Ahmed Hussain was once better known as DJ Billy. He was signed to a record label; he was even offered a chance to record in India. Yet he gave it all up to devote his life to Islam. He now runs the Iqra Book and Gift centre on Owler Lane. The shop and his role model status have prompted young people to question their faith and idols, promoting a deeper understanding of Islam.
After the death of a close family member, Ahmed took a break from DJing and started to question life. He found that Islam and the belief in a creator gave his life purpose and he found happiness in this security. Yet to become a dedicated Muslim, he had to abandon the competitive nature and pride that came hand in hand with his DJ career.
“Many of the kids round here are influenced by rap culture, getting into guns and the drugs it promotes.Their role models are people like Biggie and Tupac – and they died young. I opened the shop eight months ago to give young people (and old) a chance to find out about Islam. I’m a role model to some kids, and many did come back to Islam after I opened the shop.”
It was hard to talk about Islam without reference to how Muslims have been linked with terrorism by parts of the government and the press.
“Islam condemns all kinds of terrorism, whether it’s in Palestine, Iraq, Afghanistan, America or London.The Koran teaches peace and offers guidelines on how to live peacefully. I run an Islamic bookshop and none of these books teach or preach the killing of innocents. As Muslims, we are instructed not even to kill a fly. Islam is not the ‘barbaric ideology’ that Bush and Blair have called it.”
Despite national reports of increased hostility to Muslims, Ahmed notes the spotlight on the religion has opened people’s eyes. “Since September 11th there are more Muslims in America than ever before. People started questioning Islam, asking what it is. All the libraries ran out of Korans!”
Ahmed’s shop provides an opportunity for everyone to learn more about Islam and counters the representations offered by the national media. “Everybody is welcome, Muslim or non-Muslim to come to the shop for a free copy of the Koran and talk to me and others about Islam.”
Iqra Book and Gift Centre, 92 Owler Lane, Tel: 244 0300.
by Kate Atkinson