in his/her heart.
It is 1000 percent true.
Peace be on you.
i congratulate you on choosing a a great art of living called “Islam”. I well come you to our vast community from depths of my heart. Please do pray for me.
Jazakellah Khair.
She is a chosen one by God.
We are Muslim by birth but she is more lucky to be a Muslim by choice.
Asalam-o-Alikum
My pray and good wishes for you.You are brave lady and Allah chosen you.You feel proud yourself that Allah choose you.we are by birth Muslim.But you are selected.work hard and use media and talk with media people. your words have power.
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What a refreshing read! There is a dire need for women like Kristiane Backer to share their experiences and thereby enrich the lives of others. Her book ‘MTV to Mecca dispels stereotypes and builds bridges. I will definitely re-reading with a highlighter to mark my favourite parts!
Allah merciful scattered the world and spread to anyone, the guidance of Allah comes as we open our hearts and minds to look for the good. God bless you, God has proved that your life only transitory pleasures of the world. Be thankful God has chosen you to get back to that bright path and assured..wishing you & family have peaceful life…
May God bless you sister……..what else we need other than God..our creator…
Congratulations Kristiane for being a Blessed Person.
Aoa!
May god bless her with a lot of blessings…
Aoa!
May God bless her with a lot of blessings.
I saw you (Christine) on Kalam Nawaim tonight and was fascinated by your story. I do have non-Mislim friends who are looking for the right path as well, and i would like to offer them a copy of your book. I live in Morocco and do not know whether your book is on the market here. Please let me know where i can easily buy it.
Allah’s Blessings
Zohra
Nothing beats than having a relationship with Allah. Allah Tallah is the creator,this relationship is the most fierce,most dependable and most enjoyable. May Allah Tallah grant you the love of Prophet sallal lahu alaihi wasalam and his sunnah. It makes Allah Tallah the hand with which you work and ears with which you listen.The life will mean so much more and every moment would different to what is in material world.Spiritiuality is what drew me to Islam as well and Sunnah is the key to experiencing spirituality.
Wsalam
Allah merciful scattered the world and spread to anyone, the guidance of Allah comes as we open our hearts and minds to look for the good. God bless you, God has proved that your life only transitory pleasures of the world. Be thankful God has chosen you to get back to that bright path and assured..wishing you & family have peaceful life…
Glory be to God the Lord of the Worlds, He made the Quran inspiring to anyone who reads it. Backer is inspired i thank God for her. Our brothers in europe and america dont read the Quran before criticizing Islam base on what they hear from news.
God bless you; the hormony & peace of mind…
Islam is the right way to live with peace of mind & human dignity
congrats Mrs. Kristiane and I hope god bless you and you are welcome my sister
Allah is closer to Backer than us, because she had understood Islam more than us.
You were chosen by ALLAH to enter islam.what else should i say may ALLAH fulfill all your desired genuine wishes
what is your new islamic name after u converted to islam.plz reply
Congrats. I just watchd you for the first time. Ahlulbait TV just aired an inspiring programme about you. Once again congrats and May Islam be our end and means to Jannat ameen.