This offering from Sekina Yakub is one of the most important books of its time and will continue to be valuable for both Muslims and non Muslims alike. Not only does this book map spiritual journeys and teaches principles relating to spirituality and building Islamic morals, but inside the pages of this book are stories of migration, race relation, history, belonging and intimate connection. This book is a reference point for so many intersections within society.
Through the tender facilitation of storytelling, Sekina has got to the root of what it means to be human and in pursuit of enlightenment. Whilst echoing the voice of many Black Muslims in the UK and some of the pathways to conversion, this book can easily sit on the shelves of academic institutions while at the same time be shared within family gatherings.
Muneera Pilgrim
Poet, author of ‘That day she’ll proclaim her chronicles’, writer, cultural producer and researcher
This is a much-needed compilation that represents the diversity found within Muslim communities and the unique journey that leads to faith and spirituality. Sekina Yakub brings to life the importance of understanding intersectionality within those who share the Islamic faith. This is more than a collection of unique spiritual journeys, but a reflection of how the path to the search for truth can take many different forms, therefore encouraging the reader to embark on their own, unique spiritual awakening.
Yasmin Egala
Children’s book author and creator of ‘Treasures of Jannah’
Co-founder of Tiny Mu’mins
Sekina Yakub has made a valuable and necessary addition to the archiving of stories of mostly, yet not exclusively British converts to Islam with her book Hearts Connect. The book focuses on the stories of young people of mostly African and Afro Caribbean descent, who by various paths found their way to Islam. The range of experiences in the stories are diverse – some people re-discovering an ancestral connection to Islam, others drawn by a search for God, a search for truth, clarity and simplicity.
The participants have shared honestly and movingly and the stories feel intimate and an honour to read. Sekina has handled each story with respect and dignity in her compilation and curation, each contributor’s voice stands out clearly and distinctly. Sekina has woven a subtle and profound balance of personal narrative with scriptural and spiritual threads with her introductions, carefully selected ayats from the Quran, hadeeth, prayers & affirmations included with each story. After reading Hearts Connect I’m left with a strong sense of the individual stories and history of Black Muslims in Britain (and a few stories from beyond Britain), the multiplicity of stories & experiences, all drawn to the central beacon of Tawheed and the Oneness of Allah.
Jumana Moon
Psychotherapist & Storyteller
Have you heard the one about the curious history student, the hip hop artiste or the mother whose baby died? Well once you read Sekina Yakub’s superbly researched and wonderful book you will come to know these and many other equally heartfelt stories. Stories of individuals and the path and mindset that led each of them to making a truly momentous decision to take on or change their religion. Yet every story is different, indeed unique. Yet it is possible to recognise one or two common themes, if you actually listen. One of my favourites is ‘the catholic schoolgirl and the priest’, but you’ll make up your own mind.
Amal Abdalhakim-Douglas
Author: Call of the Twice Removed
Founder: Open Trade Network
Audio excerpts from interviews taken
Hearts Connect is a book written by Sekina Yakub whose idea was conceived during the lockdown of 2020 when most of the world were looking into new hobbies and some were rekindling old ones in the confines of their homes. The advice to keep a distance from one another was given to ensure the safety of all. The ideas for Hearts Connect came about at a time when connection was at a low point. Researching the psychological need for connection led the author to interview dozens of participants who contributed to the notion that connection to a higher being and one another is important. Sekina Yakub lives in London and has roots in Nigeria. Find out more here.
The essence of the book is my gratitude to and for the community that helped raise me when I first started practicing the tenets of Islam. I am indebted to their love and the connection we still have in our hearts today.
I hope this book will serve as a bridge to reconnect those of who haven’t seen or checked on one another in years, a way to show our sameness in our struggles and triumphs. I focused primarily on the black community so that our stories can be told allowing others a window into the experiences of those from a different culture and also giving permission for more to tell their own stories in their own voices.
Sekina Yakub
You can pick up your copy of ‘Hearts Connect’ from the O2 Centre at Finchley Road on Fridays from 8pm – 11pm.
Hearts Connect is also available at Darul Taqwa, Amazon, Waterstones, Barnes & Nobles and all good book stores.
Hearts Connect 