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Private Notes
Karla, a white British Christian and her boyfriend Ash, a lapsed Muslim, have been dating for two years. So far Ash's conservative Muslim family have refused to meet Karla, but she hopes that by immersing herself in their way of life she may convince them to accept her.
The process starts with a sweep of the group's homes for items that are haram - forbidden by Islam - such as alcohol, pork, inappropriate clothing and lads' mags. The next stage is to add a schedule of praying five times a day.
The rebellion begins almost immediately. Taxi driver Phil retreats to his local pub for pork pies and beer; others object to the rigid dress codes and say that they disagree with many aspects of the faith.
To Ajmal's disappointment, only three turn up for Friday prayers at the end of the first week. The group are more resistant to Muslim teaching than he had imagined...
In an attempt to remove the temptations of their everyday lives, Ajmal takes the group on a retreat and asks them to fast for 17 hours. Fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam. Its aim is to make people feel closer to the poor and to God.
Back in Harrogate, the women had resisted the Muslim tradition of modest dress. At the retreat, though, mentor Dawn insists that this rule is obeyed. Glamour model Kerry feels so oppressed by the clothing that she decides to quit - but with a little give and take, though, Ajmal persuades her to stay.
Many of the other women respond by rebelling against the whole regime - they stash illicit supplies of scotch eggs, crisps, sweets and portable DVD players in their dormitory.
The group's time away is an emotional rollercoaster. Hedonistic Luke confronts the tragic death of his father when he was a child, Karla and Ash's relationship comes under increasing pressure, and despite having agreed to stick to the rules, Phil heads back to the pub.
Imam Ajmal Masroor and his team of mentors are keen to make a lasting impression on the group and on the town of Harrogate. But has he proved to them that the five pillars of Islam have a real part to play in their lives in Britain today?
Karla and Ash make a decision about whether to continue their relationship. Taxi driver Phil has a profound experience working in a Muslim-owned shop, and hairdresser Luke faces the biggest challenge to his commitment when he decides to attend a friend's hen party.
The culmination of the group's experience is a celebratory festival of Islam in Harrogate, organised by the mentors, at which each member is asked to stand up and express honestly what the experience has meant to them.
