The 46-year-old is a new convert to Islam. A former Christian, Mr Maher became a Muslim just under a year ago, and says he wishes everyone could discover the faith which has changed his life.

Speaking to The Evening Telegraph after afternoon prayers at the Gladstone Street mosque, Muhammad (whose Christian name was Stan Green) says, since his conversion, he has found peace and overwhelming happiness.

"I was always searching for answers," he said. "I studied the Bible deeply but never found what I was looking for, a real understanding of God. Now, however, I have found the truth and my search is over.

"I feel fulfilled and happy."

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Mr Maher, from Eastfield, Peterborough, used to worship at St Mary's Church, in Boongate, Peterborough, with his family, and his wife, Sandra, still belongs to the congregation.

He never told his Christian friends about his plans to convert, but says most of them have been supportive.

"I think some of my neighbours were quite shocked at first when they saw me walking down the street to the mosque in traditional Muslim clothes.

They would tease me and shout 'Why are you out in your pyjamas?', but they don't bother any more."

Mr Maher says his life has changed since he became a Muslim. Not only is he generally much happier, he also says Islam has taught him to realise just how wonderful his fellow human beings are.

"Before I became a Muslim I would meet people and make snap judgements about them," he said. "I would sometimes say how much I hated someone. Now I don't.

"Now I realise I don't hate the person, I just hate what they do. This is one of the fundamental things Islam has taught me – the way I look at people."

Mr Maher has also been over- whelmed by the support he has received from the Muslim community.

"As a new convert, the help I have had from my fellow Muslims has been amazing," he said. "I now have many, many Muslim friends, in fact I would go as far as to say they are my brothers and sisters and I am now part of the biggest family in the world."