Due to being a Muslim background believer, the author of My Name Means Wanted writes under the pseudonym Murat Azariah Hassan. For the purposes of introducing you, we will use that name too!
Welcome to our blog, Murat!
Can you tell us a bit about yourself — where you live and who you live with?
I was born in Pakistan but now live in the Midlands. I’m married, and my wife and I have three grown-up children, two of which (at the time of writing) have flown the nest. I love my kids, but I am looking forward to spending more time with my wife because we do enjoy each other’s company!
I grew up in a Muslim immigrant community and some aspects of my childhood were deeply traumatic, not just because I never felt like I fitted in, but also because I suffered abuse from someone outside my family who lived with me. That experience, and others, left deep scars which only Jesus was able to heal, many years later.
So, why did you start writing?
I’m not a natural writer, so it took me a while to get around to writing my first book. For a number of years, I felt that I wanted to share my story with others in the hope that it would be an encouragement to them. After sharing it in person at a variety of events, detailing my journey from Islam to Christ, and from hopelessness to freedom, it was suggested that I put those words on paper. So I decided to give it a shot.
What do you want your writing to communicate?
I want to share that through faith in Jesus Christ, life can be changed for the better, even after many hardships and trials. As a Muslim background believer, I know what it is to carry hidden struggle and the weight of shame and dishonour. But traumas need not define our identity, especially not when it can be defined by a love and a joy that chases after us day by day!
What keeps you writing on your darkest day? What’s your passion?
My passion is to communicate the love and goodness of my God, whatever shape that may take. For this season, that’s sharing my testimony story with the world through the book, My Name Means Wanted.
What’s next for you?
I have no immediate plans for another book, but you never know; an idea might capture my imagination and inspire me to put pen to paper again (metaphorically speaking of course – fingers to keyboard just doesn’t quite sound right!)
Why we’re publishing Murat’s story
Murat’s testimony is one of the most quietly powerful stories we’ve had the privilege of publishing at Broad Place. A true story of leaving Islam and finding something (or someone) far greater. Packed with relatable and sometimes harrowing life-experiences, but written from a place of true healing, it’s the kind of book that stays with you long after the final page.
We believe this book will be an extraordinary encouragement to those who identify with Murat’s background, to those carrying hidden burdens and to anyone who has wondered whether they are truly wanted.
PLEASE NOTE: Due to the nature of the abuse Murat suffered, we do not recommend this book is read by children.
How you can help
Every book we publish at Broad Place is a faith adventure. We partner with the Holy Spirit and with others to finance incredible stories that testify to God’s goodness. We’d love your help getting My Name Means Wanted into the hands of readers. You can:
Pre-order your copy and be among the first to read this remarkable Christian testimony. Pre-ordering helps us determine the size of the print run and pay for it.
Pray for Murat and for us. If you sponsor him below, you will automatically receive his prayer updates (unless you request otherwise). You can also contact us if you’d like to receive them without making a donation.
Sponsor this project to partner with us in bringing Murat’s story to print. Your support will help cover publication costs and contribute towards getting this book into the hands of the readers who need it most, even if they can’t afford it. You can donate below: