Answer
Short Answer: There is an inspiring verse in the Quran known as the verse of The Throne. When you understand the meaning of this verse, it will help you to surrender to Almighty God who created all things. Also remember that we are truly submitting to Him when we prostrate ourselves to Him in prayer.
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Asalamu Alaikum Asiya,
Thank you for contacting About Islam with your question.
May Allah Almighty shower you with His blessings and make the path easy for you as you take your first steps as a Muslim.
In fact, this theme of taking things slowly and taking small steps is a very important one.
It is true in life that we cannot run until we know how to walk.
In the same way, in accepting Islam as your religion and way of life, you must learn the basics before going on to more difficult things.
In the Noble Quran, Allah Almighty tells us:
{This day have I perfected your religion for you, completed My favor on you, and chosen for you Islam as your religion.} (Al-Ma’idah 5:3)
If He has called you to be Muslim, He will surely provide you with all the means necessary to live as a Muslim should.
You should never fear that you will be left on your own, or that it is only up to you to learn everything about Islam.
In fact, all Muslims now have the duty to help you along the way. It is your right to expect help from them.
What is Islam?
You ask about surrendering to Allah. The word “Islam” comes from an Arabic root word that means both “submission” and “peace.” A Muslim is someone who peacefully submits to Allah in all things.
It means that as Muslims, we do not make any distinction between religion and life. Islam touches upon every aspect of a Muslim’s life.
This is why Islam is so beautiful; and also why it is so simple.
Islam can be summed up in just a few words: Muslims believe that there is a God and we believe that this God has spoken to His creation throughout history, last of all through our beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
Islam is the natural religion of mankind. There are few people in this world who do not believe that God is the one who created all things.
Many people may think they do not, but there are no atheists on board a plane when it is about to crash.
Islam has no founder. Adam himself was the first Muslim, and Allah spoke through all prophets, including Abraham, Moses, and Jesus (peace be upon them all), right up to the time of the last Prophet, Muhammad (peace be upon him).
Therefore, surrendering to Allah is simple. We need to acknowledge with our hearts and minds that He created all things, and that nothing exists without His knowledge.
There is an inspiring verse in the Quran that you might not know of yet. It is known as the verse of The Throne:
{Allah! There is no god but He, the Living, the Self-Subsisting, the Eternal. No slumber can seize Him, nor sleep. His are all things in the heavens and on the earth. Who is there can intercede in His presence except as He permits? He knows what (appears to His creatures) before or after or behind them. Nor shall they compass any of His knowledge except as He wills. His throne extends over the heavens and the earth, and He feels no fatigue in guarding and preserving them, for He is the Most High, the Supreme (in glory).} (Al-Baqarah 2:255)
When you get the chance, you might like to learn this verse in Arabic.
For now, read the translation of its meaning in English often. By doing so, you will get a glimpse of who Allah is and how He cares for His creation.
When you understand the meaning of this verse, it will help you to surrender to Almighty God who created all things.
In the meantime, you just need to learn two short chapters of the Quran for you to be able to pray.
One of these will be the opening chapter, called The Opening, or in Arabic, Al-Fatihah, and the other will be any chapter you choose. You will, then, be able to pray five daily prayers in Arabic.
Other prayers (supplication) can be made in any language you choose.
It will be best for you if you can manage to find a mosque to visit regularly. There, you will meet other Muslims who can help you learn how to pray and how to wash properly before prayer.
If there is not a mosque close to you, stay close to Reading Islam, where you will find good articles to learn from.
Images of Jesus While Praying
As for the second part of your question about images of Jesus coming to your mind when you pray, you must realize that this is quite natural at first. It is the way you have always prayed.
Yet, Muslims realize that Jesus was only a man. He was a prophet chosen by Allah. It is Allah to whom we pray.
I think that if you reflect on the verse of The Throne and read it in your prayers, your images will change.
When your forehead touches the ground in prayer, it is Allah to whom you are submitting your whole life.
Ask Allah to help you become a better Muslim. Ask Him to give you patience as you learn.
This is the real surrender to Allah. It is not about words but intentions and actions. We are truly submitting to Him when we prostrate ourselves to Him in prayer.
Do not try to do everything all at once. Learn to walk as a Muslim before you are able to run as one.
Thank Allah that He has chosen you from all people on the earth from the beginning of time to be Muslim. And may that knowledge strengthen you along the way.
I hope this answers your question. Please keep in touch.
Walaikum Asalam.
(From Ask About Islam archives)
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