“My first encounter with TPA was very surreal, I felt very nervous but was welcomed with friendly smiles and hugs, and made to feel completely at home. The sisters taught me Salaah first of all which came as a big relief as I had been trying to learn this alone for months. I went on to take my Shahada formally at one of TPA’s Iftaars during the Islamic month of Ramadan. I remember all the smiling faces and warm embraces after my Shahada, and could see the Noor (light) shining from the sisters’ faces. It was at that point I realised how blessed I was to be part of such a gathering. Alhamdulillah for Turning Point. There was a time when I didn’t think many Muslims were around me, then they appeared out of nowhere, teaching me the fundamentals of Islam and still continuing to this day to encourage me to grow in our Deen! Alhamdulillahi Rabbil Aalameen! Turning Point has helped me to open my eyes properly to the Mercies of Allah (SWT).TPA provides the revert Muslimah community with the skills they need to progress in their Islam and pass this on to future generations.”
“Turning Point Academy has been a great part of my life. As soon I was took my Shahadah, I had this feeling of ‘what now’? Turning point has helped me to fill that gap of helplessness and it’s a sense of community, where great sisters are now my friends. Amina has been such a great help in everything, in the advice she has given me to the extra lessons I have received from her. She goes that extra mile and TPA is such a wonderful group to be a part of. Now I am in Scotland studying, I miss the ladies at Turning Point so much, however as usual it’s never the end, I am continuing with my Arabic reading through regular communication with two of the teachers at Turning Point who are continuing to help me. Alhamdulillah I am truly lucky to be a part of this group of lovely ladies and can’t wait to see them all again :).”
“When you make a decision as fundamental and personal as reverting to Islam or as some would phrase it, ‘converting to Islam’, the emotional journey you are about to embark on is one which can present you with a number of challenges, but also an enlightenment which is so precious and fulfilling naturally, but can become even more when supported by an organisation such as ‘Turning Point Academy’. In fear of doing ‘Turning Point Academy’ a disservice in writing my testimonial, I will try to be as honest as possible in as few words as possible. I came from a very strict Catholic background and explored many different Christian denominations, including non-Christian faiths such as Buddhism. When I came to Islam, I realised I had now come back home, but the journey was to be far from easy.
I would say I have a very busy lifestyle, not more than an average person, but I live a very active life, I run a business of my own as well as work 9 – 5 as a NHS contractor and travel a great deal out of the country. Despite my commitments I have never visited anywhere in the world and come across a more sincere, a more authentic and a more friend and family orientated organisation such as Turning Point. Never once have I been made to feel pressurised to be more than who I am, or to commit to more than I could. With this, ‘Turning Point Academy’ found a home in my heart, to which I will always keep close.
As a young woman there are some things in this world today you cannot learn unless you are very blessed or in the right place at the right time. Turning Point has taught me true sisterhood, commitment, love and freedom. Be it the warm smiles that greet you at the door, or the gentle embrace you are showered with from fellow sisters. There are soft unspoken words of trust, which need not be said when you come to Turning Point, because when you look at one another, you will see you. Somehow, we all just know what one another is going through, and Turning point walks with you or perhaps runs with you, if you are like me.”
“Turning point Academy is definitely a unique family type of program. TPA supported me when very few did, giving me the confidence to achieve great things. The love and care received makes you feel special, especially at a time when your world feels upside down with your new found faith. I have now been Muslim for 20 years Alhamdulillah!”
“Turning Point Academy is truly unique. I embraced Islam as a religion and way of life seven years ago, and since then have attended many mosques, Islamic events and classes to further my knowledge and meet fellow Muslims. However, I had never experienced the sense of community that I now feel part of since attending my first Turning Point Academy session a few months ago. I was delighted to meet so many women each with their own stories, who were passionate about Islam, all from very diverse ethnic and professional backgrounds. Each week I look forward to attending, sharing my experiences with sisters and listening to theirs, learning to read the Qur’an and listening to inspirational talks. I feel very blessed to be part of the Turning Point community and am very grateful for all of the wonderful friends I have made in such a short time. I would recommend Turning Point Academy to every new Muslim sister and anyone interested in finding out more about Islam.”
“Bismillah ArRahman ArRaheem. I’m so grateful to my dear friend who invited me to Turning Point Academy. I’ve been attending the daytime sessions for almost two years now and I always look forward to each Friday approaching. The sessions are well organised with various teachers available to give advice and help and answer any questions you have regarding Islam. Anything you may need help with, they can help with whether ists learning about Islam, praying or reading Arabic. My main reasons for attending each week are that there is a great crèche facility available which my children love and I have peace of mind knowing they are in safe hands and close by while I learn. I have an inspiring and motivational Qur’an teacher who has taught me so much since I began lessons with her. Over the years I’ve tried numerous times to learn Qur’an with correct pronunciation; finally I’m reciting well and sisters have noticed how much I’ve improved since my first few lessons at Turning point! It’s really wonderful to be part of this project and to know it’s helping so many women gain a better understanding of Islam. The open days are inspirational and a welcoming event for sisters and their families. May Allah bless Turning point and help it to flourish even further. Ameen.”