Hello!

Islam has been the fastest growing religion in the world for some time now with predictions showing it becoming the world’s largest religion within the next 25 years. As a western Muslim convert, I’m naturally excited about its projected growth, but I’m also somewhat worried that Islam’s expansion in the west could increasingly lead to conflicts between non-Muslims and Muslims. Since I have important connections to both groups I feel a duty to do what I can to try to minimize possible clashes and help encourage peace and harmony if I'm able.

I believe that much of the potential for conflict stems from fear and prejudice based on incorrect impressions of Islam as a religion of violence and hate, and a lack of awareness of the peace and love that is actually at its heart.

I have my own story of coming to see the peace and love in Islam, and I hope to also share this, but I fear that this will not do enough to reassure those fearful of Islam and Muslims.

In order to try to improve the situation I plan to undertake a tour of mosques from all branches of Islam across the UK, visiting a different mosque every week for one year. I intend to meet with British Muslims to ask them sincerely about their understanding of peace and love in Islam as it relates to non-Muslims, to other Muslims and to their own relationship with God.

By meeting with British Muslims from all over the country and from all different branches of Islam I hope to get a representative view of peace and love in Islam. I hope that sharing this journey may remove some of the fear and prejudice that exists in the west and may perhaps open some minds and hearts. I hope that it might also help remind Muslims everywhere of some of the most beautiful, but perhaps sometimes neglected virtues of Islam.

It's my sincere wish that this effort encourages greater understanding, peace and harmony in the world.

As-salamu alaykum - Peace be upon you :)