New Beginnings

Episodes

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  Voices and Experiences of Black Converts to Islam in the UK - Part 2 23.07.2026 42m

  In this episode, hosts Shaykh Bilal Brown and Amanda Morris are joined by Professor Abdul Haqq Baker and Shaykh Mustafa Briggs for a thoughtful discussion on the voices, experiences, and often-overlooked realities of Black converts to Islam in the UK. Together, they explore common assumptions, historical influences, questions of identity, race, community, and the diverse journeys that lead people to Islam. Drawing on both research and lived experience, this conversation sheds light on an impo...
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  Voices and Experiences of Black Converts to Islam in the UK - Part 1 18.06.2026 55m

  In this episode, hosts Shaykh Bilal Brown and Amanda Morris are joined by Professor Abdul Haqq Baker and Shaykh Mustafa Briggs for a thoughtful discussion on the voices, experiences, and often-overlooked realities of Black converts to Islam in the UK. Together, they explore common assumptions, historical influences, questions of identity, race, community, and the diverse journeys that lead people to Islam. Drawing on both research and lived experience, this conversation sheds light on an impo...
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  Questions for Converts from "Nonverts": Part 2 12.01.2026 44m

  In part 2 of this intriguing episode, we were joined by long-time convert Muslim, James, and Rooji of @roojithefoodie to discuss all the things Nonverts want to know about Converts, but are too shy to ask, and things that, as converts, we really wish Nonverts would understand! Send us Fan Mail Support the show Facebook Instagram TikTok YouTube X
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  Questions for Converts from "Nonverts": Part 1 05.01.2026 56m

  In this intriguing episode, we were joined by long-time convert Muslim, James, and Rooji of @roojithefoodie to discuss all the things Nonverts want to know about Converts, but are too shy to ask, and things that, as converts, we really wish Nonverts would understand! Send us Fan Mail Support the show Facebook Instagram TikTok YouTube X
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  Divorce in Islam 14.08.2025 1h 29m

  Bilal and Amanda discuss the legalities surrounding divorce and how it is viewed in Islam. What is an acceptable method of divorce in Islam and when should it be done? How can women safeguard themselves from the rulings being manipulated? Any questions can be forwarded to: info@marifahinstitute.com +44 7852 637330 You can access the New Beginnings pre-marriage course on demand at https://beginnings.org.uk/marriage-registration/ Send us Fan Mail Support the show Facebook Instagram TikTok Yo...
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  Tips For a Successful Marriage - Part 2 12.05.2025 46m

  Amanda and Bilal host relationship coaches Victoria Matesky and Tafazal Mohammed, founders of Tea For Two https://www.teafortwo.uk/ in this 2-part candid discussion on what makes a successful marriage and why our marriages end up in failure. You can access the New Beginnings pre-marriage course on demand at https://beginnings.org.uk/marriage-registration/ Send us Fan Mail Support the show Facebook Instagram TikTok YouTube X
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  Tips For a Successful Marriage - Part 1 05.05.2025 48m

  Amanda and Bilal host relationship coaches Victoria Matesky and Tafazal Mohammed, founders of Tea For Two https://www.teafortwo.uk/ in this 2-part candid discussion on what makes a successful marriage and why our marriages end up in failure. You can access the New Beginnings pre-marriage course on demand at https://beginnings.org.uk/marriage-registration/ Send us Fan Mail Support the show Facebook Instagram TikTok YouTube X
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  Positive Mental Health and Wellbeing After Converting 05.11.2024 1h 8m

  Amanda and Bilal host trained psychotherapist, Jodie Wozencroft-Reay and mental health worker at Blackburn Hospital, Aisha Jasuleviciute where they offer solutions and resources for positive mental wellbeing with a focus on the convert experience. Find out more about our wellbeing services by visiting beginnings.org.uk/wellbeing/ and beginnings.org.uk/peerconnect Send us Fan Mail Support the show Facebook Instagram TikTok YouTube X
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  Navigating Different Groups - Part 2 18.07.2024 57m

  Part 2 of 2: Amanda and Bilal are joined by brother Ilyas Foy from Blackburn as they discuss their decades of interactions and experiences navigating various Muslim movements and sects in the UK. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Islam_in_the_United_Kingdom https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shia_Islam https://theusuli.com/2024/10/04/why-i-left-salafism-what-i-learned-from-it/ Send us Fan Mail Support the show Facebook Instagram TikTok YouTube X
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  Navigating Different Groups - Part 1 11.07.2024 54m

  Part 1 of 2: Amanda and Bilal are joined by brother Ilyas Foy from Blackburn as they discuss their decades of interactions and experiences navigating various Muslim movements and sects in the UK. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Islam_in_the_United_Kingdom https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shia_Islam https://theusuli.com/2024/10/04/why-i-left-salafism-what-i-learned-from-it/ Send us Fan Mail Support the show Facebook Instagram TikTok YouTube X
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  Marriage: A Male Convert's Perspective - Part 2 15.06.2024 27m

  Part 2 of 2: In this episode, we speak about some of the challenges men face after conversion to Islam regarding marriage. We are joined by John and Ismael who share their extensive experience and relate some candid and humorous anecdotes. For convert-specific marriage services, visit solaceuk.org/marriage/ You can access the New Beginnings pre-marriage course on demand at https://beginnings.org.uk/marriage-registration/ Send us Fan Mail Support the show Facebook Instagram TikTok YouTube X
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  Marriage: A Male Convert's Perspective - Part 1 04.06.2024 59m

  Part 1 of 2: In this episode, we speak about some of the challenges men face after conversion to Islam regarding marriage. We are joined by John and Ismael who share their extensive experience and relate some candid and humorous anecdotes. For convert-specific marriage services, visit solaceuk.org/marriage/ You can access the New Beginnings pre-marriage course on demand at https://beginnings.org.uk/marriage-registration/ Send us Fan Mail Support the show Facebook Instagram TikTok YouTube X
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  I'm LGBT and Converted to Islam 14.09.2023 1h 13m

  Bilal and Amanda discuss the process and challenges of converting to Islam coming from an LGBT background with their guests Giles and Joanne who share their own personal experiences of becoming Muslims. If you have any queries regarding this podcast, please contact us at info@beginnings.org.uk Send us Fan Mail Support the show Facebook Instagram TikTok YouTube X
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  Nurturing Our Family Ties 25.07.2023 54m

  Bilal and Amanda were joined by Hanan Sandercock and Hamza Robertson to discuss their experiences with their families after conversion. The panel has a collective convert experience age of more than 90 years. Send us Fan Mail Support the show Facebook Instagram TikTok YouTube X
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  Identity Crisis and Imposter Syndrome 22.05.2023 1h 7m

  Bilal and Amanda are joined by recent converts Persephone and Exauce to discuss the topic of identities after conversion and imposter syndrome. Send us Fan Mail Support the show Facebook Instagram TikTok YouTube X
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  Adapting to Islamic Etiquettes and Gender Interactions 24.02.2023 1h 12m

  We were joined by converts Zahra and Ahmed who shared their insightful experiences adapting to gender interactions after conversion. Send us Fan Mail Support the show Facebook Instagram TikTok YouTube X
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  Islamophobia and Racism 21.11.2022 54m

  As part of Islamophobia awareness month, Amanda and Bilal discuss discriminatory experiences that converts may face after conversion and how to deal with them in the appropriate manner, with their special guest, sister Haniya from Birmingham. Send us Fan Mail Support the show Facebook Instagram TikTok YouTube X
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  Raising Children as a Convert 27.09.2022 47m

  Bilal and Amanda host Lauren Booth as they discuss the challenges that converts to Islam face when raising children in a religious context. Send us Fan Mail Support the show Facebook Instagram TikTok YouTube X
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  When am I Ready to Convert to Islam? 25.07.2022 1h 9m

  One of the most frequent things we're asked at New Beginnings is, 'How will I know when I'm ready to convert to Islam?' In this episode, podcast hosts Sh Bilal and Amanda, along with guests Monica, Martin and Samantha, discuss this question, including our personal experiences, both positive and challenging! Send us Fan Mail Support the show Facebook Instagram TikTok YouTube X
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  Islam vs Culture 16.05.2022 1h 7m

  This month, Bilal and Amanda speak to Anse Tamara Gray, founder of Rabata, about culture and Islam. How do we distinguish between culture and Islam and are converts free of cultural baggage? Send us Fan Mail Support the show Facebook Instagram TikTok YouTube X