As a child growing up near London, I remember fearing Allah to some extent and praying to him in times of need (i.e. before exams!). However this demonstration of faith never fully translated into my actions. I got bored whenever my dad dragged me to the mosque, and during Ramadhan would secretly scoff a chocolate bar in the school toilets to keep me going until sunset! I think it\'s because, even at this young age, I questioned the logic for what I was supposed to be doing rather than blindly accepting what my parents and the rather angry man from the mosque were telling me.

My first day at university was a major turning point. The second my dad pulled out of the car park I felt an overwhelming sense of freedom to be who I wanted to be - or perhaps find out who I actually was. I\'m not ashamed to say this initally led me down a somewhat hedonistic path with my newly found friends, however at no point did I feel regret or guilt because I had created my own moral framework which was not being violated. Although I had not internally processed my own position on religion at this stage, there was no turning back from here.

I\'m now in my early thirties and in recent years have developed an intellectual curiosity regarding the origins of religion and related topics such as cosmology, philosphy and morality. Dawkins, Hitchens and Krauss have provided an excellent gateway to these conversations through their writings and recorded debates, but I am keen to learn more and hope that the CEMB will help me in this regard. The sharing of common experience is also something I would value highly, as there is little or no other outlet for this in my life. Particular areas of relevance to me would be sensitive handling of family members who remain devout Muslims, especially in the context of finding a partner for marriage and raising chidren in the future.

If anyone thinking of joining the CEMB community is reading this and can relate to it on any level, you have already started your journey and I would urge you to continue it. Even if it leads you back to Islam - your choice will be a more enlightened one.