"What He Experienced in UAE Changed Everything" - Mark | With Faris

8,007 views·May 25, 2026

In this podcast, Faris Al Hammadi speaks with Mark, a teacher who embraced Islam 10 years ago. But his journey didn’t begin with debates or deep study… It began with an experience. While living and working in Ras Al Khaimah, Mark witnessed something that stayed with him — the way people treated him. The kindness. The respect. The sincerity. The cultures. The environment Coming from a different background, this contrast made him reflect deeply. And over time, that experience led him to Islam. 👉 It wasn’t arguments that changed him 👉 It was character, cultures & environment This story is a powerful reminder that sometimes, the strongest message is shown through actions — not words. 📌 Watch till the end to hear what truly changed everything. 00:00 - Intro – “You’re Muslim?!” 00:20 - His life 10 years ago vs today 00:41 - Meet Mark from England 🇬🇧 01:20 - Why he moved to the UAE 🇦🇪 02:30 - Taking a risk with only savings 03:20 - Landing in Ras Al Khaimah for the first time 04:05 - First impressions of UAE life 05:00 - Leaving comfort to explore life 06:10 - Culture shock & first experiences 06:44 - Learning “Assalamu Alaikum” 08:10 - His upbringing & values from his mother 09:30 - Falling in love with Ras Al Khaimah 10:45 - Western media vs reality of the Middle East 12:30 - “It couldn’t be further from the truth” 13:20 - The small moments that changed everything 14:30 - “10 years ago, I would’ve said you’re crazy” 15:30 - His religious background before Islam 16:40 - First curiosity about Islam 17:30 - Funny cultural misunderstanding (hijab moment) 19:00 - Respecting culture as a guest 20:30 - Emotional connection with students & teachers 22:00 - His journey toward Islam begins 23:10 - Taking Shahada (becoming Muslim) 24:30 - Why asking questions is important 25:40 - The Qur’an that changed his perspective 27:00 - What convinced him Islam is the truth 28:20 - Media misconceptions explained 29:40 - Real Muslim character & discipline 31:00 - Watching prayer in school – powerful moment 32:30 - The beauty of Islamic manners 34:00 - Life after becoming Muslim 35:10 - Meeting his wife just weeks after Shahada 36:20 - Learning how to pray from scratch 38:00 - First time entering a mosque 39:30 - “Don’t be afraid to make mistakes” 41:00 - Improving Arabic & daily practice 42:30 - Life as a Muslim teacher in UAE 44:00 - His transformation over the years 45:30 - The pillars of Islam explained 47:00 - Why Shahada is the foundation 48:30 - Getting married in the UAE 50:00 - Telling his family he became Muslim 51:30 - His mother’s reaction ❤️ 53:00 Democracy or Just Empty Promises? 53:38 The Shocking Reality of UK Taxes 54:49 Why Emirati Retirement Beats the UK 55:14 Crime, Gangs & Why People Are Afraid 56:18 "I Wouldn't Let My Family Walk Alone in Britain" 56:58 The Truth About Britain's Grooming Gang Scandal 57:54 "That Has Nothing To Do With Islam" 58:35 Is There An Agenda Against Muslims? 59:33 What Sharia Would Do Differently 1:00:18 Extremism, Islam & The Reality of Muslims in the UK 1:01:21 Why UAE Students Stopped Studying in the UK 1:02:18 Are Most Muslims Peaceful? Let's Talk Numbers 1:02:35 How Should Extremists Be Dealt With? 1:03:20 Immigration: The Debate Nobody Wants To Have 1:04:19 Illegal Immigration & Rising Tensions 1:05:01 How Media Narratives Shape Public Opinion 1:05:45 "I Don't Want To See Britain Like This" 1:06:24 Taxed While Alive... And After Death? 1:07:07 The Hidden Cost of Dying in the UK 1:07:54 Waiting a Month to Be Buried?! 1:08:41 The Funeral Industry Nobody Talks About 1:10:25 My First Experience of an Islamic Funeral 1:11:04 The Beauty of the Janazah Process 1:12:22 The Viral Machboos & Fireworks Video 1:13:16 What Really Happened During the UAE Attacks? 1:14:17 Why I Felt I Had to Defend the UAE 1:15:19 The UAE Changed My Life Forever 1:16:20 A Random Salam That Turned Into Brotherhood 1:17:27 "Nobody Paid Me To Say This" 1:18:24 Influencers vs Reality During the Crisis 1:18:49 Why I'll A