“I am really happy that now I know Allah and Islam. I took my Shahadah at Turning Point Academy last year. Alhamudulillah. Sisters at Turning Point are very kind and helpful. I’ve learnt from them what Islam is and found many amazing things, which I had been seeking. No matter what happens, this life is only temporary and a test for the hereafter, so believe in Allah and try to be good, inshaAllah, May Allah grant us Jannah (Paradise). Ameen.”
“When I first came across Turning Point Academy it was when I was researching Islam out of my own choice. In one of the Mosques, I found a leaflet with TPA’s contact number. I rung and was informed about the classes running on Fridays. I wanted to go and meet the women but was at the same time scared that they may put pressure on me becoming a Muslim, wearing the veil, etc. I decided I would go and if I feel uncomfortable or judged, I would just leave. I was surprised by warm welcome. I attended classes and made new friends. The level of presented information is high as the teachers are all professionals. From my own experience, TPA is a place where true Islam is being presented in a way that is easy for new Muslims and those who want to learn more about the Religion. It is a place where sisters can find support and get their questions answered. We are not judged there and are given time to make our own decisions. TPA is a place where no one is telling us what we should be doing. The choice is left for us alone, what we are given is the information and the advice. Being a new Muslim may be difficult when this journey is taken by the person alone. We do need support from other people. We new Muslims are like babies learning how to walk. After the first few steps, we fall, and need someone to be there who will help us to keep the balance until we can walk ourselves.”
“I took my Shahadah (conversion/reversion to Islam) at the age of 76 years on 16th March 2011 at the East London Mosque. Since then I have attended a few circles for New Muslims but I realised that I was not gaining the necessary knowledge that I needed to be a good practising Muslim because I believe that whatever is worth doing at all is worth doing well. Providence directed me to Turning Point Academy, a Project for New Muslim women; there my dreams were fulfilled. Indeed in just two terms I acquired the knowledge that I needed to make me a proper Muslim. I have now perfected my Wudu (Ablution) and my Salaah (Prayers).
The best thing that has happened to me in my life was learning the whole of the Arabic Alphabet; this I thought I could not do before I joined Turning Point; I used to think that I could never learn the Arabic Alphabet, which is the gateway to learn how to read the Qur’an. In fact, when I enrolled at Turning Point, I told the Manager that I would never be able to read the Quran in Arabic. I told her I would be content with just learning correct pronunciation of the transliteration of the Qur’an on account of my age. (I was 76 years then now 78 years of age). Sister Amina told me I can learn to read the Qu’ran in Arabic. She said her staff are trained and dedicated tutors who would help me. In just one term, I learnt the alphabet! I will move to the next book which will teach me joining the alphabet into words.
On the open day on 16th March 2012 which happened to be exactly one year anniversary of the date I took my Shahadah, after listening to the poems by my fellow new reverts on how pleased they are being Muslims and recalling what I had achieved through my interaction with Turning Point, I could not conceal my emotions. I wept for joy, that even me at my old age could be what I want to be: a good knowledgeable practising Muslim.
Barely 3 years after my Shahadah, I was privileged by the special grace of Allah Almighty to go on Pilgrimage to Mecca for Hajj in October 2013. It was a pilgrimage I will cherish for the rest of my life, compared to the Christian Catholic Pilgrimages I had been to. Alhamdulillah.”
“I would describe Turning Point Academy (TPA) as a warm and friendly place, where everyone tries their utmost to make people feel welcome and included. As TPA is such a diverse community no one is made to feel like the odd one out. The knowledge and friendship that I have gained through TPA has had a huge impact on mine and my family’s life. Not only have I made friends, but through the Open Days and Ramadan Iftaars, my family have also got to know other converts’ families and have been reassured that I am in good company. Also, the open, honest and community-focused ethos makes it a comfortable environment to learn and spiritually grow in.”
“Unanswered questions was what brought me to Islam and a recommendation from a friend was what brought me to Turning Point Academy. I went along, slightly apprehensive as I did not know what to expect mainly because I did not know what I was looking for. Yes, I had questions about the existence of God, my own existence, the whos, whys, hows of the world but had I ever given it enough thought to actually do something about it? No…yet I found myself curious enough to meet a load of strangers who all had one thing in common – they found their answers in Islam. Now, I am proud to say that I am a Muslim. However, regardless of whether you are seeking faith, peace, answers to life’s questions or even just looking to satisfy your own curiosity, I would definitely recommend paying Turning Point Academy a visit. Why? There was no “hard-sell”. So I had spoken to poeple about religion before. Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Sikh… unfortunately their passion can sometimes become pushy and almost like a sales pitch on why you should buy into their product. At Turning Point, there was no pressure – no pressure to convert, no pressure to conform, purely educational and informative. With so much distorted information thrown at us via the media, it’s important that true Muslims get a chance to set the record straight.
There is something for everyone. From books, to inspirational speakers/events, or just even listening to everyone’s unique story of how they all came to find Islam, you can’t help but be inspired.
The diversity in one room is fantastic! A vast range of members, from all walks of life, from all over the world speaking so many different languages. No dress code, no expectations.
A support system made up of some of the nicest and most welcoming people I have met. I can honestly say, never have I met a bunch of people who are so happy, so ready to help and support you, even though they barely know you- it’s overwhelming. I attended my very first session in December 2012. Subhanallah, I took my Shahadah in May 2013. I know that should I ever need support in any shape or form, I can count on it from Amina and the girls at Turning Point Academy.”
“I love attending TPA’s Friday sessions. I often arrive with all of life‘s stresses but by the end of the session I feel calm and peaceful. Thank you so very much. You have changed my life. May Allah reward you for all that you do. Ameen.”