The New Beginnings Podcast is for people exploring Islam, new to the faith, or supporting someone who is. Hosts Shaykh Bilal Brown and Amanda Morris speak with converts, scholars, and specialists about life before, during, and after taking the shahadah. Episodes cover family, identity, marriage, mental health, culture, and finding a place in the Muslim community. It is presented by New Beginnings, a UK charity supporting converts to Islam.
Episodes
Voices and Experiences of Black Converts to Islam in the UK - Part 2
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
Voices and Experiences of Black Converts to Islam in the UK - Part 1
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
Questions for Converts from "Nonverts": Part 2
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 MailSupport the showFacebookInstagramTikTokYouTubeX
Questions for Converts from "Nonverts": Part 1
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 MailSupport the showFacebookInstagramTikTokYouTubeX
Divorce in Islam
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 637330You can access the New Beginnings pre-marriage course on demand at https://beginnings.or
Tips For a Successful Marriage - Part 2
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 MailSupport the showFacebookInst
Tips For a Successful Marriage - Part 1
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 MailSupport the showFacebookInst
Positive Mental Health and Wellbeing After Converting
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/peerconnectSend us Fan MailSupport the showFace
Navigating Different Groups - Part 2
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_Kingdomhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shia_Islamhttps://theusuli.com/2024/10/04/why-i-left-salafism-what-i-learned-from-it/Send us Fan MailSupport the showF
Navigating Different Groups - Part 1
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_Kingdomhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shia_Islamhttps://theusuli.com/2024/10/04/why-i-left-salafism-what-i-learned-from-it/Send us Fan MailSupport the showF
Marriage: A Male Convert's Perspective - Part 2
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: A Male Convert's Perspective - Part 1
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/
I'm LGBT and Converted to Islam
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.ukSend us Fan MailSupport the showFacebookInstagramTikTokYouTubeX
Nurturing Our Family Ties
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 MailSupport the showFacebookInstagramTikTokYouTubeX
Identity Crisis and Imposter Syndrome
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 MailSupport the showFacebookInstagramTikTokYouTubeX
Adapting to Islamic Etiquettes and Gender Interactions
We were joined by converts Zahra and Ahmed who shared their insightful experiences adapting to gender interactions after conversion.Send us Fan MailSupport the showFacebookInstagramTikTokYouTubeX
Islamophobia and Racism
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 MailSupport the showFacebookInstagramTikTokYouTubeX
Raising Children as a Convert
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 MailSupport the showFacebookInstagramTikTokYouTubeX
When am I Ready to Convert to Islam?
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 MailSupport the showFacebookInstagramTikTokYouTubeX
Islam vs Culture
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 MailSupport the showFacebookInstagramTikTokYouTubeX
Ramadan and Fasting Q&A
In this episode, we were joined by Dr. Akmal Shakoor from AskDoc, a voluntary organisation that aims to engage, educate & empower ethnic minority communities on health (twitter.com/askdoc1) and Shaykh Bilal Brown who answered your medical and religious questions pertaining to Ramadan and fasting, respectively.Send us Fan MailSupport the showFacebookInstagramTikTokYouTubeX
Navigating Religious Festivals as a Convert to Islam
Amanda and Bilal are joined by Imam Suhaib Webb from the US as they have a candid discussion about their own experiences as converts during the time of non-Islamic religious festivals and they give sincere advice to those new to the faith at this critical time.Send us Fan MailSupport the showFacebookInstagramTikTokYouTubeX
Welcome Back! Dealing With Loneliness
Amanda and Bilal join Rumela to welcome the new season of podcasts, give an update on New Beginnings' activities and discuss the topic of loneliness.Send us Fan MailSupport the showFacebookInstagramTikTokYouTubeX
Marriage: Do's and Don'ts
We continue the topic of marriage with Ustadha Ameena Blake of Eden Houses UK, with an honest look at some common pitfalls faced by converts when trying to find a spouse. From what to ask, red flags to watch out for, to what to include in your contract, we've covered it all!You can access the New Beginnings pre-marriage course on demand at https://beginnings.org.uk/marriage-registration/Send
Marriage: Laying the Groundwork
Aisha and Amanda welcome sister Henrietta Szovati, co-founder of Barefoot Institute and author of 'Heartsmart: One Woman's Journey from Her Head to Her Heart," to discuss how new Muslims can prepare themselves for marriage from within.You can purchase the book 10 Steps to Getting and Staying Married and find out more about Henrietta's work at barefootinstitute.comYou can access
Ramadan Special
Aisha and Amanda are joined by Khadija Kimchi of The Camelia's Bloom, for a Ramadan special discussing the joys and the challenges of this blessed month for new Muslims and converts.Send us Fan MailSupport the showFacebookInstagramTikTokYouTubeX
Coming out of the Conversion Closet: Telling your loved ones that you're Muslim!
Aisha and Amanda are joined by Andrea and AbdulMaalik, who share with us their journeys to Islam and the reactions of friends and family to their conversion.Send us Fan MailSupport the showFacebookInstagramTikTokYouTubeX
Do Converts Experience Male Privilege
This month Converts Unplugged hosts Aisha and Amanda welcome Martin and Shaykh Bilal for a discussion on the different experiences of male and female converts.Send us Fan MailSupport the showFacebookInstagramTikTokYouTubeX
Tips for new Muslims: Do's and don'ts
Hosts Aisha and Amanda are joined by long-time converts Hanan and John. We discuss their journeys to Islam, and talk about some tips to help new Muslims avoid common difficulties and pitfalls.You can see some of sister Hanan's work here: https://www.instagram.com/hanan_made/Send us Fan MailSupport the showFacebookInstagramTikTokYouTubeX
Book Recommendations for New Muslims
We were joined by our special guest, Yahya Birt where we discussed book recommendations for new Muslims.1.Theresa Corbin and Kaighla Um Dayo, “The New Muslim’s Field Guide.” https://www.bookdepository.com/New-Muslims-Field-Guide-Kaighla-Um-Dayo/97819813289942.Yasir Qadhi, “Du’a: The Weapon of the Believer.” https://www.amazon.co.uk/Weapon-Believers-Ammaar-Yasir-Qadhi/dp/18986496343.Said Wahf Al-Q
Welcome to Converts Unplugged
In this introductory welcome episode, Amanda and Aisha introduce the theme for future podcasts and share some personal stories.Send us Fan MailSupport the showFacebookInstagramTikTokYouTubeX
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