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From MTV to Mecca: How Islam inspired my life
In the early 1990’s Kristiane Backer was one of the very first presenters of MTV Europe. For some years she lived and breathed the international music scene, quickly gaining a cult following amongst viewers and becoming a darling of European press. As she reached the pinnacle of her success she realised that, despite having all she could have wished for, she was never truly satisfied. Something very important was missing. A fateful meeting with Pakistani cricket hero Imran Khan changed her life. He invited her to his country where she encountered a completely different world from the one she knew, the religion and culture of Islam. Instead of pop and rock stars she was meeting men and women whose lives were dominated by the love of God and who cared very little for the brief glories of this world. She began to read the Quaran and to study books about the Faith. A few years later, after travelling more widely in the Islamic world and knowing that she had discovered her spiritual path, she embraced Islam in a London mosque. And then her real adventures began.
In this very personal memoir Kristiane Backer tells the story of her conversion and explains how faith, despite the many challenges she faced, has given her inner peace and the meaning she sought.
In this very personal memoir Kristiane Backer tells the story of her conversion and explains how faith, despite the many challenges she faced, has given her inner peace and the meaning she sought.
463 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 1, 2009
92 people are currently reading
1338 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
April 21, 2015
I was interested in this book for some time but never actually ordered it. Then I had the pleasure of meeting Ms Backer at a conference and decided to get her book while I was there. Thank goodness I did! What a fabulous book! I am a revert to Islam of a similar age to her and grew up watching MTV and going to some of the concerts that she talks about in this book. I was really interested in what led her to Islam and made her decide to leave such a completely different way of life.
I really couldn't put this book down. It is actually rather sad in parts but extremely fascinating. I could really relate to the struggles she faced with the culture that many Muslims mistake for Islam. Her travels around the world really showed her lots of different ways Islam is interpreted. This book is not just for Muslims either, after my raving about it I already have a non Muslim friend who has ordered it. The only reason I didn't give it five stars is because I don't personally follow the Sufi way myself but each to their own. Fabulous book a must read and I really hope she finds the happy family life that she deserves insha'Allah.
I really couldn't put this book down. It is actually rather sad in parts but extremely fascinating. I could really relate to the struggles she faced with the culture that many Muslims mistake for Islam. Her travels around the world really showed her lots of different ways Islam is interpreted. This book is not just for Muslims either, after my raving about it I already have a non Muslim friend who has ordered it. The only reason I didn't give it five stars is because I don't personally follow the Sufi way myself but each to their own. Fabulous book a must read and I really hope she finds the happy family life that she deserves insha'Allah.
September 15, 2018
كتاب جميل وسيره حلوه وخفيفه .. افضل شي عجبني طبعا هو التركز ع معاناة المسلمين الجدد خاصه ذو الثقافه الغربيه وحبيت الدفئ الكبير الي تحدثت عنه عندما تلاقي مسلمين اخرين وايضا حبيت كلامها عن التصوف ومجالس الذكر رغم عدم اقتناعي بها.. يعيب الكتاب طوله والتفاصل الكثيره الغير مهمه خاصه بالبديات ..
زهره نلتقي بالجنه باذن الله ❤️
زهره نلتقي بالجنه باذن الله ❤️
December 8, 2012
From MTV to Mecca - a catchy title, as also is Bob Geldof's endorsement on the front cover: 'From MTV to Mecca? From babe to burka is more like it!'
I feel that the publisher's decision to feature the Geldof quote so prominently has more to do with its attention-grabbing properties than any belief that Geldof was seduced by the book; and being an acquaintance of the author's he would have known that she doesn't even wear the hijab, far less a burka.
German television presenter Kristiane Backer, was introduced to Islam while in a relationship with Pakistani cricketer turned politician Imran Khan in the early 1990s. Khan by this time had supposedly abandoned his previous playboy lifestyle and re-embraced his religion with missionary-like fervour. For three years Backer and Khan were lovers, making frequent trips to Pakistan together and travelling widely in that country. While writing extensively about Khan's fervent devotion to Islam Backer never addresses what strikes me as an elephant in the room: given his views, and Backer's growing sympathy with his religion, how did they reconcile their sexual intimacy with the dictates of Islam regarding relations between unmarried men and women.
This is just one of the questions which popped out at me as I read the book and made me think - hey, wait a minute. Because of these unaddressed questions, and a certain glibness in the presentation, the book failed to impress me.
I feel that the publisher's decision to feature the Geldof quote so prominently has more to do with its attention-grabbing properties than any belief that Geldof was seduced by the book; and being an acquaintance of the author's he would have known that she doesn't even wear the hijab, far less a burka.
German television presenter Kristiane Backer, was introduced to Islam while in a relationship with Pakistani cricketer turned politician Imran Khan in the early 1990s. Khan by this time had supposedly abandoned his previous playboy lifestyle and re-embraced his religion with missionary-like fervour. For three years Backer and Khan were lovers, making frequent trips to Pakistan together and travelling widely in that country. While writing extensively about Khan's fervent devotion to Islam Backer never addresses what strikes me as an elephant in the room: given his views, and Backer's growing sympathy with his religion, how did they reconcile their sexual intimacy with the dictates of Islam regarding relations between unmarried men and women.
This is just one of the questions which popped out at me as I read the book and made me think - hey, wait a minute. Because of these unaddressed questions, and a certain glibness in the presentation, the book failed to impress me.
January 14, 2021
Dari muka depan fenomena tahun 90an untuk saluran MTV, kepada fitrah asal menjadi Muslim diakhirnya. Dari puncak kegemilangan, kemahsyuran & segalanya yang menjadi tumpuan dunia, kepada kesederhanaan & kerendahan hati diakhirnya. Ternyata kehidupan yang bagaikan 'roller-coaster' buat si penulis.
Namun disitulah terletak keindahannya. Bagaimana kita boleh lihat dari sisi kehidupan beliau yang bolehlah kita nisbahkan lebih kurang sama sahaja seperti pemuzik serta pelakon terkenal dunia Barat, namun dalam tekanan & beban emosi yang lebih kecil.
Di satu sisi kita pasti cemburu dengan kehidupan penuh kemahsyuran mereka. Gaya hidup hedonisme yang gah, tidak pernah bermasalah dengan wang, dikenali kemana sahaja mereka pergi. Namun pernahkah kita tahu disebalik semua itu kesunyian yang melanda hati mereka? Bagaimana rasa terasingnya mereka. Berhadapan dengan ramai orang, namun tidak seorang pun yang betul-betul mengenali mereka, tahu isi hati mereka. Bermain di hadapan ribuan penonton, langsung terus bersendirian di bilik mewah mereka sejurus selepas itu. Perubahan perasaan yang amat drastik. Yang kita semua tahu tidak ramai selebriti ini yang dapat menanganinya.
Perjalanan penulis untuk mengenali Islam ini tidak kurang penuh cabarannya. Dari keresahan keluarga beliau di Hamburg yang sudah semestinya, pendekatan skeptikal media anti-Islam di Jerman terhadap beliau, dan yang paling utama gelora batin beliau kerana bidang kerja dalam bidang hiburan beliau yang sangat kontra dengan ajaran Islam. Ditambah lagi, terdapat juga kekecewaan dari kehidupan peribadi beliau yang datang dari itu.
Beliau juga berada di Amerika ketika tragedi Pusat Dagangan Dunia diserang pengganas. Dengan identiti Muslim beliau di dalam bidang media, semestinya bukan saat yang mudah ketika itu.
Banyak yang kita boleh belajar dari kisah beliau ini. Dan ambil iktibar buat menghulurkan tangan untuk membantu Muslim yang lain, terutamanya saudara baru.
Dari kisah penulis ini, kita juga dapat menyelami sendiri sisi penting gerakan sufisme di bumi Eropah terutamanya. Bagaimana salah satu cabang kerohanian dalam Islam ini banyak menarik minat insan yang dahagakan makanan rohani disana seperti penulis untuk turut serta memahami serta mendalaminya. Yang secara positifnya menjadikan mereka mendalami Islam pada akhirnya.
Untuk yang meminati gerakan Sufi & Jalaluddin Rumi khususnya, anda pasti meminati buku ini. Banyak sejarah gerakan ini disekitar tanah Balkan, Eropah dan tanah Arab diceritakan serba terperinci oleh penulis.
Yang meminati pengembaraan juga tidak kurangnya boleh meneladani buku ini. Kisah beliau ketika perjalanan mengasyikkan sepanjang Banjaran Himalaya di Pakistan, di Kaherah Mesir, di Maghribi, di Qatar, mahupun London dan Hamburg banyak yang boleh dijadikan panduan perjalanan di masa akan datang.
Dan semestinya, untuk peminat MTV serta muzik antarabangsa khususnya anda pasti lebih teruja untuk membaca buku ini. Penulis merupakan generasi pelopor saluran ini, dimana banyak yang beliau nukilkan merupakan sejarah awal penubuhan saluran hiburan yang sangat berpengaruh ini. Siapakah pengasasnya? Dimanakah pejabat operasi pertama mereka di London? Klip video pertama kugiran manakah yang mereka siarkan untuk saluran MTV Eropah? Dan banyak lagi. Nama-nama artis popular di zaman itu juga banyak yang hinggap di buku ini. Nirvana, Guns N Roses, dan Yusuf Islam sudah tentu antaranya.
Kisah realiti & nyata, cabaran seorang Muslim Eropah yang boleh kita ambil pelbagai iktibar & teladani. Kisah penulis ini sama menariknya dengan kisah Yusuf Islam melalui bukunya Mengapa Saya Masih Memetik Gitar yang saya baca sebelum ini.
Ternyata, lain padang lain belalangnya. Lain tempat, lainlah cabarannya. Lebih-lebih lagi buat saudara baru.
Marilah kita menjadi Muslim yang peka & bertanggungjawab untuk belajar tentang itu. Kerana membantu sesama Muslim itu adalah kerja ibadah juga.
Namun disitulah terletak keindahannya. Bagaimana kita boleh lihat dari sisi kehidupan beliau yang bolehlah kita nisbahkan lebih kurang sama sahaja seperti pemuzik serta pelakon terkenal dunia Barat, namun dalam tekanan & beban emosi yang lebih kecil.
Di satu sisi kita pasti cemburu dengan kehidupan penuh kemahsyuran mereka. Gaya hidup hedonisme yang gah, tidak pernah bermasalah dengan wang, dikenali kemana sahaja mereka pergi. Namun pernahkah kita tahu disebalik semua itu kesunyian yang melanda hati mereka? Bagaimana rasa terasingnya mereka. Berhadapan dengan ramai orang, namun tidak seorang pun yang betul-betul mengenali mereka, tahu isi hati mereka. Bermain di hadapan ribuan penonton, langsung terus bersendirian di bilik mewah mereka sejurus selepas itu. Perubahan perasaan yang amat drastik. Yang kita semua tahu tidak ramai selebriti ini yang dapat menanganinya.
Perjalanan penulis untuk mengenali Islam ini tidak kurang penuh cabarannya. Dari keresahan keluarga beliau di Hamburg yang sudah semestinya, pendekatan skeptikal media anti-Islam di Jerman terhadap beliau, dan yang paling utama gelora batin beliau kerana bidang kerja dalam bidang hiburan beliau yang sangat kontra dengan ajaran Islam. Ditambah lagi, terdapat juga kekecewaan dari kehidupan peribadi beliau yang datang dari itu.
Beliau juga berada di Amerika ketika tragedi Pusat Dagangan Dunia diserang pengganas. Dengan identiti Muslim beliau di dalam bidang media, semestinya bukan saat yang mudah ketika itu.
Banyak yang kita boleh belajar dari kisah beliau ini. Dan ambil iktibar buat menghulurkan tangan untuk membantu Muslim yang lain, terutamanya saudara baru.
Dari kisah penulis ini, kita juga dapat menyelami sendiri sisi penting gerakan sufisme di bumi Eropah terutamanya. Bagaimana salah satu cabang kerohanian dalam Islam ini banyak menarik minat insan yang dahagakan makanan rohani disana seperti penulis untuk turut serta memahami serta mendalaminya. Yang secara positifnya menjadikan mereka mendalami Islam pada akhirnya.
Untuk yang meminati gerakan Sufi & Jalaluddin Rumi khususnya, anda pasti meminati buku ini. Banyak sejarah gerakan ini disekitar tanah Balkan, Eropah dan tanah Arab diceritakan serba terperinci oleh penulis.
Yang meminati pengembaraan juga tidak kurangnya boleh meneladani buku ini. Kisah beliau ketika perjalanan mengasyikkan sepanjang Banjaran Himalaya di Pakistan, di Kaherah Mesir, di Maghribi, di Qatar, mahupun London dan Hamburg banyak yang boleh dijadikan panduan perjalanan di masa akan datang.
Dan semestinya, untuk peminat MTV serta muzik antarabangsa khususnya anda pasti lebih teruja untuk membaca buku ini. Penulis merupakan generasi pelopor saluran ini, dimana banyak yang beliau nukilkan merupakan sejarah awal penubuhan saluran hiburan yang sangat berpengaruh ini. Siapakah pengasasnya? Dimanakah pejabat operasi pertama mereka di London? Klip video pertama kugiran manakah yang mereka siarkan untuk saluran MTV Eropah? Dan banyak lagi. Nama-nama artis popular di zaman itu juga banyak yang hinggap di buku ini. Nirvana, Guns N Roses, dan Yusuf Islam sudah tentu antaranya.
Kisah realiti & nyata, cabaran seorang Muslim Eropah yang boleh kita ambil pelbagai iktibar & teladani. Kisah penulis ini sama menariknya dengan kisah Yusuf Islam melalui bukunya Mengapa Saya Masih Memetik Gitar yang saya baca sebelum ini.
Ternyata, lain padang lain belalangnya. Lain tempat, lainlah cabarannya. Lebih-lebih lagi buat saudara baru.
Marilah kita menjadi Muslim yang peka & bertanggungjawab untuk belajar tentang itu. Kerana membantu sesama Muslim itu adalah kerja ibadah juga.
May 30, 2013
On her writing
This book is literally her biography for the last 15 years, which is something that I wasn't expecting before buying it. She wrote everything, from her glory MTV days, to her conversion and how is she doing today. Her writing and description over things are too in detailed, which makes the book long winded. She literally describes most of the things down to the last detail, which I would appreciate had this been a fiction. The 449 pages could easily be simplified to 300 pages if she was being more selective in her writings.
On the story
Despite the unfavourable style of writing, the very essence of the story if quite enlightening. Few years ago I attended a seminar on comparative religion and we covered a topic on challenges that the reverts are facing (before, during, and after embracing Islam), and Kristiane story had given me a clearer illustration on the subject matter.
The challenges for all reverts are ongoing (not to say that the born Muslims are challenge-free, far from that!). From before embracing Islam (leaving your old lifestyle, family), and after embracing Islam (finding a partner who share the same faith with you, but at the same time understand your culture and background, which in Kristiane's case is her being an European, liberated Muslim women) are indeed big challenges and for that I give my utmost respect to Kristiane for staying tough and solid in her beliefs despite all the shortcomings that came along her way.
One thing to learn from her, or from all reverts is that Islam does not change who you are. You are still you. There are so many ways to manifest your belief in God and to contribute to the society, and of course the best is to fully utilised your strength.
After embracing Islam, Kristiane did not leave the media industry at all, because that's who she is, and that's where her strength lies. It's just that, from VJ-ing music videos, she went on doing something more beneficial and closer to her beliefs like hosting Islamic shows/discussion or documentary. In fact, her skill in networking has managed to attract big names in the media industry to come for a charity dinner and raise funds for Muslims in Bosnia. It's the same thing like how Yusuf Islam (Cat Stevens) remained in the music industry after his conversion but changed the style of his music, so that it is more coherent to his new belief.
All in all, it is a reasonable book, but you need to be patient to get through her detailed style of writing.
This book is literally her biography for the last 15 years, which is something that I wasn't expecting before buying it. She wrote everything, from her glory MTV days, to her conversion and how is she doing today. Her writing and description over things are too in detailed, which makes the book long winded. She literally describes most of the things down to the last detail, which I would appreciate had this been a fiction. The 449 pages could easily be simplified to 300 pages if she was being more selective in her writings.
On the story
Despite the unfavourable style of writing, the very essence of the story if quite enlightening. Few years ago I attended a seminar on comparative religion and we covered a topic on challenges that the reverts are facing (before, during, and after embracing Islam), and Kristiane story had given me a clearer illustration on the subject matter.
The challenges for all reverts are ongoing (not to say that the born Muslims are challenge-free, far from that!). From before embracing Islam (leaving your old lifestyle, family), and after embracing Islam (finding a partner who share the same faith with you, but at the same time understand your culture and background, which in Kristiane's case is her being an European, liberated Muslim women) are indeed big challenges and for that I give my utmost respect to Kristiane for staying tough and solid in her beliefs despite all the shortcomings that came along her way.
One thing to learn from her, or from all reverts is that Islam does not change who you are. You are still you. There are so many ways to manifest your belief in God and to contribute to the society, and of course the best is to fully utilised your strength.
After embracing Islam, Kristiane did not leave the media industry at all, because that's who she is, and that's where her strength lies. It's just that, from VJ-ing music videos, she went on doing something more beneficial and closer to her beliefs like hosting Islamic shows/discussion or documentary. In fact, her skill in networking has managed to attract big names in the media industry to come for a charity dinner and raise funds for Muslims in Bosnia. It's the same thing like how Yusuf Islam (Cat Stevens) remained in the music industry after his conversion but changed the style of his music, so that it is more coherent to his new belief.
All in all, it is a reasonable book, but you need to be patient to get through her detailed style of writing.
February 26, 2013
Far from religion and spirituality, Kristiane Backer was in a world of her own - the entertainment, music and pop video industry, which in turn became a means to discovering herself. In her personal memoir, From MTV To Mecca - How Islam Inspired My Life, the former musical television video jockey (VJ) gives us a full account of her spiritual journey to Islam. Though faced by many challenges, her strong faith gave her the inner peace she had always sought. As one of the very first presenters on MTV Europe, she made a lot of money and met a lot of who’s who in the society - from major artists to famous musicians of her time. She was very successful in her career and anyone in her shoes couldn't ask for more, but as the saying goes “Money can buy you anything in the world but happiness”, and so the quest for peace of mind began for Kristiane.
I personally admire Kristiane’s courage and her open heartedness to learn, as they seem to have helped a lot in getting the answers to her quest for life and its meaning. The lessons she learned along this journey of the love for the divine (Creator), which is greater than that of the physical or emotional love she felt for some of the closest people she met along the way while climbing on the spiritual ladder, made it so easy for her to let go any physical or mundane affairs. When she got her heart broken and let down by someone she had the hope of getting married to, it was her high level of spirituality and her love for the divine that helped her to be forgiving. I was particularly moved by this act of hers. There is no doubt that this book will be enjoyed by all, as it is very interesting, informative and will inspire both Muslims and Non-Muslims alike.
Reviewed by Fawziyya Emiabata for the February 2013 issue of SISTERS Magazine
I personally admire Kristiane’s courage and her open heartedness to learn, as they seem to have helped a lot in getting the answers to her quest for life and its meaning. The lessons she learned along this journey of the love for the divine (Creator), which is greater than that of the physical or emotional love she felt for some of the closest people she met along the way while climbing on the spiritual ladder, made it so easy for her to let go any physical or mundane affairs. When she got her heart broken and let down by someone she had the hope of getting married to, it was her high level of spirituality and her love for the divine that helped her to be forgiving. I was particularly moved by this act of hers. There is no doubt that this book will be enjoyed by all, as it is very interesting, informative and will inspire both Muslims and Non-Muslims alike.
Reviewed by Fawziyya Emiabata for the February 2013 issue of SISTERS Magazine
May 27, 2013
I found myself so immersed to the spiritual journey of Ms. Backer, her book is kind of a living example that lead me to find out the God within ourselves. I felt ashamed of being Muslim but so left behind of seeking the true meaning of my faith. This book is truly an eye opener for to reactive my faith and living the life as Allah has created me to this world. Thank you Ms. Backer for letting us/ me know on how to find The Lord ! Exquisite Memoir.
July 6, 2013
an amazing insight, my eyes are open
March 28, 2021
Aku dapat belajar dua perkara.
1. Lelaki merupakan seorang 'imam' yang berpengaruh sekiranya dia penuh dengan ilmu. Lihat saja bagaimana Imran Khan mampu buat Kristiane Backer terpesona dengan ajaran Islam.
2. Jalan-jalan kerohanian dalam agama itu sangat penting. Bagaimana Kristiane Backer suka betul dengan geng-geng sufi. Itu satu pengajaran pada aku. Kadang, kita selalu sibuk dengan fiqh dan hukum. Tapi jarang sekali merasa kemanisan rohani dalam agama ini, macam sufisme. Sebab, orang lebih minat bagaimana seseorang penganut agama itu menuju keredaan Tuhan dengan ketenangan berbanding sibuk dengan hukum hakam. Bukan nak buang hukum. Tak. Tapi, kadang kita lupa bagaimana tasawuf itu berfungsi.
1. Lelaki merupakan seorang 'imam' yang berpengaruh sekiranya dia penuh dengan ilmu. Lihat saja bagaimana Imran Khan mampu buat Kristiane Backer terpesona dengan ajaran Islam.
2. Jalan-jalan kerohanian dalam agama itu sangat penting. Bagaimana Kristiane Backer suka betul dengan geng-geng sufi. Itu satu pengajaran pada aku. Kadang, kita selalu sibuk dengan fiqh dan hukum. Tapi jarang sekali merasa kemanisan rohani dalam agama ini, macam sufisme. Sebab, orang lebih minat bagaimana seseorang penganut agama itu menuju keredaan Tuhan dengan ketenangan berbanding sibuk dengan hukum hakam. Bukan nak buang hukum. Tak. Tapi, kadang kita lupa bagaimana tasawuf itu berfungsi.
November 9, 2013
Aku tidak tahu apakah aku benar-benar membacanya secara keseluruhan atau tidak. Ini semacam buku autobiografi, atau malah memoar, dari perjalanan Kristiane Backer menemukan hidayah Islam. Jadi, aku bacanya sesekali.. lompat dari satu adegan ke adegan lainnya. Buku ini tetap menakjubkan lho, meski aku membacanya dengan urutan acak ^^
Kristiane Backer adalah VJ MTV pertama yang berasal dari Eropa (Jerman). Saat itu, salah satu kesuksesan MTV adalah menjadi (bisa dibilang) satu-satunya tontonan santai anak muda. Bagaimana tidak? Saluran lain pasti menyempatkan diri menyampaikan isu-isu politik atau peperangan dari berbagai belahan dunia. Masalah sepelik apapun, konflik sekeras apapun, berita duka sesedih apapun, TIDAK ada di MTV. Itulah kenapa MTV begitu populer. MTV itu berbeda.
Hidup glamor dan berdiri di karpet merah bersama artis-artis papan atas adalah biasa bagi Kristiane Backer muda, sampai akhirnya dia merasa kesepian. Awalnya, Kristiane Backer pikir, dia butuh pendamping hidup. Tapi bukan, dia butuh 'Tuhan'.
Kemudian seorang pemuda bersahaja bernama Imran Khan, yang membawanya pada perjalanan ke Pakistan. Seperti yang tertera di sinopsis, Imran bilang, "Di tanah airku, kamu pasti akan jatuh cinta kepadaku."
Ini bukan hanya kisah tentang bagaimana Kristiane Backer masuk Islam, tapi juga tentang bagaimana dia menghadapi kehidupannya sebagai seorang muslimah: menjawab pertanyaan rekan lama, berganti pekerjaan (tentu saja!), hingga memilah makanan dan minuman yang halal.
Sepanjang buku ini.. ada banyaaak sekali quotes yang bisa dipetik. Saking banyaknya, mungkin aku harus memilih mana yang terbaik dulu untuk aku cantumkan di review ini. Baca deh, baik untuk kesehatan dan ketenangan jiwa ;)
P.S. Penasaran status perkawinan Kristiane Backer sekarang. Apakah 'sudah menikah', 'lajang', atau 'janda'? Siapa suaminya? Apakah Imran? :P
Btw, kenapa aku nggak kasih bintang 5? Soalnya, bukunya tebel.. jadi kalau kamu baca terus agak merasa bosan.. loncat-loncat bolak-balik aja kayak cara aku baca, mungkin bukunya akan jadi lebih enak untuk dibaca :D
Kristiane Backer adalah VJ MTV pertama yang berasal dari Eropa (Jerman). Saat itu, salah satu kesuksesan MTV adalah menjadi (bisa dibilang) satu-satunya tontonan santai anak muda. Bagaimana tidak? Saluran lain pasti menyempatkan diri menyampaikan isu-isu politik atau peperangan dari berbagai belahan dunia. Masalah sepelik apapun, konflik sekeras apapun, berita duka sesedih apapun, TIDAK ada di MTV. Itulah kenapa MTV begitu populer. MTV itu berbeda.
Hidup glamor dan berdiri di karpet merah bersama artis-artis papan atas adalah biasa bagi Kristiane Backer muda, sampai akhirnya dia merasa kesepian. Awalnya, Kristiane Backer pikir, dia butuh pendamping hidup. Tapi bukan, dia butuh 'Tuhan'.
Kemudian seorang pemuda bersahaja bernama Imran Khan, yang membawanya pada perjalanan ke Pakistan. Seperti yang tertera di sinopsis, Imran bilang, "Di tanah airku, kamu pasti akan jatuh cinta kepadaku."
Ini bukan hanya kisah tentang bagaimana Kristiane Backer masuk Islam, tapi juga tentang bagaimana dia menghadapi kehidupannya sebagai seorang muslimah: menjawab pertanyaan rekan lama, berganti pekerjaan (tentu saja!), hingga memilah makanan dan minuman yang halal.
Sepanjang buku ini.. ada banyaaak sekali quotes yang bisa dipetik. Saking banyaknya, mungkin aku harus memilih mana yang terbaik dulu untuk aku cantumkan di review ini. Baca deh, baik untuk kesehatan dan ketenangan jiwa ;)
P.S. Penasaran status perkawinan Kristiane Backer sekarang. Apakah 'sudah menikah', 'lajang', atau 'janda'? Siapa suaminya? Apakah Imran? :P
Btw, kenapa aku nggak kasih bintang 5? Soalnya, bukunya tebel.. jadi kalau kamu baca terus agak merasa bosan.. loncat-loncat bolak-balik aja kayak cara aku baca, mungkin bukunya akan jadi lebih enak untuk dibaca :D
October 16, 2013
I read this book not knowing what to expect and ended up being pleasantly surprised. Kristiane lead a fun filled social life as a TV presenter before exploring the principles of Islam. The book details her early life before the influence of religion, right through to her conversion into a Muslim and the difficulties she faced in this journey.
I did not read this for any religious reasons, however I enjoyed understanding some of the underlying principles of Islam, which are grossly misunderstood by many. Kristiane has gone through an interesting and challenging journey to get to where she is today and I admire her tenacity and determination to get there.
I did not read this for any religious reasons, however I enjoyed understanding some of the underlying principles of Islam, which are grossly misunderstood by many. Kristiane has gone through an interesting and challenging journey to get to where she is today and I admire her tenacity and determination to get there.
October 22, 2013
inspiring & motivating ... these r the tow word a like to say about this book
August 2, 2014
Kristiane Backer’s memoir From MTV To Mecca is a truly insightful, enjoyable and informative insight into the journey of a conversation to Islam. As I noted on my Twitter account, I hadn’t heard of sister Kristiane previously despite her fame working with MTV in the early 1990’s, but the book highlighted why many people in the entertainment industry, despite huge success, still feel an emptiness that professional success can not fill. It also shows that having a small piece of open-mindedness in experiencing and getting to know other peoples cultures can also have benefits. Her friendship with former Pakistan World Cup winning captain Imran Khan was the key to her life change and her conversion to Islam at the age of 30. Kristiane descriptively describes her journey into Pakistan in the early 90s, when the country (unlike now) had beautiful scenery and a warm surrounding that endeared Westerners and third-generation Pakistanis returning to visit relatives. With many of the conversions to Islam and especially women, the key moment seems to be a realisation of something more spiritually missing from their lives. A career which had seen her interview and socialise with many leading names from the world of music, still lacked that inner happiness. The book will be hugely comforting to other Muslim converts, especially women, who will sympathise, smile and resonate with Kristiane’s difficulty in accepting the strong practices of Islam. But as the converts may realise, over time and practice, Kristiane was able to overcome any temptations and more so, it increased her thirst for knowledge. The structuring of the book keeps you reading as she discusses her many trips abroad (Bosnia, Turkey and Morocco) and the different experiences and moments that it brought. It talks of her family’s initial reluctance but gradual acceptance of their daughter’s desire to embrace a new religion. What surprised me about her story was the setback of her two marriages failing. The second one which brought to me a sense of anger that a newly sister into the religion could be treated so harshly despite her attempts to compromise and adjust to her husband’s more sterner principles. That could have undone a person’s faith but after some low moments, she overcomes and strengthens her desire to become better. It also shows what is needed for Islam at the moment, good PR. She has done work with the Inspired By Muhammed campaign and used her position to speak positively and to a diverse audience about Islam. For those new to Islam or unsure of its beliefs, the book neatly has a concise and brief insight into the religion, filled with a glossary so another plus point of picking it up. Kristiane’s book defines spiritualism, the quest to search for it, the acceptance of it and the desire to maintain it.
July 2, 2013
Very ordinary book of a very impressionable Western women experimenting with Islam. I found her reasons to convert not very convincing at all, claiming to have been inspired by Imran Khan the Pakistani cricketer politician. For me it was a simple case of exploitation using Islam to justify large scale misogyny in Pakistan. How the author failed to notice the poor plight of women on her numerous trips to Pakistan is beyond me. What amazed me more was the author decided to convert to Islam after being dumped by the righteous Imran Khan claiming that one of his spiritual advisors had warned him against marrying the author! For me the author's career in the Music industry was no different from her ultimate adventure with Islam, both selling and broadcasting their unique agenda on the hapless and the gullible. Another feature common among the two is that they are extremely satisfying pastimes, a great form of escape from the reality of life. The book is a waste of time for anyone looking for inspiration or conversion. All religions are the same, if you have a desire to convert, kindly refer to whatever religion you are born into. Proper understanding will surly provide the right antidote to depression of life.
On the other hand, when young MTV seems like a great line of work, almost as great as Islamic ambassadorship in your middle age, doesn't it?
On the other hand, when young MTV seems like a great line of work, almost as great as Islamic ambassadorship in your middle age, doesn't it?
July 17, 2018
I had never heard of Kristine Backer before I picked up this book.
I found the catchy title is what drew me in and surprised me a little when I read the author was a reporter for MTV and inspired by the music industry but had been inspired by a life including Islam.
It is clear from her book that not only was she inspired by Islam, she was clearly passionate about it, though she faced a lot of challenges along the way.
I found at some points the book was a little unfocused and wittered on and on about literally everything that had ever happened in the last ten or so years of her life, and perhaps could be condensed a little. I found that by the end of the book, I wasn't necessarily enjoying it, felt fascinated by it and I had many questions that just short of 500 pages, wasn't actually covered. I feel the writing could have been finely tuned a little and had it have been I would have a bit more of an insight into a European Muslim woman's life, as I'm not a Muslim or revert myself, that would have been interesting and helpful for me.
I found the catchy title is what drew me in and surprised me a little when I read the author was a reporter for MTV and inspired by the music industry but had been inspired by a life including Islam.
It is clear from her book that not only was she inspired by Islam, she was clearly passionate about it, though she faced a lot of challenges along the way.
I found at some points the book was a little unfocused and wittered on and on about literally everything that had ever happened in the last ten or so years of her life, and perhaps could be condensed a little. I found that by the end of the book, I wasn't necessarily enjoying it, felt fascinated by it and I had many questions that just short of 500 pages, wasn't actually covered. I feel the writing could have been finely tuned a little and had it have been I would have a bit more of an insight into a European Muslim woman's life, as I'm not a Muslim or revert myself, that would have been interesting and helpful for me.
January 31, 2015
As a convert myself, I didn't find this book entirely convincing. Intrigued would be more like it ... If I had lived what she went through, I highly doubt that I would have ever converted to islam. So maybe it shows how convinced and right she felt choosing this path ... She strangely mixes practice, cultural traditions and the religion itself sometimes.
But what was more surprising to me, is how not normal her path was : her life seems to have been basically surrounded by celebrities, including in the "islamic" world, so how can a "normal" reader relate to this, I don't know. But it is an interesting read, the story of someone who wants to deepen things and is not afraid of crossing all kinds of frontiers ...
But what was more surprising to me, is how not normal her path was : her life seems to have been basically surrounded by celebrities, including in the "islamic" world, so how can a "normal" reader relate to this, I don't know. But it is an interesting read, the story of someone who wants to deepen things and is not afraid of crossing all kinds of frontiers ...
March 1, 2013
Loved reading every page of this book.
May 1, 2013
A must read for a muslim and non muslim alike
July 4, 2013
We were born into muslim families so we beleive that we know what Islam is but after reading this book i realised what Islam actually is. A must read book for everyone.
November 11, 2016
A journey of the soul. Thank you for connecting me to Islam, in a way I wondered of, but didn't know how to articulate.
December 8, 2023
An honest account of searching the truth and tranquility of God in daily life.
November 11, 2012
Interesting journey
July 17, 2018
Kristiane Backer
I have been attempting to read this book for quite a long time now. But somehow more important stuff always got in between…
Now I have finally managed to read it. I have long been interested in world religions, and in conversion (I have myself been a convert in my middle years, though not to Islam). And in recent years, I have increasingly become interested in non-fiction, especially biographies. Reasons enough!
I am a child of the 80‘s – I have witnessed the advent of music TV stations like MTV when I was a teen. Although I have never actually watched any shows with Kristiane, her name still rings a bell with me. I was interested in her book for two reasons – what would her portrait of Islam be like? And would she be able to make the transition from TV journalism to literary authorship?
All in all, my judgement is not negative – but not altogether positive either. I want to make it clear, though, that any negative judgement is NOT (!!) due to her conversion as such, nor to any negative attitudes towards Islam. I have the highest respect for what Kristiane Backer has achieved, but – the book „as such“, the book as a book, is still not what I expected.
The first chapters were mainly about her early years in the music business. This was quite interesting, but became boring after a while – it was mainly name-dropping.
Later chapters were better, when she talked about actual conversion and contact with Muslims. I could relate to many aspects she was talking about. When you convert to another religion, there are many problems to be faced. Your life changes profoundly, and this she has managed to convey plausibly enough. How to find a community. How to deal with friends and family. How to encounter misunderstandings, or outright hostility. How to find true guidance. How to implement religious practice into daily life. And so on.
She portrays Islam with a warm heart – and yet, I found her style was a little repetitive, bordering on the naive and uncritical.
She has been a TV journalist all her life, and this is more than clear. She writes as if she was a camera. When talking about voyages to Muslim countries, it is always about – the landscape, the friendliness, the accomodation, the temples / mosques, the meals, the sunshine, the heat, the mountains. She is describing much, much atmosphere, but adds relatively little reflection or criticism – for my taste.
Two examples. I was truly appalled about her lack of reflection when she came into contact with a member of the Bin Laden family. There were barely two paragraphs about this – then nothing. She was stranded in the U.S. for a time after 9/11. But then again, it was mainly about being delayed, about spending time with people in the U.S.
Second, I really could not understand her naivety concerning romantic relationships, her – to date fruitless – search for a Muslim husband. It was clear to me from the outset that every relationship she described was doomed to be a failure. She is a Western woman at heart, and this simply does not agree with Eastern mentality. Not in the long run.
I also thought that she was name-droppin again in later chapters, concerning Muslim technical terms. I tended to get quite confused about the many different terms for prayers, activities, religious cermemonies, which she mentions in their original language.
And I wonder if she realizes what a privileged life she has been leading so far. She describes holidays to Muslim countries galore – she travels around the world, a short trip with friend so and so here, a longer stay in country XY there… but who can normally do this?? Hosting a music festival in Bosnia, working here and there for a TV show…
She is relatively unclear about much background information. You have to extract many things from between the lines.
I am quite at a loss how to rate this book – but in the end, I will settle for 3 stars out of 5. I received quite a positive image about Islam. But I am still uncertain as to whether Kristiane Backer is a good author.
I have been attempting to read this book for quite a long time now. But somehow more important stuff always got in between…
Now I have finally managed to read it. I have long been interested in world religions, and in conversion (I have myself been a convert in my middle years, though not to Islam). And in recent years, I have increasingly become interested in non-fiction, especially biographies. Reasons enough!
I am a child of the 80‘s – I have witnessed the advent of music TV stations like MTV when I was a teen. Although I have never actually watched any shows with Kristiane, her name still rings a bell with me. I was interested in her book for two reasons – what would her portrait of Islam be like? And would she be able to make the transition from TV journalism to literary authorship?
All in all, my judgement is not negative – but not altogether positive either. I want to make it clear, though, that any negative judgement is NOT (!!) due to her conversion as such, nor to any negative attitudes towards Islam. I have the highest respect for what Kristiane Backer has achieved, but – the book „as such“, the book as a book, is still not what I expected.
The first chapters were mainly about her early years in the music business. This was quite interesting, but became boring after a while – it was mainly name-dropping.
Later chapters were better, when she talked about actual conversion and contact with Muslims. I could relate to many aspects she was talking about. When you convert to another religion, there are many problems to be faced. Your life changes profoundly, and this she has managed to convey plausibly enough. How to find a community. How to deal with friends and family. How to encounter misunderstandings, or outright hostility. How to find true guidance. How to implement religious practice into daily life. And so on.
She portrays Islam with a warm heart – and yet, I found her style was a little repetitive, bordering on the naive and uncritical.
She has been a TV journalist all her life, and this is more than clear. She writes as if she was a camera. When talking about voyages to Muslim countries, it is always about – the landscape, the friendliness, the accomodation, the temples / mosques, the meals, the sunshine, the heat, the mountains. She is describing much, much atmosphere, but adds relatively little reflection or criticism – for my taste.
Two examples. I was truly appalled about her lack of reflection when she came into contact with a member of the Bin Laden family. There were barely two paragraphs about this – then nothing. She was stranded in the U.S. for a time after 9/11. But then again, it was mainly about being delayed, about spending time with people in the U.S.
Second, I really could not understand her naivety concerning romantic relationships, her – to date fruitless – search for a Muslim husband. It was clear to me from the outset that every relationship she described was doomed to be a failure. She is a Western woman at heart, and this simply does not agree with Eastern mentality. Not in the long run.
I also thought that she was name-droppin again in later chapters, concerning Muslim technical terms. I tended to get quite confused about the many different terms for prayers, activities, religious cermemonies, which she mentions in their original language.
And I wonder if she realizes what a privileged life she has been leading so far. She describes holidays to Muslim countries galore – she travels around the world, a short trip with friend so and so here, a longer stay in country XY there… but who can normally do this?? Hosting a music festival in Bosnia, working here and there for a TV show…
She is relatively unclear about much background information. You have to extract many things from between the lines.
I am quite at a loss how to rate this book – but in the end, I will settle for 3 stars out of 5. I received quite a positive image about Islam. But I am still uncertain as to whether Kristiane Backer is a good author.
June 22, 2020
I was graced with the chance of meeting Ms. Backer in the Islamabad Literary Festival a few years ago. She drew people toward her with her pleasant personality, and yes, she's a biryani fan too!
I always envied converts (or "Muslims by choice"), because they find their way back to Allah (S.W.T), and consciously obey His Commands. "Muslims by chance" such as myself follow what our parents and teachers tell us, and sometimes the effort is more of a "monkey see monkey do" sort of thing, rather than out of submission.
Coming to the book itself, Kristiane narrates the story of how she was at the pinnacle of her success in MTV, but then crosses paths with certain people who change her life forever. From visiting Pakistan, being introduced to Islamic mysticism, and getting the chance of visiting the Holy Ka'aba twice, Ms. Backer takes the reader through the journey of different phases of her life - all that lead her to accepting Islam, and becoming closer to Allah (S.W.T). The addition of photographs from some of these phases adds to the charm of the narrative.
The book was long, and it took me quite a while to finish, but "From MTV to Mecca" was still a lovely book I thoroughly enjoyed reading.
I always envied converts (or "Muslims by choice"), because they find their way back to Allah (S.W.T), and consciously obey His Commands. "Muslims by chance" such as myself follow what our parents and teachers tell us, and sometimes the effort is more of a "monkey see monkey do" sort of thing, rather than out of submission.
Coming to the book itself, Kristiane narrates the story of how she was at the pinnacle of her success in MTV, but then crosses paths with certain people who change her life forever. From visiting Pakistan, being introduced to Islamic mysticism, and getting the chance of visiting the Holy Ka'aba twice, Ms. Backer takes the reader through the journey of different phases of her life - all that lead her to accepting Islam, and becoming closer to Allah (S.W.T). The addition of photographs from some of these phases adds to the charm of the narrative.
The book was long, and it took me quite a while to finish, but "From MTV to Mecca" was still a lovely book I thoroughly enjoyed reading.
June 24, 2020
Oh Why Didn't I Read This Sooner?!
Reading the whole book gave me the combination of the joy like reading a fiction and the satisfaction of reading an honest-to-goodness non-fiction.
The author brings you on her journey so seamlessly, it is as if you were with her every step of the journey.
From the discovery, to unravelling the beauty philosophies and real teachings of Islam, to exploring new experiences as she educates herself on Islam, to meeting such beautiful characters along her journey, be it famous personalitirs or just those who made an impact in her life.
The quotes, be they from Al Quran, Hadiths or from leading personalities, are so carefully selected and beautifully highlighted throughout the book. It may put even some born-Muslims to shame for not knowing/neglecting these wonderful gems as already encapsulated in Islam. She is an example of someone diligently striving to educate oneself, to understand our journey, our purpose in this life (and beyond).
Truly recommended.
Reading the whole book gave me the combination of the joy like reading a fiction and the satisfaction of reading an honest-to-goodness non-fiction.
The author brings you on her journey so seamlessly, it is as if you were with her every step of the journey.
From the discovery, to unravelling the beauty philosophies and real teachings of Islam, to exploring new experiences as she educates herself on Islam, to meeting such beautiful characters along her journey, be it famous personalitirs or just those who made an impact in her life.
The quotes, be they from Al Quran, Hadiths or from leading personalities, are so carefully selected and beautifully highlighted throughout the book. It may put even some born-Muslims to shame for not knowing/neglecting these wonderful gems as already encapsulated in Islam. She is an example of someone diligently striving to educate oneself, to understand our journey, our purpose in this life (and beyond).
Truly recommended.
May 6, 2017
An excellent read, though bit lengthy at times but the author grabs reader attention and involves the reader in her character. A captivating story of an MTV star who wasn't satisfied with her glamorous life.In this private memoir Kristiane Backer tells the story of her conversion and explains how faith, despite the many challenges, at last gave her inner peace and the meaning she had sought. In the process she carries out soul searching and seeks answers to diff practical queries which a European encounters. she is an avid reader and a traveller and describes the places magnificently.... an inspiring tale of a devout practicing muslim that has motivated me to be a practicing muslim ... I wish she finds a good practicing muslim husband with an open mind and she continues to inspire young Muslims ... may be that's why Allah brought her to faith in the very first place...
May 16, 2023
what an amazing biography
Kristiane Backer, tells her Islam story without concealing the difficult times and issues she encountered along her journey. She really touched on issues concern women in Islam and clarified many misinformation the west has against Islam and Muslim women.
I really enjoyed every page of the book. And was happy she recommended other books on Islam for us. I learned about Gai Eaton and others from her and immediately downloaded some books she recommended. Very well written book. She is so honest and down to earth. I do recommend this book to anyone who is inquiring about Islam and anyone thinking about converting to Islam.
Kristiane Backer, tells her Islam story without concealing the difficult times and issues she encountered along her journey. She really touched on issues concern women in Islam and clarified many misinformation the west has against Islam and Muslim women.
I really enjoyed every page of the book. And was happy she recommended other books on Islam for us. I learned about Gai Eaton and others from her and immediately downloaded some books she recommended. Very well written book. She is so honest and down to earth. I do recommend this book to anyone who is inquiring about Islam and anyone thinking about converting to Islam.
August 5, 2019
She had faced a lot of challenges from her relationship to the exposure of entertainment industries in her daily affairs. Her conversion to Islam was not induced by worldly issues but it came from her heart to seek guidance and eternal love. "And whoever Allah guides - he is the (rightly) guided; and whoever He sends astray - you will never find for them protectors besides Him, and We will gather them on the Day of Resurrection (fallen) on their faces - blind, dumb and deaf. Their refuge is Hell; every time it subsides We increase them in blazing fire" (Al-Israa Verse 97).
May 9, 2017
A great autobiography, riched with so many directions to experience!
Kristiane's story is an inspiration for those who knows the importance of a firm religious faith and motivation for those who are bit confused to obey such path.
The fast life filled with materialism, can never nourish a soul. Its colours can blind us all. So, to get the sight back, faith is required. That's what she did.
A strong read to discover the light of Islam!
Kristiane's story is an inspiration for those who knows the importance of a firm religious faith and motivation for those who are bit confused to obey such path.
The fast life filled with materialism, can never nourish a soul. Its colours can blind us all. So, to get the sight back, faith is required. That's what she did.
A strong read to discover the light of Islam!
October 16, 2020
I had this book on my reading list for quite some time and finally mustered up the courage and time to read it. The day I opened the first page I cursed myself for taking too long to read it.
The author has put before the readers all her life events in black and white. I think she has narrated all the events honestly and has held nothing back.
As a Pakistani I really think she should have married IK but might have suffered the same fate as Jamima did.
A good book to have in my collection.
The author has put before the readers all her life events in black and white. I think she has narrated all the events honestly and has held nothing back.
As a Pakistani I really think she should have married IK but might have suffered the same fate as Jamima did.
A good book to have in my collection.
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