Myriam Francois Cerrah tells how she chose Islam

British actress, Emilie Francois (born in 1983) embraced Islam in 2003 after extensive research into the faith.
She is active as a spokesperson for Muslim understanding, appearing on BBC Big Questions alongside Dame Ann Leslie, Beverly Knight, Rev. Peter Owen-Jones, et al.
Myriam currently works as a freelance journalist, with her articles featured in The London Paper, Index on Censorship, the F-Word, the magazine Emel, and more.
She also gives lectures.

[@husseinjoudee4767]

masha allah sister may allah make you enter paradise no god but God and muhammad is the messenger of God

[@malcolmx1999]

She is a very smart educated person. I just agree with everything she says.. God bless you

[@samueljohnson3530]

Yeah.She is an epitome of intellect,grace,affection and logic.I wish our sisters should become more like her.

[@hasanpervej]

Wonderful Sister. Islam needed so many sister like you. May The light of Allah is always with you.

[@thapack45]

Why do you make the title misleading? I was wanting to hear how she chose Islam. But that's not anywhere in the video.

[@Laughwithus1_1]

Maybe becuase you clicked the wrong video?

[@thapack45]

Fahim Islam Where in the video does she explain why she chose Islam? The title says that she explains why she chose Islam. The video is about negative views of Muslims and the reasons for those negative views.

[@charleecharles9812]

This did NOT say why she chose Islam. Total waste of 9mins. "When they oppress us let us not oppress them"??? Sunnis oppressing Shias, Shias oppressing Sunnis, Sunnis and Shias looking down on Sufis. It's all just a laugh when people say 'Islam' as if it was one united front. They can't stand or tolerate each other so how can anyone expect them to accept or tolerate people who don't even recognise their founder as anyone of any consequence??? I want to know what denomination of Islam this girl adheres to or does she just put herself under the umbrella of Islam in general.

[@Ammah786]

Charlee Charles her wikipedia page explains how she converted.

[@ebru1b]

There is no compulsion where deen is concerned. Right guidance has become clearly distinct from error. Anyone who rejects false deities and believes in Allah has grasped the Firmest Handhold, which will never give way. Allah is All-Hearing, All-Knowing. (Surat al-Baqara, 256)

[@1SamFamey1]

God bless for being fair to you'r self and choosing without being afraid!!

[@ebru1b]

“You are not responsible for their guidance, but Allah guides whoever He wills.” (Surat al-Baqara, 272)

[@meztupkid13]

may Allah bless this sis with the highest level of jannah

[@ebru1b]

“To you your religion, and to me, mine” (Surat al-Kafirun, 6)

[@Gatekeepertoparadise]

Myriam is a truly brilliant sister. May Allah reward her for her great work. She speaks in a language I understand. Above all the message of acquiring knowlege as is described in the Quran and to implement critical thinking in our lives surrounding the media and the education system. Is a very key aspect. I like the fact that this sister really understands the complexities and grey areas within the Ummah, with regards to culture and the pros and cons surrounding this.

[@ebru1b]

There is no compulsion in religion. True guidance has become clearly distinct from error. (Surat al-Baqara, 256) So remind them! You are only a reminder. You are not in control of them. (Surat Al-Ghashiyya, 21-22)

[@suhasyed3342]

God bless her and her efforts to protect Islam in a cover of truth to protect it from the debris of misconception it faces.

[@ebru1b]

“Call to the way of your Lord with wisdom and fair admonition...” (Surat an-Nahl, 125)

[@skyelabtt8812]

I like the way she give speeches. Very eloquent, and strong argument. Islam needed muslimah and muslim like her, very knowledgeable even she is new muslimah. Hopefully Allah gives me kids who can be good like her. Let us muslims make doas for her to continue spread the truths about Islam, may Allah gives her wealth and resources to continue dakwah, and at same time to show non-muslims taht new muslims able to succeed in life, successful in professional careers and at same time wealthy and resourceful.

[@ebru1b]

Quran is not a science book, but it is completely in line with scientific findings and it is even ahead of what science gives us

[@homeless112]

Mashallah, she is very well-spoken and articulate, and very knowledgeable, which has allowed her to paint a very pleasant image of islam.

[@aswj-haq1637]

I think Myriam is an assest for muslim women, May Allah (Taa'la) keep her safe.

[@Mohammad5025]

Can a speech get any more beautiful than what she said hold firm to the religion of ALLAH do not worry about what other's say.

[@ebru1b]

There is no compulsion in Islam, no forcing to believe in Islam, no forcing to practice Islam. I am talking according to the Quran. I am bringing evidences from the Quran.

[@nashidhahassan8072]

ALLAH bless all the work she is doing to protect the religion islam.ameen

[@ebru1b]

"Who so does that which is right, and believes, whether male or female, him or her will We quicken to happy life." [Quran 16:97]

[@tehtapemonkey]

Lots of trolls on this page... but then again, it IS youtube. THE place for enlightened discourse.

[@fufsayd]

you are welcome to malaysia anytime. ;)

[@ebru1b]

"if Allah had not driven some people back by means of others, monasteries, churches, synagogues and mosques, where Allah’s name is mentioned much, would have been pulled down and destroyed. Allah will certainly help those who help Him - Allah is All-Strong, Almighty" (Hajj: 40)

[@leary4]

Yes Myriam, everyone is watching you and we are all terribly impressed. Aside from the remark on syria being remarkably prescient she beggs the question "would she still be Muslim if she became alergic to head scarves."

[@Laughwithus1_1]

No one can become allergic to them yes the cloth you can then change it simple and if she chose. To take it off she can because one person who wears one and does nkt wear one will not make the one with it on much better in the end its about her deeds so the answer is nothing :)

[@rairm2009]

In 30th June, she will. In Kuala Lumpur, 2012

[@drfmohamed1592]

I agree brother.Well said

[@salmanbakhsh349]

sister myriam alhamdolellah its big bless that you become muslim.. May ALLAH give you happiness and success in your life,,,

[@sylhetybangla8612]

lots of Love m...u r genius....be succes wat u wanna...best of luck may Allah bles u.

[@desolator108]

Absolutely, as a muslim it is sad and unjust to hear what happens to some women and people in general in some of these muslim countries. But one has to realize that it is not the religion but the system of religion that is at fault. Just like in any country there are innocent victims who pay the price and the criminals get away. The problem is the media perpetuates these negative narratives which happen but rarely but, they don't show when the rapist or criminal is justly punished.

[@totticelik]

The American colonies followed the English tradition but the law could at best be called a guide. For example in Virginia in 1689, Mary Hathaway was only nine when she was married to William Williams.When historian Magnus Hirschfeld surveyed the age of consent of some fifty countries (mostly in Europe and the Americas) at the beginning of the twentieth century, the age of consent was twelve in fifteen countries, thirteen in seven, fourteen in five, fifteen in four, and sixteen in five.

[@ebru1b]

Allah loves those who fight in His Way in ranks like well-built walls. (Surat as-Saff, 4)

[@ebru1b]

I say so, based on the Quran: Hold fast to the rope of Allah all together, and do not separate... (Surah Al-e Imran, 103)

[@ebru1b]

Hold fast to the rope of Allah all together, and do not separate... (Surah Al-e Imran, 103)

[@berrissoulbelaid]

As you say Islam is a religion of peace and beautiful. God is beautiful and loves beautiful. Oppressors practices' do not conflict with the beauty of Islam and God's mercy

[@Oo786oO]

Exactly, and according to recent articles Muslims are the most charitable people. They love Jesus Christ the most. They pray 5 times a day, fast, worship God like Jesus did. The problem is some people are are not religious are using religion for their own desires. The Muslims who are speaking out against them make it clear that these things are not islamic.

[@samueljohnson3530]

Alhamdulliah brother!

[@ebru1b]

There is absolute freedom of thought in Islam. No one is forced to believe in Islam. I am talking by the Quran. If someone gives example from Iran, or any other place, then I dont accept this example, because this is not what God says in the Quran. here is no compulsion where deen is concerned. Right guidance has become clearly distinct from error. Anyone who rejects false deities and believes in Allah has grasped the Firmest Handhold, which will never give way. Allah is All-Hearing, All-Knowing. (Surat al-Baqara, 256) "... It is the truth from your Lord; so let whoever wishes believe and whoever wishes do not believe..." (Surat al-Kahf, 29) www.harunyahya.com/en/eserler/17346/

[@rastamouse516]

myriam, i love you as an intellegent and pious sister. may allah swt reward you in this dunya and the aakhira

[@abdelwahidzebboudj6878]

ثبتكي الله على دينه ونفعكي ونفع بكي سلمتي اختي الكريمة

[@ebru1b]

the word that is translated as 'fight' is in fact 'to struggle'

[@ebru1b]

In Islam, war is only in when defense is necessary, when there is direct attack, then it is rightful to begin war

[@sfsksa]

I am from Saudi Arabia and i have never heard a story like you said. And the media is playing an important role to show as you see it in TV. one of my cousins got raped by a man, and they punished the guy who did that to her. and they did what the islamic law says which is killing the guy who rapes a girl. PLEASE when you hear something about Islam or muslims, make sure that it is correct.

[@thistles]

I disagree with this young woman but I am very impressed by her poise and eloquence especially at her age.

[@meisam14]

She's a good representative.

[@Abduly100]

Under no circumstances a rape victim get punished in Islam. unless the victim failed to claim RAPE.

[@freearabicnow]

verses relating to fighting or "killing" refer to those who aggressed against Muslims and mostly [especially in Chapters 8&9 of the Quran] refer to idolatrous Arabs who committed "war crimes" against Muslims.

[@gassama1225]

Mashallah barakallah fina,

[@tessricher5064]

Many enough Muslims discriminate others as well, she should learn more about human nature, yet I guess she's still young and still learning life...

[@samueljohnson3530]

Please check out:Do we misunderstood Islam on BBC question time.

[@ebru1b]

All Muslims are one, All muslims are brothers-sisters. sunni, shia and all sects. We cannot deny shia. We believe in the same Quran.

[@hardolin41]

This verse relates to a limited context. Hostilities were frozen for a three-month period during which the Arabs pledged not to wage war. If they (the enemy at that time, and NOT 'non-Muslims) were to resume hostilities, then the Muslims would fight back until victorious. This verse refers to those pagans who would continue to fight after the period of peace. It is a specific verse with a specific ruling and can in no way be applied to general situations.

[@samueljohnson3530]

Yes.She replies only to known and close friends.

[@mahmoudabdelrady4419]

congratulation myriam

[@ebru1b]

sometimes such mistakes happen, the original word is 'Jehd' and it means struggle.

[@bakgatfromgb]

Allah loves those who fight in His Way in ranks like well-built walls. FIGHT in his way? Is that beautiful?

[@drfmohamed1592]

Mashallah brother

[@ebru1b]

True sharia is the Quran. According to the Quran, non-muslims can pratice their faith as they wish. Allah tells us in the Quran to protect the churches and synagogues.

[@ItZChamseejjj]

masha'allah she did her homework well :D

[@kaloi01]

please come to malaysia :)

[@rishardsadikeen8083]

may Allah gives you more knowledge about Islam and allah may enter you to the Jannah sister aamin.and peaceful life for your family and for you.we are very happy to see you with hijab masha allah.zeenath

[@kennethdodge919]

Even the best things ever said by any of the "prophets" have been said better since. The reading of ancient texts tells us a lot about how intelligent people interpreted the world without scientific educations long ago, however modern day ideas born from a growing understanding of all aspects of life are a much better source for discussion.

[@GrumpaGladstone1809]

Exactly.

[@seekerscreamer]

Asslamu alaikum Emilie; do you have an email?

[@lakikihan]

ameen

[@lutfarrahman6826]

You are right

[@zenileon]

They obtained these scientific facts from the religion of Zoastrianism which predated Islam by some 1400 years or so. The people who originally built Mecca as some sort of pagan place of worship could not have been totally ignorant of the world around them.

[@ebru1b]

Quran is not a science book, but it is in line with scientific findings. I can suggest everyone to read 'Miracles of the Quran' series of books by Harun Yahya. the books are published completely online at harunyahya com website

[@sfsksa]

Also some people say it is too tough punishment, but if you go back to the logic reason. it will make the people think and rethink and rethink of what they would do or not to do this sin. he would finally say that it does not deserve it, and it is not worth it. hopefully. that is for the weak people who cannot control their desire of doing this bad sin. for the real muslim he believes that even if he did it, he would in the hell of the day of judgment. I hope you see the truth of Islam sister.

[@ebru1b]

there is freedom for every faith in Islam, we want them to believe in Islam as well, but we cannot force them to become Muslims, practice Islam

[@bakgatfromgb]

Then why is the word "struggle" not used?

[@ideal007]

i have heard is many times by people who say, "if islam religion of peace then why this, and why that. the reason for that is because people for the most part want to not believe .if you look at the American constitution, it is probably one of the best law systems there is around the world. so i can use your logic, and be, if American constitution is so peaceful, then why Americans whether political or social, have done and are doing so much negatives things. is that the constitution or people

[@ivandan1249]

u said when u hear sis trust me whatever u hear dont belive in it use ur own mind ur own way of thinking and serch dont search here in u tube or google go read books and see by ur own eyes and if u need to ask anything any time id be happy to help you

[@shafiitahir2036]

Alhamdullah thank Allah the AlMighty God for showing her way back to Islam and giving her with the internal peacefulness tranquilized in her heart ...Allah gave her 'mutma innah' in her heart and she made syahadah and steadfast with her stands as a muslimah. The non muslims had never had the chances of feeling these beautiful feelings that had intacted in her heart unless.. they sincerely want to return to God AlMighty and asked for guidance...the true guidance...and repent for their bad feelings towards Him

[@samueljohnson3530]

Yeah I agree.I wish I would get a wife like her.Her husband is too lucky.

[@Dian00100]

I know brother. I am a muslim. I love Prophet Isa PBUH, I just replied the statement of 5196Rockyny.

[@ebru1b]

If your Lord had willed, all the people on the earth would have believed. Do you think you can force people to be believers? (Surah Yunus, 99) We know best what they say and you [O Muhammad] are not a compeller over them. But warn by the Qur’an whoever fears My warning. (Surah Qaf, 45)

[@samueljohnson3530]

Well,I know that.Her husband is of turkish descent.I still believe she can dine with me.It is ok.

[@sunshine99sr]

Its says in surah 24 verse 31 about covering Hair. I thought it was just culture till I did sum research

[@ebru1b]

In almost all translations this verse, it appears as, “...and draw their head-coverings across their breasts,” but the word “headscarf” actually does not appear in this verse. The verse speaks of “covering.” pls visit the below link and go to the title: Surat an-Nur verse 31, 1st part www.harunyahya.com/en/books/191085/Bigotry-The-Dark-Danger/chapter/15444/Ch3-The-Fanatics%E2%80%99-Hatred-of-Women

[@HoobaMusic]

in the letters of paul is written that a woman should cover her hair while praying to GOd in front of her husband, or others.. but in fact I am thinking about Jesus words... all these things where not meant to be this way from the beginning.. even for us to wear clothes, but I agree we are not there yet........

[@quabot]

HoobaMusic The passage you allude to is 1 Corinthians 11: 1-16, and nowhere else. It referred to when the Christians are gathered to worship as a church, and she is "praying or prophesying," in verse 5, "But every woman who has her head uncovered while praying or prophesying disgraces her head, for she is one and the same as the woman whose head is shaved." Look how the "covering is described in verse 10, "Therefore the woman ought to have a symbol of authority on her head, because of the angels." That's more like a crown, not a burqa.

[@Laughwithus1_1]

However it does say HEAD COVERING i dont think a normal hat can cover my breast can it ?

[@thomasdoubting1097]

Dear Sister (and others), It is a mistake to think that if you were born into a Christian family, you are automatically a Christian! To be a follower of the Teaching of Jesus requires more than believing that He was just a messenger; that you must perform ritual prayers; give to charity and the needy; perform pilgrimages to anywhere and fasting. Jesus himself said that to enter the kingdom of heaven each individual must be (spiritually) born again. Jesus also made it clear that not everyone that says to Him, ‘Lord, Lord’, shall enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, you cannot say you are a follower of Jesus if you: - have NO objection being the second, third or fourth wife of the same husband (Sura 4:3); - have NO objection being simply the male’s fertile land , "so (man) come unto your tillage as he wishes." (Sura 2:223) - have NO objection sharing your husband in paradise with a good number of "maidens restraining their glances, untouched before them by any men or jinn...lovely as rubies, beautiful as coral." (Sura 56:23) - have NO objection being treated as half worth your brother; "two men should witness, but if not two men, then one man, and two women so that if one of the two women should err, the other will remind her." (Sura 2:282) - DO object to uncovering your hair to dry (from perfume washing) the feet of God’s greatest prophet; - DO object, even as a woman, to accept another woman’s testimony when she (Mary Magdalene) exclaimed, after Jesus called to her by name: "Mary." Then she knew. "Teacher!" she exclaimed; it was Jesus! He was no longer dead, but alive! Jesus then sent her to inform the disciples how He had risen from the dead. She, and the other women, dutifully did so with great joy! However, if you prefer to follow someone who, according to the Qur'an itself: - WAS NOT the WORD of God - WAS NOT the SPIRIT of God - WAS NOT miraculously born of a virgin birth - DID NOT speak to his mother at the very moment of his birth - DID NOT say that he was a prophet when he was still in the cradle - NEVER breathed life into clay birds - NEVER healed the blind and lepers - NEVER raised people from the dead - HAS SINNED - DIED and is still BURIED - WAS NEVER taken bodily up to God in heaven - WILL NEVER come again at the end of time; Then, I wish you all the best and God bless! Jesus gives you the free will to follow Him, and should you choose NOT TO, no harm will come to you! However, be mindful that the path you now chose to follow has no guarantee of a safe return: see Sura 4: 88-89. Note two facts from these verses. First, Allah himself made the hypocrites go astray, yet he orders them killed. Second, the Arabic verb qatala is used (root is q-t-l), and this word means exclusively to fight, kill, war, battle, or slaughter. Jesus said: “I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture.”

[@meztupkid13]

if shes not wearing the right hijab u can always tell her nicely. dont need to bash other ppl like that.lets all pray for each other and firstly correct the intention within.

[@khan3354]

We love u sis!! May Allah bless u from bangladesh

[@ebru1b]

It is not right to judge according to the wrong practices. as you say Islam is religion of peace and is beautiful. Allah is beautiful and loves beautiful. the wrongdoers' practices does not conflict with the beauty of Islam and the mercy of Allah.

[@samueljohnson3530]

I will also be with her in Kuala Lumpur.I wish I would have a dinner with her.I hope she will not mind.

[@Papapeanti]

By their fruit you shall know them

[@ebru1b]

The Quran is about peace, love, affection, mercy. you can read Harun Yahya's book ISLAM DENOUNCES TERRORISM. the book is available online. at harunyahya com website under the books section.

[@spartan187]

Julie, i have been 6 years in gulf states. ok the only problem countries in Saudi arbia, iran, aghanistan. i have met many people in GCC through my time and still i am in UAE, i never meet a person who is forcibly convereted to islam, what islam says is no complusion to religion and to its rules. Rape is act happeing in every part of world, but shria is only law which gives capital punishment to the culprit. volience, all world wars not been taken palace in gulf states,

[@ebru1b]

This is not true, there is absolute freedom in true Islam, according to the Quran. 'your religion is to you, and my religion is to me' - this is what the Quran tells us. we cannot hold resopnsibilty for what bigots do or say

[@ebru1b]

Islam is religion of peace. everybody is free to chose his-her belief. It is not possible to force someone to believe. Anyone who wishes to become a muslim become a muslim there is no forcing. this is the truth according to the Quran. the fact that some people have wrong actings on this, does not mean that it is rightful in Islam.

[@jackofswords7]

Tell that to the IS Ebru Bayrak.

[@tessricher5064]

So apostasy is not punishable by death? Those who may choose to leave the faith they did not choose in the first place can safely leave it?

[@ebru1b]

Tess Richer "There is no compulsion where the religion is concerned." (Quran 2: 256) This is what Quran tells us. Those who act differently in the name of Islam, we cannot consider that as 'true Islam'.

[@shedendpussys]

Tess Richer It is, we all know it is.

[@fairplaynationalist2]

Ebru Bayrak Though were she to find the next fashioble thing, Buddhism, vegetarianism etc and leave the faith, the penalty for apostates is death as the Quran also clearly states. The bible also states this but it is not generally considered the actual word of God where the Quran is. So she has joined a religion which unequivacally states she must be murdered if she leaves it. So much for no compulsion

[@professordumblewhore2284]

Feel better now?

[@fallingdove5475]

I want to see an end to Sunni and Shi'a conflict. #PeaceMaking

[@blackmore4]

+Falling Dove I want to see an end of Sunni and Shia period.

[@ovaisahmad4443]

Mashaallah, ovais ahmad qadry mujadidi qadiree walieee greet you from india, you should know about sufizm, the heart of islam. You can watch sufilive on KZbin. It will help you better understanding of islam. Wassalam

[@idrissaid1204]

Islam is not for Arabs. I am non-Arab, but Islam is for me. Ex Arab Muslim is very out of place, so proud to leave Islam? Iman is in the heart, not in the knowledge of the Arabic language, or for claiming to know the religion. My suspicion is that ex Arab Muslim does not know the religion. Allah guides whom He wills, non-Arabs make the majority of Muslims.

[@blackbirdinthesky67]

Beautiful, very well educated and on her deen

[@ebru1b]

Your information about the Quran is not based on Quran, it is based on untrue or distorted information

[@rahmatullahkhan6380]

Assalam o alaikum to Muslims and non-Muslim brothers and sisters especially Amit Sinha and Shawnwwe. First of all, no one suits to use abusive language to non-Muslims as Islam does not allow to do it. Hope, u all would be educated and keen to study books, I request all of You to read the Holy Qur'an and Hadith to know what Islam says about human being not only Muslims. Read more please

[@professordumblewhore2284]

She looks Levant Arabic, btw. So, I don't see the point you're trying to make..?

[@samueljohnson3530]

Does Malaysia inhabit practicing Muslims.Many says that Zina(adultery) is common place in Malaysia.

[@adamkunzun]

Greate muslim girl well aware of politics.