12 Tips for the Convert Muslim
1. Practice Islam as much as you can
“He who loves my Sunnah has loved me, and he who loves me will be with me in Paradise.”
-The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ (Tirmidhi)
As a new Muslim, you will have trouble keeping up with prayers every day, fasting during Ramadan, and the many other practices in this religion. The struggle that we face, with such a radical change in lifestyle, is difficult and will take some time. Awkward moments are bound to happen, don’t fret. You are not expected to wake up at 4am every morning to pray tahajjud (extra night prayers). If you have problems with certain practices, then gradually work yourself into the mindset of worship. A counselor once told me when I was young, “How do you eat an elephant? Just One bite at a time.” Think of it as one step at a time. Pray to Allah (swt) and ask for Him to make it easy for you and the rest will come naturally.
Keeping up with your devotional practices is something that will strengthen your faith immensely. Read the Qur’an whenever possible. Find a collection of hadith, such as Riyadh us-Saliheen, and read it often. You will start to feel a connection to Allah (swt) and you will become used to Islam as a religion and way of life.
2. Respect your parents
“Heaven lies under the feet of your mother.”
-The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ (Ahmad, Nasa’i)
Keeping up a good relationship with your family is essential. Try to avoid bringing up or taking part in controversial subjects regarding religion. This is almost unavoidable, but your parents will eventually accept that Islam is not going to turn you into a terrorist if you stay calm during these tense moments. Gradually, your parents will gain some respect and understanding of Islam and may start to become genuinely interested. This is a great sign and insha’Allah, God will make a way for them to accept Islam.
What you do not want to do is act like you know everything, attempt to debate everything, or overly defend yourself in a way that might make you angry or upset. This will just cause heartache and uneasiness. Your priority now should be to work on yourself.
3. Find a teacher
“For him who follows a path for seeking knowledge, Allah will ease for him the path to Paradise.”
-The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ (Muslim)
Finding a teacher to bounce ideas off of is a great way to learn your deen (religion). I found it is good to find someone with as much knowledge as possible who also has an understanding of the English language and American culture. It is difficult to listen to someone with a thick accent or someone with a back-home mentality. When I first accepted Islam, I would drive every day to visit my teacher and I would ask him what seemed like an endless stream of questions. Sometimes he seemed overwhelmed! This is a great way to clarify things you hear on Sheikh Youtube or Google or any part of the Qur’an you are reading at the time.
This will also help you have a real grounding in the Islamic tradition. You will eventually have spent more time learning Islam than most people from Muslim families. Maintain a sense of humility if you do gain a lot of knowledge, as there will always be someone who will be more knowledgeable than you. Learn everything you can in small chunks, no one is asking you to be a scholar!
4. Keep away from debates and arguments
“Verily anger spoils faith as aloe spoils honey.”
-The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ (Abu Dawud, Tirmidhi)
Trying to constantly defend your religion is something that will cause you a lot of stress. I remember when I first accepted Islam, it seemed like the whole world was after me. This may happen to different people at different levels, but it was a very overwhelming experience for me. The best thing to do is avoid these arguments at all costs. If you are mature about your religion and display a desire to explain yourself without refuting others, then many doors will open for you. You are bound to give someone a refreshing view of Islam, which is what so many people are hungry for after seeing Islam in such a negative light in the media.
Staying away from these discussions will put you at peace and give you breathing room. A lot of converts are not really comfortable with bringing up their religion because of the backlash they receive. Personally, I recognized that if I just mention it when necessary, I get a more positive reaction. You’ll be surprised to hear “Oh that’s cool dude, what made you pick that religion?” This is always an opportunity for da’wah (inviting to Islam).
5. Gain a connection to the Arabic language
“Indeed, We have sent it down as an Arabic Qur’an that you might understand.”
-The Holy Qur’an, 12:2
This is one of my favorite parts of becoming a Muslim. To be honest, I’m a language-lover and I realize everyone is not the same in this regard. Just because you failed high school Spanish though doesn’t mean you will have trouble with Arabic. There are many tricks to learning the language that I won’t go into here, but there are ways to make this easier on yourself. These methods can be found online or in books; with a little research you can pave your way to gaining an understanding of Arabic.
Start by learning the alphabet and connecting letters together. You can learn this in an afternoon if you know someone that is a native Arabic speaker (but go at your own pace). Sit on that for a while and eventually you will be able to follow along in the Qur’an if you listen to a recitation on your computer or MP3 player. You will start to recognize words, after which you can get into simple grammar rules. I recommend learning common nouns and prepositions first (words like “in”, “on”, “for” and “with”).
Arabic can be really enjoyable, and you are bound to gain an Islamic vocabulary after listening to talks or lectures. Eventually you will know meanings of words like “furqaan” and “sajdah” and you’ll be able to use them in conversations with Muslims. Sabr (patience) is essential!
6. Understand Islam’s organic nature
“Those who make things hard for themselves will be destroyed. (He said it three times.)”
-The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ (Muslim)
Coming to Islam will sometimes put you in a situation where you are overwhelmed with opinions that are hard to follow. As an example, one might be told that you have to wash your feet every time you make wudhu (ablution) unless you wipe over leather socks that have been worn from your previous wudhu. For most Americans, the idea of wearing leather socks is something that we find extremely unusual. If we do a little research, we find there are opinions of scholars that mention the permissibility of wiping over cotton socks (even ones with holes in them!). To an American convert, these opinions can cause a huge sigh of relief.
7. Maintain your Identity
“O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted.”
-The Holy Qur’an, 49:1
Being a Muslim is a huge part of your identity now. That doesn’t mean you can’t barbeque with your friends or watch football on Sundays. If there are things in your culture that do not directly contradict with basic Islamic creed, then you are welcome to keep those things in your life. You do not need to start wearing Arab or Indian clothing. As long as your clothes cover what they are supposed to cover, you are in the clear.
Many converts are also exposed to really weird food that is overly spicy or funny tasting. This might lead us to think that eating curry is sunnah or something righteous. We can still have our own culture and tastes in food: pot roast and beans are still halal!
There are many other examples of things that you will be exposed to that are from foreign cultures and do not necessarily have anything to do with Islam. Our goal as new Muslims is to worship Allah (swt), not to add a Pakistani or Arab identity to our persona.
It is good to have a teacher who understands the subtleties of different opinion in fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence) and can inform you of differences among the scholars on issues that are of concern. Most people in masajid will have a very limited view of the juristic possibilities inside the Islamic tradition. Islam is a vast tradition and we should not make it small. These diverse opinions are there to help us, not cause strain on ourselves.
8. Force yourself to go to the masjid
“The person who receives the greatest reward for the Salah is one who lives the farthest and has the farthest to walk.”
-The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ (Bukhari, Muslim)
Going on Fridays is a given, but I would also recommend trying to fit a few prayers (at least) per week in the masjid. This will open many doors for you and will insha’Allah grant many good deeds to your account. You will meet people who are connected to Islam; networking opportunities are more readily available; and you are bound to make long-lasting friends. This is one of the things that I really love about Islam, that you can almost always find people in the masjid.
Although this may be hard initially, try and go to the masjid. The payoff will be huge, even if you just pray and leave right after. You will eventually warm up to the community and you can feel more comfortable going to the masjid whenever you like.
9. Find Muslim friends and avoid severing ties
“On the Day of Resurrection Allah Almighty will proclaim: “Where are those who have mutual love for My Glory’s sake? Today I shall shelter them in My shade where there is no shade but Mine.”
-The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ (Muslim)
Saying “As-salamu ‘Alaykum” ( “Peace be upon you”) to people you see on campus or at the grocery store is a real blessing in Islam. It immediately lets people know you are Muslim and they usually will be happy to return the greeting and hopefully share a few words with you. Doors of friendship will be opened and you will meet lots of people. Try and spend some time with Muslims when you can. It is beneficial to remind yourself that you are not the only Muslim on the planet and you share your religion with almost 2 billion people around the globe.
Also, don’t sever your friendships with your non-Muslim friends unless they are constantly partying or using the list of major sins as their weekend to-do list. You can be a light to your Christian, Agnostic, Jewish, or Atheist friends. You never know who Allah (swt) will guide, and showing that you are living an ethical life can encourage these people to learn a little about Islam or change their mind to having a positive view of the religion.
10. Avoid Loneliness
“Islam began as something strange and will revert to being strange as it began, so give glad tidings to the strangers.”
-The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ (Muslim)
This is a major problem in the convert community. We are lonely. The best thing we can do to fight the feeling of loneliness is to spend as much time as possible with good company. Having dinners with people a few nights a week is a sure way to maintain a good attitude. The practice of becoming a nun or a monk is alien to Islam; we are social creatures and Islam recognizes this.
Try not to lock yourself away in your apartment to avoid the world. This will just cause a vicious cycle that will cause deep depression and can lead to searching for solace in haram (unlawful).
Make it an obligation on yourself to remain a sociable human being. It takes a lot of work but the result is happiness and contentment in life.
11. Stay away from extremism
“And thus we have made you a just community that you will be witnesses over the people.”
-The Holy Qur’an, 2:143
Most converts do not enter Islam looking for an extremist point of view. Unfortunately, we have seen some converts do end up overseas working for terrorist organizations. This is something that can happen from a person feeling victimized or ostracized by their own culture and being overcome with anger.
I personally have not had a problem with anyone trying to “radicalize” me. It does happen enough though that it should be a concern. It will be best for you to keep your head on your shoulders and not get caught up with extreme points of view. Know that all of the scholars overseas and in America have absolutely refuted terrorism in their fatawa (legal rulings). Extremism is on the very edges of the Islamic thought. Do your best to stay on a middle way.
12. Do not despair
“So know that victory is with patience, and relief is with distress and that with hardship comes ease.”
-The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ
Being a convert to Islam, you will face a lot of tribulations. There is not anything that you cannot overcome though, and never despair in Allah (swt).
Allah (swt) guided to you to Islam, you searched for the answer and you found it. Be happy and constantly remind yourself of the blessings in your life. There are a lot of good things that will happen to you and you are on the straight road to Jannah (paradise). Rejoice in being Muslim. Remember the Sahabah (companions) were all converts to Islam and they were human beings that came from Adam and Eve just like you! Be strong and find comfort in your prayers and worship to Allah (swt). The first six months were the hardest for me, and insha’Allah we will all continue to grow as a convert community in America.
Tweet This
Share on Facebook
Digg This
Save to delicious
Stumble it
RSS Feed
Jazak Allahu khayran! I really LOVE this article. And I love brother Suhaib’s website and the many fantastic writers. I find the best thing about the articles on this site is that they are not superficial, admonishing or away from our realities, but really deep and soo inspiring. I find myself in these articles, and they are a great comfort. Thank you so much for your work. I am a convert from Germany and live in an area where virtually no Muslims are found at all .. So sites like yours mean A LOT to me. May Allah bless you, protect you and your beloved ones, keep you well, make it easy for you and grant you the highest stage in Jannah. Ameen. Salamzz to the writer, all readers, Imam Suhaib and all working with him for this site, and to alll my Muslim sisters and brothers here
JazakaAllahu Khayr this was a masterpiece article.
Brother can please also write an article for the “old Reverts” to islam.
I see that most of us (all the old reverts that i know of) are MashaAllah very much devoted to Allah they leave their parents (if they have to) they study Islam and scarifice everything for Islam.
but when years pass the iman goes so down that it becomes a burden on the heart and soul even to pray 1 fard salah. If you can please teach us how can one get back to that similar state? how can we get back that high iman?
JazakaAllahu Khayr
Muslimahhk, Alsalamulaikum. I hear you when you say about how the faith seems to go down with time. I myself have been a muslimah for 28 years and feel my faith has been tested over the years. With a bad example of a husband, I slowly slacked off my prayers as well and like you, have been struggling just to pray one. I do believe this is quite common when life just gets to be too much stress. You and I must be leaders, however and begin to try to rekindle our faith by reading the Qur’an and having the best of friends. If we stay away from the Muslim population, I believe this is more likely to happen. You still have faith however, because you recognize that you have lost it and want it back. I am the same way, I recognize this is something that needs to be fixed. You are feeling dissonance because you place a high value on Islam but are not following through with its teachings. This is probably more common that we think. People go through many ups and downs in their lives and faith will go up and down as well. I do however think that whether one is born a Muslim or a revert, the faith will waver. You know, the prayers are obligatory but they are a way to remember Allah. We need to develop a relationship with Allah so we do not feel like we are only doing a ritual. I hope this helps, as I am struggling as well.
Patricia
Asalaamu Alaykum! Personally, I’ve found it hard practicing Islam just for the simple fact that I really didn’t have anyone to connect with. Sure one can purchase books, do countless hours of research online, but the fact of the matter is reverting is difficult and without a community to help you through, it just makes things just more difficult. This article is a godsend, just for the fact that it points out the problems with reverting and offers solutions.
I will say this: PATRICIA is correct in stating that “we need to develop a relationship with Allah…” From what I was taught in Christianity, the day of judgement is a time where you have to account for the good and bad you have done in this life. NO PERSON can vouch for you! And from what I’ve heard in khutbahs at the local masjids, the same can be said in the perspective of Islam! Being part of the community HELPS in the spiritual growth of a revert, but one still needs to take time and build a personal relationship with Allah. May Allah bless us all with the strength and wisdom to continue to learn! Ameen!
I have been Muslim for two years and I am developing depression. It’s great because it’s very similar to drowning alone and having no one to help you.
Alhamdulillah, this is a wonderful article. Case in point: I don’t remember the last time I actually said “alhamdulillah” before now, but hearing someone FINALLY addressing the everyday struggles of American converts is so encouraging that I just felt like reaffirming my deen.
My husband is also a convert and everything comes so naturally to him; sometimes I feel like the trouble I have in adapting to Islam means that deep down I’m not a good Muslim. It’s heartbreaking! But to hear that other converts have dealt with the same hurdles- dissenting family, feelings of loneliness, and the fear of losing your identity- and come through it just fine is such a relief.
Thank you so much for posting this. I will keep up with this blog!
Subhanallah and therefore the best guide is He. Reading and studying the Holy Quran for the past three months has me understand with certainty it is He who IS and always will BE in charge.Was-taghfirul-laaha innal-laaha Ghafuurur-Raheem!
READING THIS HAS GIVEN ME STRENGTH AFTER ALWAYS FEELING DISAPPOINTED IN MYSELF. I KNOW NOW THIS IS A JOURNEY OF SPIRITUAL GROWTH AND NOT A SPRINT. MY PRIZE IS NOT GETTING TO THE FINISH LINE FIRST BUT GETTING THERE KNOWING WHY I STARTED THE JOURNEY IN THE FIRST PLACE.(IEB)
MashaAllah,
I feel most of these things are as applicable to *born* muslims as well.
As Salaam Alaykum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuhu,
This is a very nice article, particularly point 4, with the exception of point 11.
Terrorism only effects a very small minority of reverts. It is not the only extremism that affects the Muslim community and not the most common by a long way. The extreme of liberalism is by far more common and more deserving of a tip.
Wow, I feel so blessed. How is it that I have been feeling so many of these EXACT things…and then this post shows up on my facebook? Thank you, Brother Alex. I REALLY needed your words in my life today! I feel better already…Alhamdulillah!
assalamualaikum,
very nice and inspiring article
Alhamdulillah
JazakaAllahu Khayr this was a masterpiece article.
Brother can please also write an article for the “old Reverts” to islam.
Very very nice jazakallah
Assalamualaikum i was born into islam Alhamdullilah. I believe as muslims converted or not, the advice Br. Alex gave was right on the mark! it was very helpful for ALL muslims! Alienating ourselves is very harmful for any person, but going to the masjid and other religious gatherings can be very encouraging. Unfortunately there are people who may not show interest in being friends-i’ve had an experience where a women met me at a park and talked to me for an hr then at the masjid and other gatherings she COMPLETELY IGNORED ME!wouldnt even return my salam!!! but InshaAllah if u love Allah and Rasulullah then Allah will love YOU and have others luv u for the sake of him!!!
Assallaam aliakum.
As a revert in Australia of a little over three years I found the article very encouraging.
I am lonely, I had to leave old friends behind, their lifestyles were incompatible with Islam.
Insha’allah I will make new friends, I am now in Adelaide SA and have found a wonderful masjid.
=), Ameen. =))).
aameen
JazakAllah..An Inspiring Article for All Muslims !!
One of the things that I wish I had been given was a “Roadmap”
Something that said “Ok – now you have got past the Shahada, you really should look at covering these things next….”
So here am I, ten years on and still doing things in a pretty haphazard fashion. Trying to learn a simple surah when I can, learning a Doa here or there….
So I turn up at Terawih and realise that I don’t know the prayers that people recite between rakaa’ – I went to the Masjid for night prayers this Ramadan (first time) and found that I really didn’t know what was going on…. (I asked after the first night)
But that roadmap would be really nice….
Thats a great idea btw! I hope someone takes it up.
and that’s our road map bro. yay! Alhamdoulillah.
.
MAshAllah although i am muslim by birth . belong to muslim family still unfortunately i am looking for ways to become a good muslim . and these tips were quiet helpful . JAzakAllah brother.
I am just about to start my conversion study with my teacher and this is the happiest time in my life.
One of my friends opened my eyes to the possibilities that Islam could offer.
I have also started to learn Farsi as my friend is from Iran and I would like to converse fluently with many other people from the Persian community in Australia.
What I have just read on this page was just what I needed to help clear up a few things before meeting my teacher.
Faisal, Assalualaikum. I understand exactly the feeling of losing the iman that you have described. I have been a Muslim for 28 years and over the past 2 or 3, I have felt badly about myself. This all came about because of a struggle with my marriage. My husband’s faith went down first and he stopped praying period. He has been a very bad example of Islam. He has been abusing me with words for many years. I know he does not feel good about himself but with time it seemed to keep me upset and rub off on me. I always wish he would be a better example but that has never happened. I do think we are being tested and we must be the leaders and not wait for others to lead the way. I think if we would read the Quran more frequently, we may find the answers we are looking for. By the way, just the fact that you recognize that your faith has gone down means that you still have faith. You need to reignite this faith and so do I. I do think that whether one was born into the faith or a revert, we suffer the same when it comes to Iman. May Allah guide us toward a strong iman and show us the way.
Ma’shallah!! Your statements were very genuine and truly inspring… Just what I needed to continue my struggle (jihad) . I reflect on these tips when I feel like I am slipping away from my deen and reminds me to live for Allah. Thank you!
What may have started out as an article to help new Muslims seems to have had the effect of encouraged ALL Muslims. Even one that thought she wasn’t Muslim because she didn’t do it right. Thank you for this article. I am humbled and see things very differently now.
MashaAllah such a fantastic reminder…and much needed. These are such basic points, but I feel I can take bits out of every single paragraph in the article and immediately apply them to my life. Thank you again, jazak Allah khair.
Wow, I loved this. I have been Muslim for 3 yrs now and I feel so alone. My family was so angry, they need a reason, But it was just me. I meet my husband a year later and he is wonderful, just not really the teaching type…but then I question everything ..lol I feel so lonely, I have such a hard time managing kids, full-time work and my salat. I have few Muslim friends. I have yet to develop this deep love for Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). I converted after hearing Quran and reading it. It can be so hard, but atlease I know I am not the only one. I can’t even talk to my family about it because they just beg me to come back to Catholicism…. Thanks brother for the article, it does sooth ones heart. I think as converts we are hard on ourselves!
Alhamdulillah! I so needed this today! Although I have been Muslim for almost 11 years, I have been undergoing a crisis of faith over the past months. This article encouraged me, gave me some direction, and most important, told me that I am not a bad person and I am not alone! Subhanallah! I thank you from the bottom of my heart, and may Allah bless you to continue to give helpful information for all of us.
thank you for a well-thought article. this applies not just to converts but born muslims, like me, who always forget to be grateful, forget to be courteous, forget those who are in need, forget to call our parents as often as we should and the list goes on. may God bless you!
Assalam Alaikum,thank you loads for this article, i just converted since 3 days
, i am really happy, I know what is waiting for me, Allah Almighty guide me to this website to get courage.
As-salaamu alaykum, akhee re: the hadeeth: “He who loves my Sunnah has loved me, and he who loves me will be with me in Paradise.” – in Sunan at-Tirmidhee, I could only find it with this wording: “..and whoever aHyaa (REVIVES) my Sunnah has loved me…” (no.2678)- Note: However though, it is declared “Da’eef” in Saheeh wa Da’eef Sunan at-Tirmidhee (no.2678), Mishkaah al-Masaabeeh no.175 and Da’eef al-Jaami’ no.6389. baaraka Allaahu feekum.
Alhamdulillah,
It’s so good to realize I’m not alone. I’ve been a Muslim for almost 19 years. Similar to some of the others my husband never kept the promise he made to really teach me the faith. We prayed togehter once int he first week we were married and that was it. Now in the midst of a divorce I find myself alone with no-one to guide me when I need the faith the most…
As-Salaamualikum, jazakAllahkhayr for this excellent advice. Sh Suhaib. We are a group in Toronto, Canada trying to help with new muslims. Please check out our website http://www.lightofmercy.ca We can also be reached at facebook.com/lightofmercy — inshaAllah we hope to work with u in the future. Keep these articles coming they r much needed!
Alhamdullilah, may allah accept this great good deed you have done. I converted 2 months ago and you pretty much hit the nail on the head with my struggles and the path I have been on. I really enjoyed reading this and it puts me as ease. Assalamu Alaykum.
Allah has led me to this page on the internet. Alhamdullilah! Allah is offering me a second opportunity to renew Iman and this time I must make Shahada in front of witnesses. I really struggle with the prayers but insh’Allah I will persevere. There is only one way the right way for me and Islam is it. I am very shy about mixing with Umma; I am getting older now. It is not so easy but I pray that Allah will send sisters who can assist me and hopefully get my ego out of the way to accept help. This article is great and also the comments.
Salaam and Blessings
Judith (Australia)
Hi. I am a convert too, and I agree with your advice in this article. I am still friends with a couple of people I knew from before converting. Howeverm I must admit they spend a lot of time on facebook and are not so great influences and I should avoid seing them so much.
2. Why do many people not answer “Salam Alaikum” from converts? I say this in appropriate circumstances to other females and they many times don’t answer me. Maybe they think they are “holier than thou,” but I know that it is sunnah to reply to a greeting, even if the person is not muslim. Many lifelong musims do not read Quran or hadith do not believe if you quote them something.
3.I am a hijab wearer and I would like to warn other converts of females who don’t wear it (muslims). They will try to make you take it off in their home, even if guys are coming home, etc. Somehow they enjoy it, but don’t let this happen to you.
4.Don’t let people confuse you about stuff like wearing socks or not wearing them, and such issues that are up for dispute. You can read the Holy Quran and hadith yourself and come to the conclusion that makes you comfortable concerning these minor issues. Remind people that calling something haram that is not actually haram is a terrible deed. It is best to keep your opinion to yourself and not try to teach others regarding this type of thing.
5.My advice to other converts is to not try to copy others or envy other people. You may have a friend who does not need to work. However, if you are from a different social class and are obligated to work, and so on, you should not feel bad for being a sister who cannot stay in her home. We feel tempted to hide from the world, being sisters and wanting to be good muslimah. Being a convert, you are probably are from an American family and have no support. So, don’t feel bad that you can’t go hide somewhere! Take pride in earning your own living if there is no one to support you.
Thank you for the article. Being a convert, you can feel like grass that sways in the wind, bit as long as you stay rooted, everything will turn out fine.
I’ve been a convert for years and experienced a lot of what you commented. Good advice!
Wow! What a fantastic article. Made me feel so strong and understood. Being a recent convert to Islam I found a lot of solace in your words. May Allah bless you. Thank you and keep writing.
Masha ALLAH. There are no other words after reading this article. Masha ALLAH. Baarakallahu fiik my Brother. And I personally, is amazed by Muslims who live in a non-Muslim community. You must’ve faced a lot of difficulties and hardships in practicing Islam. And yet, your Imaan does not decrease a little. Rather it keeps growing stronger and stronger each and every day. Masha ALLAH, Subhanallah ALLAHu Akbar for the ni’mah brother masha ALLAH.
I have read this article many times and just returned to read it again because I am feeling very overwhelmed. I often make the mistake of reading the news, where I see so many articles about people hating Muslims, targeting women in hijab, etc. Also, I have also been learning more about this Deen and keep coming across so many lists of “it is forbidden to…” listing all the things that are sins.
Right this minute I can say it is overwhelming and scary to be a new Muslim. I feel like I’m having to chop off parts of my life in order to fit into the small, cramped container that all these rules dictate.
I had not expected to feel this way.
I did finally make shahada and it was all very easy for me. Now I experience the difficulties mainly with some right winged fundamentalist people. I am learning to trust Allah more and that He will rightly guide me to the most suitable people for me to mix with. So far I have been told to wear a jibab (the long coat); I am a westerner and I dress modestly so I don’t see the need for that one. I went to a support group and experienced some critisicm which i was not expecting so I’m not sure that I will return. Alhamdullilah for this website!