With thousands of people living rough on the streets in the UK, Sajid Iqbal and Moheeb Ali, spoke to one man who has been homeless for the last 15 years across the UK speaking of what life is really like living on the streets.

How did you become homeless?

I was going through a difficult period in my life and I turned to drugs and alcohol. As a result, I lost my house, my friends and unfortunately my family too. When I first hit the streets I only had the clothes on my back and if you’re not streetwise, you’re done for!

Irfan Makki

A global nasheed artist and songwriter, born in Pakistan and living in Canada. He offers vibrant imagery with the innocence of a child-like observer and the wisdom of an elderly man through his unique musical style.

Having worked as a social worker for the last 8 years in Birmingham, I have come across depression almost on a daily basis. With my experience and real life exposure to this illness, I write the following:

So what is depression?

The general definition of depression is a psychological disorder that affects a person's mood changes, physical functions and social interactions.

VOICE OF THE MUSLIM YOUTH:

Areeba Khalid, 25, Derby

I can’t believe some of the fuss that is being made about shisha bars. I think people would have a stronger point if they said shisha is Haram because it is bad for you by backing it up with evidence. Saying it is haram because of the environment (intermixing/music) – in my opinion sounds a little bit ridiculous. It’s like saying going to school/town/any other café is Haram because of what COULD happen. We live in a country and a society where intermixing/ background music is pretty normal. We’ve all been to schools and the majority of us work in such environments.

 Those who know me often describe me as being loud, opinionated and feisty. “Nothing seems to get you down” they say. “I admire the fact that you're such a strong woman who doesn't give a damn about what people think.”

If only they knew.

 Sometimes I feel like such a fraud because that is no longer who I am – at least that is no longer how I feel at the moment. I have been depressed for a good few months now. Part of the reason is due to the fact that I have not been working for six months and I have been finding it difficult to get another job. On top of that my savings are running out so I am struggling financially.