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Episode details

World Service,08 Mar 2024,26 mins

I became a Muslim after the Taliban kept me hostage

Heart and Soul

Available for over a year

Bara’atu Ibrahim speaks to Jibra’il Omar, formerly Timothy Weeks; an Australian educator who was held captive for three years in Afghanistan by the Taliban. However, Jibra’il Omar made news six years ago, after he converted to Islam whilst in captivity, and astonishingly went back to Afghanistan after his release. Over a period of some months, Bara’atu built up a relationship with Jibra’il over a messaging service whilst he was in Kabul. She spoke to him on two occasions, where he shared his story and gives the reasons of why he decided it was right for him to become a Muslim, and moreover celebrate with his captors once they came back into power. Presenter: Bara’atu Ibrahim Producer: Rajeev Gupta This programme has been edited since it was originally broadcast.

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