Architecture of Faith: Akram's Journey to Islam
Akram
United Kingdom
Previous Religion: Christianity
My Life Before Islam
Mark Andrew, now known as Akram, was born in Birmingham, UK. He was raised as a devout Roman Catholic, never missing Sunday Mass. He pursued a degree in architecture and established himself in the field, eventually running his own architectural firm. Before his introduction to Islam, he knew very little about other religions and lived a typical British lifestyle, which included social drinking and going to pubs with friends.
The Moment of Guidance
His journey toward Islam began professionally. Over 30 years ago, he was invited to design a mosque in Birmingham. To understand the requirements, he spent time researching what happens inside a mosque and was given several books, including "Islam in Focus" and the Yusuf Ali translation of the Quran. He was struck by the "totality" and comprehensiveness of the Quran, finding it a complete way of life that resolved the theological conflicts he had experienced in Christianity. A particularly impactful moment occurred when he read Surah Al-Kafirun; the balance between uncompromising faith and the lack of religious persecution ("To you be your way, and to me mine") deeply impressed him. He eventually took his Shahada in a living room, standing next to a car engine his friend was repairing, after realizing he could find no points of disagreement with Islamic teachings.
Reflections
Akram has since dedicated his career to Islamic architecture, having worked on over 50 mosque projects across the UK. He views his work as a form of worship and believes that building mosques helps keep him on the "Straight Path" (Sirat al-Mustaqim). Beyond architecture, he is the chairman of the Native European Muslim Assembly (NEMA), an organization dedicated to supporting new Muslims. He notes that the transition to Islam can be difficult and that many reverts lack proper mentorship. His current mission is to develop support systems for new Muslims in Europe, emphasizing that Islam is a universal way of life suitable for all times and places.