The most difficult part was telling my friends that I had made the decision to become Muslim. It was frightening, the thought of being judged and abandoned by people that I had called friends for years. Sadly, as time went by, a lot of friends did disappear…
My own mentor throughout the years has been my first major Islamic studies teacher from Cairo. No matter where I am in the world, I always find the time to speak with him and learn more from his years of experience and guiding wisdom…
Celebrating as a group bestows a sense of belonging, something crucial to feeling fulfilled. Many converts feel isolated from their community and refuse to even attend Eid prayer, citing that a lot of born Muslims are guarded when it comes to converts.
One reason my first Ramadan was so special was that I never broke my fast alone, and I was only at home for iftar twice. Every other night we were either invited somewhere (or I tagged along), or else we went to the masjid, where always at least a few sisters were breaking their fast.
Where is everyone? While I am alone in Ramadan. In a foreign country without anybody, Allah must have sent away everybody.
This step is about isolation and reflection. This is a profound way to come closer to Allah (SWT), and to actualize what we did in the previous steps. The repentance, the awe, the sincerity could be actualized by isolating yourself and reflecting.
While finding new friends is difficult, it is not impossible. We need close, long-term relationships; we need to be able to confide in others; we need to belong; we need to get and give support. In fact studies reveal that if we have five or more friends with whom to discuss…
To embrace the peace that Islam offers, we must accept that this world is a very imperfect place peopled with very imperfect human beings. This is not to say that this Creation is not truly miraculous, filled with breathtaking beauty and wonder…
Christmas time is fast approaching us and for many new Muslims this is a very difficult time. We are faced with dilemmas: should we go and sit with our families? Should we not? What many born Muslims don’t understand is that this time is full of traditions…
One of the biggest issues most new Muslims have to cope with at some point is a feeling of isolation. They are in-between worlds; they no longer fit comfortably in the non-Muslim world and they haven’t yet found their place in the Muslim world.
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