27 Years of Welcoming New Muslims – A Story from Revert2Reality

“Every time I thought about giving up, someone would walk through the door and say: ‘I want to take my Shahadah.’ And I would remember why I needed to keep going.” – Alia Iqbal, Founder of Revert2Reality

🎥 Watch Alia Iqbal powerful journey into Islam in the video below.
Her words, her strength, and her sincerity left a lasting impression on all of us and we believe her story will move you too.

How One Sister Turned Her Living Room Into a Lifeline

It all started in a living room in 1997. A few sisters gathered for a small Islamic circle, unaware that it would one day become a full-time da’wah organisation changing the lives of thousands of reverts to Islam.

Alia Iqbal never planned to create Revert2Reality. But after taking her first Shahadah, then another, and another—she realised that the work didn’t stop at the testimony of faith. These new Muslims needed support, guidance, and community. And so, she opened her home and her heart.

If a sister was thrown out of her house, Alia would invite her in. If someone had no one to spend Eid with, she would make a seat at her table. If a revert didn’t know how to pray, she would teach them—step by step, without judgment.

The Greatest Struggle? Loneliness

One of the biggest challenges facing new Muslims isn’t just learning how to pray or understanding halal from haram it’s the absence of community.

Reverts often come to Islam after reading about the beauty of brotherhood and sisterhood in the Ummah. But when they walk into a mosque and feel ignored, judged, or excluded, it’s heartbreaking.

Alia shared stories of sisters turning away from the mosque because no one welcomed them. Others cried on the phone after being rejected by their families.

“They’ve left behind a huge social life,” she said. “We have to fill that void with something meaningful. That’s what our centre is about.”

What Happens at the Revert2Reality Centre?

Coffee comes first—because comfort matters. Then comes the conversation: What’s your story? What support do you need? What kind of learner are you?

At Revert2Reality, each revert is seen as an individual. The team offers tailored classes including Qur’an tafsir, beginner Arabic, brothers’ and sisters’ halaqas, and weekend socials like game nights and afternoon teas. These gatherings aren’t just educational—they’re healing.

The centre also runs a coffee shop, creating a space where someone can simply sit, talk, and feel part of something. One sister even said, “Thank you for letting me sit with you and eat lunch.” A small gesture, but for someone with no Muslim family, it meant everything.

Support Without Judgment

Sometimes reverts come back a year later. Sometimes they show up wearing hijab—and next week, they don’t. But no one at Revert2Reality bats an eye. The question is always the same: “Are you okay?”

It’s this compassion that makes the centre a safe space. Alia explained that the masajid still have work to do when it comes to inclusion. Many are led by elders who haven’t seen the day-to-day realities of new Muslims. That’s why education is essential—not just for reverts, but for the whole Ummah.

How My Salah Mat Helps New Muslims Learn to Pray

One of the most practical ways the centre supports reverts is through resources. Every new Muslim is gifted a Shahadah pack, which includes a Qur’an, du’a book, and prayer mat. But the team also listens closely: “Are you a visual learner? Do you prefer audio? Do you watch YouTube?”

That’s where My Salah Mat fits in beautifully.

“When we first came across the Salah Mat, we recommended it to our reverts,” said Alia. “It speaks. It teaches. It allows them to hear the recitation and follow along. That’s very unique—because most resources out there are either visual or audio. This has both.”

And for someone standing on the prayer mat for the first time—unsure, nervous, and alone—that guidance can make all the difference.

A Final Message From Alia

The work hasn’t always been easy. Financial struggles, emotional burnout, and moments of doubt come with the territory. But every time Alia thought of quitting, someone would reach out asking to take their Shahadah.

That, she says, is Allah’s way of reminding her to keep going.

“We’re not here to judge. We’re here to say: ‘Welcome to Islam. We’re here for you.’”

At My Salah Mat, we’re honoured to support organisations like Revert2Reality that stand beside new Muslims with love and patience.

If you’re supporting a revert or are one yourself, explore the Interactive Adult Prayer Mat—designed to help you learn Salah with confidence, one step at a time.