testimonials
Since 2020, New Beginnings has walked alongside people across the UK and beyond as they explore Islam, take their shahadah and find their feet as new Muslims. These are their words, not ours.
Some photos are illustrative, to protect the privacy of those quoted.
in their own words
“I have approached lots of different communities and masjid in countries around the world… though not one has been able to help me feel welcome as I am. New Beginnings’ inclusive and non-partisan ethos has helped me feel safe and free from pressure and influences.”
Rene, UK
taking the first step
Whether you’ve been thinking about Islam for weeks or for thirty years, you don’t have to take that step alone.
“I will never look back”
It is hard to sum up in just a few words how amazing New Beginnings is and how much it has changed my life in just 8 weeks… After almost 30 years since I first learned of Islam, due to the kindness and support of the New Beginnings team I took my shahada a week ago and, alhamdulillah, I will never look back.
“Welcome as I am”
Thank you again for everything. I apologise I was not able to communicate better online and say and ask everything I wanted to, it comes with the anxieties. I have been on a course towards Islam for 20 years though I have never felt I was 'good enough' and had to be 'perfect' all at once. I have approached lots of different communities and masjid in countries around the world as I have moved around and gone through life though not one has been able to help me feel welcome as I am (and not focused on what I 'should and needed' to become). New Beginnings' inclusive and non-partisan ethos has helped me feel safe and free from pressure and influences. As a person with a lot of anxieties who can struggle to reach out to make contact and connection with others the information within the website and podcasts (I listened to them all) were a great resource and support to help me feel able to reach out and know I would be in good hands.
“Somewhere that I could trust”
I took my shahadah in November 2021 and New Beginnings have been really supportive to me throughout the process. I’d been looking online becoming more interested in Islam but decided that I wanted to do some more concrete learning from somewhere that I could trust, then I found the Firm Foundations Level One program and then after a few months of doing that, the amount that I’ve learnt in such a short amount of time is amazing.
“I trust no one else with my conversion”
I trust no one else with my conversion or my studying. Thank you for all you do for us. Without you, people like me cannot safely move into Islam, we are faced with many questions that people think we don't know the answers to. Thanks to your lessons, I not only know the answers but have grown in confidence in prayer, in my mosque etiquette, and I have a whole newfound family of sisters in my Dawah group.
Thank you, may Allah reward you all in abundance
“Clear in guidance”
Great organisation with great people; they were clear in guidance for my recently converted to Islam wife.
She received a wonderful gift package that was adequately presented which included an English version of the Quran and other good books. Bilal and Rumela were wonderful and helpful towards my wife. I would recommend any person who is interested in Islam to contact them.
learning with confidence
A trustworthy place to learn at your own pace, where no question is too basic.
“Second to none”
I feel blessed to have found this course. The depth and breadth of the topics covered are second to none and all of the classes are led by inspiring and approachable teachers. My knowledge and understanding of the religion have grown so much in a short space of time and I really feel part of a community where I am valued and supported. I’m excited to continue my journey with the help of New Beginnings and this wonderful course.
“Advice and support on a trustworthy basis”
Especially in a time when we are exposed to a flood of information, a place where we can find advice and support on a trustworthy basis is immensely important. At New Beginnings I found exactly that. Asking my seemingly endless questions and receiving competent answers. Not only the knowledge conveyed but also the community during the courses gave me the peace and security I so desperately needed during my journey to Islam. Best thanks to the whole team for their admirable commitment. I already registered for my next classes.
“The beauty and spirituality of being a Muslim”
Embracing Islam is a beautiful but challenging journey. Every day comes with struggles, however, these difficulties are certainly eased when you have a strong faith and you discover strength in your difficulties. New Beginnings has truly provided me with high-quality and reassuring discussions, where I have been able to increase my knowledge of Islam but moreover, learn more about the beauty and spirituality of being a Muslim.
“I needed a space to learn in like this”
Friendly and informal atmosphere. I enjoy the interactive discussions. As a convert, I needed a space to learn in like this. Thank you so much!
“No question is too embarrassing to ask”
The way these classes have been carefully planned and executed is to be admired and respected.
With each class and the feedback given, it is definitely taken on board and used to make future resources and classes even more educational and detailed.
No question is too embarrassing to ask, and each answer is given as accurately as possible and in a way that's very easily understood, still stuck? Not a problem, the Telegram room is there for a more direct approach to questions and discussions and for getting to know other reverts who are also at the same knowledgeable level.
“There really is no judgement here”
I discovered New Beginnings through a web search when I became interested in learning more about Islam and trying to decide if converting was the right choice for me. I have thoroughly enjoyed the course so far. Our teachers are genuinely passionate about providing a foundation to Islam that everyone can understand and there really is no judgement here. I haven’t felt any pressure to attend every class live – the course really can work around life’s other commitments.
“A safe space to open up”
A very relaxed and welcoming atmosphere where I feel comfortable to discuss and ask questions. I love the holistic view of Islam and focus on spirituality. As a new Muslim, it feels like a safe space to open up.
“I have fallen deeply in love with Islam”
I have been taking the Firm Foundations classes. I have fallen deeply in love with Islam and I believe I am ready to finally convert!
you’re not alone
Socials, Eid gatherings and friendly Peer Connect calls mean there’s always someone who understands.
“You’re not alone”
The only problem with this organisation is that it wasn't available in the early years of my conversion to Islam, it has been a real personal struggle for me learning about Islam with no real convert support. Subhaan'Allah such an organisation is available now and I've found it, it's helping me so much to learn about true Islam, from Quran and Sunnah and not mixing information or practices from cultural perspectives. No matter how long a person has been Muslim, it never hurts to sometimes go back to basics and relearn a few things. With everything New Beginnings provides for those new or interested in learning more about Islam, from free 10-week online courses, to Eid parties, gatherings and fundraisers to get to know other converts, WhatsApp groups for direct questions and support and much more, I have to admit it's very comforting to know that no matter what stage you're at with your knowledge and deen, you're not alone.
“Where I feel most at home”
Just want to say to EVERYONE at New Beginnings, the founders, organisers, teachers, guests and the converts/students.. thank you so much for all of the hard work, everything you all do and just for being you! I am a part of a few different convert organisations and this is by far the best and where I feel most at home😊 thank you for everything, to everyone.
“Beautiful people who become your family”
An organisation run by beautiful people who become your family. Can't recommend them enough, absolute wealth of information and resources, and the support and genuine care they provide is incomparable. Truly amazing ❤️
“Warm and welcome from the second I arrived”
Such an amazing organisation, who made me feel warm and welcome from the second I arrived. They’re helpful, extremely knowledgeable, not judgemental, and incredibly supportive.
“So much more than just teaching”
Just want to say a massive thank you to New Beginnings, the day before Eid, I cried because I had no one to spend it with and then because of you guys I ended up having a lovely day and managed to go to my first Eid Prayer which was certainly an experience. Last night's online party was the perfect ending to Ramadan. 💕 May Allah reward you all for the work you do, what you do is so much more than just teaching! You make me want to be a better person, a better Muslim and insha'Allah one day I want to help do what you do. ❤️
“A confidence booster”
Convert socials have been a confidence booster for me and a chance to meet other converts in similar and different situations to myself. It gives us all reassurance that we are loved and there is a community among us all and that we aren’t alone. The things we learn, the people we meet, and even the chats we have, all mean a lot and give me good reminders and positive things to think about. Always makes me smile.
“A lovely group to be a part of”
As a convert, finding the right support is crucial to the journey, but New Beginnings make the transition smooth and easy. With various services provided to help, from shahada package with essential guides and equipment, to counselling, to learning your prayers, to learning about spirituality and God, learning about the Prophet (PBUH) and other pillars of Islam.
It's a lovely group to be a part of and feeling supported. May Allah continue to bless them in whatever they do.
“Today really broke that stereotype”
My mum sat down at the table and said ‘oh my gosh, there are so many white Muslims’. She couldn’t believe so many British people had chosen to convert to Islam. I think today really broke that stereotype for her.
share your story
Has New Beginnings been part of your journey? We’d love to hear about it. Email us your story and tell us how you’d like to be named: first name and town, initials only, or anonymous.