‘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)
I read this book with interest as someone who remembered seeing the author on MTV when I was a teenager. The transformation from an MTV presenter to a practising Muslim woman sounds acute, but the book shows a natural progression over the years along a journey which has led to a series of interesting twists and turns through a host of well known people. But it is not the celebrity aspect which makes the book interesting, it is the spiritual journey which clearly continues to be taken by so many western educated, female professionals. The book sheds light on what draws women to a faith which continues to get consistently bad press. The book seperates facts about Islam from fiction and it offers a profound insight into its spiritual attraction.
I haven’t read ur book b/c It is not available in Pakistan yet but Im sure da way you were in MTV nd now being a muslim, you surely got practical experience about Islam in West. so Im hopefull you will share ur experience wd West and convince them about the true spirite of Islam.
kristiane backer is a very good human being, and after studies about islam she becme more humble and practical in her life. thanks for such a wonderful website
This is really something!
`Very Insparation
please send me pdf file of the book
I have just completed reading this book. It is amazing, and inspiring for all people. She tells us her life story in a very enjoyable way. The main message I get from her book is to serve God we need to love people, and this the essence of life she recognizes by accepting Islam.
I am a born Muslim . But my society made me away from the teachings of Islam.
At the age of 20, one of my close friends , suggested me to read this book by kristiane backer . I hardly found time to read this. But by every page I turned ,my belief in Allah grew up continuously. Now I try my best to act upon true teachings of Islam. Thanks to kristiane backer for such a Master Piece. This is not her own story but the tale of every Person finding his/her destiny.
Has any person PDF file of this book ?. please
i’m only 11 but when i heard your story 1 or 2 years ago in a library in London i understood your happiness and troubles.
jazakallah
Aslam Alaikum !
May Allah (s.w.t) help you in your good cause. Ameen.
I have not read your book , but have listened to your lectures. Amazing turn in the journey of life. Masha Allah , So happy and proud to be a Muslim. May Allah guide us all to live this life in his way. Great sort of satisfaction.