Ali Shahalom

And then together we take over the casino and turn it into a mosque.

Relax, James.

We only turn churches into mosques.

For me, Islam isn't just a religion.

It's a way of life.

And we call this life, dunya.

This dunya has many trials and tribulations.

Islam helps inform even the decisions in my career.

I've turned down action roles where on page one everything seems halal, but then page ten, big fat kissing scene.

I've been offered brand deals from gambling companies and sponsorships from pork products.

I can't do any of that.

Although if you're listening in the future and I have done, just know it's only because my career is going really bad or the money is really good.

Hajj happens once every year.

It involves long periods of walking throughout the sacred sites in and around Mecca.

The physical journey is an act of devotion filled with worship, remembrance and patience.

The reward for an accepted Hajj is paradise.

So, you know, no pressure in it.

Two years ago, I was one of 5,000 UK pilgrims granted a Hajj ticket.

And I'll tell you now, securing that spot was harder than booking Glastonbury.

Back in the day, you'd ring a Muslim travel agent, ask for a Hajj ticket and some uncle would sort you out like a mildew.