"This story needs to be heard - by both Muslims and non-Muslims"

Help us to tackle Islamophobia and bring this story to communities who need to hear the true message of Islam.

A Family Secret 

Exactly 120 years ago a man from a humble working-class background in the north of England, made a decision.

Robert Stanley reverted to Islam. Becoming Brother Robert 'Reschid.'

Nearly 120 hundred years later, his own Great x3 Grandson also reverted. But without knowing anything of Robert Reschid.

HELP US TO WRITE THIS STORY.

(Above: His Great x2, Great x3 and Great x4 Grandchildren at Quilliam Society, Liverpool Mosque - both Muslim and non-Muslim)
Who was Robert 'Reschid' Stanley?

Robert Stanley was born in 1828. He received no formal education, but established a tea trading businesses; a respectable and conservative British Victorian. He dedicated himself to British civic life, becoming Mayor of Stalybridge. Through his business, he heard about the unfair foreign policies of the British government. His contacts with the Ottoman world flourished; turning his life - and his own family's lives - upside down.

Robert met white convert Sheikh 'Abdullah' William Quilliam.They became best friends and Robert corresponded with the Caliph and reverted;  becoming Vice-Chairperson of the first mosque in the UK (Liverpool.)

And yet - after his death - his family made the decision to keep his conversion quiet. His descendants only discovered this revelation in 1999.

Why So Special?

The story of Robert Reschid's life has never been told before. Much has been written in academic circles about Quilliam and other early white converts. There are many reasons behind this  - but the facts are plain; this book will mark the first time that this man's story will have ever been heard.

The Book

Heralding 170 since his birth, the book will be written by his Greatx3 Grand-daughter, a professional writer with a background in social and oral history. The book will focus on the facts, but use imagination and fiction to reach as many readers as possible.

It will be available as both a paperbook and eBook and written in an accessible style, so as not to exclude anyone who might benefit.

Our Story is YOUR Story

Now more than ever, Muslims living in the West need to feel confident about their Islamic heritage. Now more than ever, non-Muslims need to know of the long tradition of Muslims in the West - people who participated in civic life and who gave service to their faith, communities and who remained devoted to non-Muslim families. And now more than ever, white working-class communities at risk of extremism and Islamophobia, need to hear stories that normalise Islam. Our family know Islam to be a religion of peace, humanity and striving for understanding. We want to share that with others.

What Your Contribution Helps With

We need to raise just £6,150 (US $8,493) in order to to publish 500 beautiful, professional paperbacks (this includes cost of professional writing, structural and copy-editing, proofing, printing and eBook layout/ hosting online as well as community visits to present the book.)

More About Us

Robert Reschid's family are highly respected in both Muslim and non-Muslim circles in the north of England. Chris Longden (Great x3 Granddaughter) who will be writing the book, is Director of an international charity that helps poor farmers. She has lived overseas with the Kalahari bushmen and has written books about them and she now works in the UK to help bring Muslims and non-Muslims together. Her brother, Steven (Great x3 Grandson) is a former Director of Islamic Relief (Bangladesh), previous Campaign Manager for MAP, leading member of Muslim and inter-faith groups and a senior teacher.

The family feel strongly that this book should be written in an inclusive style; that it should be botg entertaining and informative. We hope that its creative dimension will urge more Muslims to consider the Arts as a career.

We encourage you to contact us directly. Email us: rreschid@yahoo.com

Thanking you for your kind donation. Wasalaam.

Robert Reschid's family, Greater Manchester, Great Britain.

*** Don't forget to watch our video and 'spot the star'! Generously made and donated by Conor Ibrahiem of Arakan Media Productions. ***

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(Below: Chris & her daughter - Robert's Gx4 Granddaughter)

(Above: Brian Longden - Robert's Great-Grandson, wearing Robert Reschid's actual fez, worn by Robert in the Liverpool Mosque, alongside Quilliam)