Speaking about my journey to Islam and signing books at universities in Asia and the USA

It’s been a great start to 2014 with major breakthroughs for my book as I toured Asia in January and flew to the US in February to tell my story From MTV to Mecca. I particularly enjoyed the engaging q n a sessions after the talks where students as well as dignitaries raised every issue under the sun and at times really poured out their hearts. One young lady in Singapore, a Chinese convert to Islam, in tears asked me how to deal with her family who are Christian and very much against Islam. I recommended her to be patient, but to stay strong in her faith. God will help. When she has the opportunity to try and explain that Islam really is a continuation of Christianity, that Jesus is a referred as a Prophet in Islam and that Mary is regarded as one of the four most virtuous women of all time by Muslims with a whole chapter of the Quran dedicated to her.
Telling the family is one of the greatest challenges of a convert
The question, how my own family dealt with my conversion to Islam comes up in every talk. I am happy to say that my parents supported me in all my choices whether it was MTV which they couldn’t really relate to or Islam. Respect. This is the best thing a parent can do in my view.
A question that was raised at the Islamic Centre in Kuching Malayisa as well as at North Eastern University in Boston was the issue of culture versus religion and the importance of discerning the essence of the religion from the respective culture of those who are practising it. Culture is negotiable. Islam is a religion for all times and all worlds that is why there is flexibility and why the Islamic principles have to be reinterpreted and adapted according to time place. For example modesty means something very different in Kabul, Riadh, Istanbul, London or Washington.
Other popular topics raised in the question and answer sessions include interfaith issues, Islamophobia, women and Islam, arts, music and media and Islam, how to juggle faith and work, as well as spirituality- how to approach God. (Through prayer, dhikr). Real spirituality is not about altered states but about changing one’s traits- wrote a US author whose name espcapes me. Real as opposed to skin deep or drug induced spirituality promotes ethical action.
In Asia, because it was Mawlid time, the birthday of the Propeht (pbuh), I also spoke about the Mercy of Muhammad.
In Kuching, Malaysia, I was honoured to know that a few prominent people were in the audience and some of my comments were quoted in the local newspaper. We had an interesting dinner with the assistant minister of religion and leaders from the local Buddhist and Christian communities. In Singapore to my great surprise more than 1000 people turned up to hear me speak about my story. We sold 250 books in no time all of which I signed. I must have developed some new muscles in my right arm by now.
In Hong Kong I was delighted to meet scholars from different faiths for the Faith and Power Conference at Hong Kong University where I spoke about the ethics of power in Islam looking at the examples of Prophet Muhammad and the rightly guided Caliphs as well as Saladin.
The MSA event at NorthEastern University in Boston was my debut in the US and I hope for many more opportunities in the future, insha Allah. I was told that a record number of students turned up- al hadmuliLlah- and we had a lovely dinner afterwards carrying on the debate with the students from all around the world till late into the night. One left a party at his home and specifically came to just ask his burning personal questions and then went straight back to his house guests. I do hope he will take my answers to heart. On the whole I was impressed with the knowledge of the students and their way of sincerely practising their faith in a relaxed manner.
My publisher had ordered a few too many books which the ISBCC , the Islamic Centre in Boston is now selling. Just ask Rasha, the program director. All book are signed. The centre is friendly and welcoming, beautifully designed and well worth a visit anyway.
Wherever I went I enjoyed the local cuisine, particularly in Malaysia and Singapore I relished the Asian dishes with lemon grass and coconut milk while

in the US I tried halal cheeseburgers and steak kebabs. I was told that for students it is a challenge to eat healthily in the US. Fast food is everywhere while quality food is expensive.

Finally a word of thanks to my hosts on all my trips for spoiling me and extending the most generous hospitality. Usually a team of people picked me up and dropped me at the various airports, showed me around town, invited me for meals and really made my stay special.

Alf Shukran, God bless you!

Just back in London now cherishing fond memories.