GENERAL ADVICE FOR NEW MUSLIMS FROM OTHER CONVERTS

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GENERAL ADVICE FOR NEW MUSLIMS FROM OTHER CONVERTS

Advice For New Muslims from Abdul-Lateef Abdullah (Steven Krauss)

Assalamualaikum new brother or sister!

Alhamdulillah that Allah has guided you to our blessed deen. Islam is truly
a blessing and we should all feel overwhelmed with gratitude to Allah for
guiding us to the straight path, the path of real success and peace.

My advice to you as a new Muslim is to find a teacher. In my year and a half
of being Muslim (I’m 28 years old), one of the most important experiences
for me has been the guidance and support of a very knowledgeable and pious
teacher. Islam is a not a religion of self-interpretation. It is a straight
path based on knowledge that must be acquired. It is a lifestyle that has to
be adhered to, and is unfortunately being influenced by many negative
elements, both within and outside Islam. Without a guide, it is difficult to
differentiate the truth of Islam from the created falsehoods that are being
propogated as Islamic teachings.

Although many new Muslims, especially in the US, choose to teach themselves
Islam through books, lectures and videos, there are many pitfalls to doing
this that should be avoided. Without a teacher or a guide, one armed with
the combination of knowledge and experience, the pitfalls of the ego and
desires can confuse and lead us astray quite easily. Self-teaching is a
western phenomenon, and because many of us are brought up in the west, we
assume we can apply our cultural norms to Islam as well. However, Islam is
not of the west, thus, these western norms cannot be applied to it with much
success.

For centuries, classical Islamic education was taught through direct contact
with teachers. This is how wisdom, not just knowledge, was acquired. You
cannot gain wisdom just from reading. Anyone can read and parrot, but how
many can read and apply in the way Allah intends? One of the problems with
the Muslim Ummah today is that there are too many of us reading and
parroting, but not enough applying in the way truly put forth by Allah and
His Messenger (SAW). Put simply, we have stopped learning from those with
knowledge and wisdom. We have stopped becoming students. One of the first
attributes Jabril (AS) (archangel Gabriel) said he would take from the world
by Allah’s command toward the end of time would be humility. This is a sign
of what Jabril (AS) was talking about. It takes humility to be a student and
to give our trust over to someone to teach us, which is why fewer and fewer
are willing to do it.

The easiest way to know the true akhlaq (character) of a teacher is to look
at how he lives. How does he live his life? Does he live the deen or just
talk about it? Does he say one thing and do another? Does he invite you into
his home and show you how to practice Islam, not just tell you? Does he make
five solats a day? These are some ways of knowing the authenticity and
genuineness of a teacher. Unfortunately, in this day and age, many people
claim to be sheikhs and imams, yet have very little knowledge or wisdom of
Islam. So don’t be fooled by titles in your search for a teacher.

I don’t mean to put fear into anyone’s heart on this matter. I have seen,
however, the importance of having guidance and the consequences of what
happens without it. How we learn and are indoctrinated into Islam will
greatly effect our appreciation for it, our love of it, our devotion to it,
and most importantly, our ultimate success or failure with Allah. Knowledge
with wisdom will make you LOVE Islam, not just blindly follow it. So I urge
you to go out and find a good teacher to help you along the path to Allah.
May Allah bless you and guide you further in your journey. Assalamualaikum!

Written by Abdul-Lateef Abdullah (Steven Krauss) , December 28, 2000

[فداء الرسول]

Advice For New Muslims From Maria Hannon-Khattabi

Assalamu'alaikum,

The most valuable piece of advice I was given and will pass on is this: Educate yourself. Emerse yourself in Islamic education informally and formally when the chances come about (books, magazines, Internet, seminars, workshops, on-line learning, classes). If you hear something or read something that doesn't sit right with you, research the topic. Since Islam is from Allah and is the right path, every piece of it is logical and if something you hear or read seems lacking in common sense, it probably isn't right. Keep informed and never stop learning.Written by Maria Hannon-Khattabi , January 11, 1999

[فداء الرسول]

Advice For New Muslims From A SisterAssalaamu alaykum! Peace be upon you!The joy, exhilaration, and lifetime importance of accepting Islam can often be accompanied by a sense of being overwhelmed and unsure of how to best approach the new dimensions of one's life. So many details, one might think, so many books, so many rules. Look again: Islam is not an obscure, complicated religion. It is the natural religion, and as such, it is a way of life - there is no need to panic. There are, however, several things that will greatly facilitate the transition to an Islamic lifestyle:(1) Venture, boldly or meekly, into a nearby muslim community so that you can enjoy the camaraderie and guidance of practicing muslims. Introduce yourself as a new revert and insha'allah, with some give and take, you will be welcomed into the ummah [muslim community]. If you find that you are uncomfortable amongst these people even after some time, don't hesitate to try and locate other muslims at another mosque, if such a luxury is available to you where you reside. Muslims are people, you will like some, love others, and so on. Don't get discouraged if you don't find a muslim soul mate immediately!(2) Learn salat, the five-times-daily contact prayer. Learning the movements and Arabic words will be challenging at first, but with *practice* you will master it eventually, I promise! It always helps to have a friend to ask about the details, hence (1) above. There are numerous muslim books and websites to guide you through learning salat. Try to learn the basics first before you get caught up with trying to learn many dua'as [supplications] or surahs [verses] from the Qur'an. Keep it simple and regular and your faith and self-confidence will improve daily.(3) Read the Qur'an. Try to get a widely accepted edition like the 'Abdullah Yusuf 'Ali Qur'an in Arabic with English translation and commentary. Read slowly, savor the words, but read by all means. It is the most important book you will ever come across.As you are becoming settled in your new life as a muslim, things that at first seemed daunting will become simple, and you will soon be ready for new challenges. Read! Listen! Learn Arabic (if possible!) There is a wealth of wisdom just waiting to be discovered by you. And you, too, are waiting for it. So progress and enjoy!Written January 15,1999

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Advice For New Muslims by MonaGiven that I have been having major problems with my parents regarding my reversion, the following advice is particularly suitable for other new muslims having problems with their non-muslim family members:(1) It is very helpful and comforting to have a few muslim friends nearby in whom you can confide, ask questions of, and spend time with during the formative and often tumultuous initial period as a new muslim. Born muslims are generally honored and pleased to help you improve your faith by showing you the details that help you become a better muslim.(2) Before you decide to announce your reversion to loved ones who are non-muslim, make sure you are ready for their response, whether it is pleasant or horrible. Being ready means many things: understanding the basics of practicing your faith, understanding the reasons behind actions demanded of you by Islam, and being able to reconcile unfortunate world events that are attributed to muslims with your own understanding of Islam and its inherent goodness, logic, and beauty.(3) As hypocritical as it may be, many open-minded people cease to be open-minded when difficult issues such as religious conversion "hit home." People who are ordinarily rational, educated, and worldly unfortunately can swing 180 degrees when a person they love converts to a religion they do not appreciate or understand. It may be in your best interest, and in theirs, to not discuss your reversion to Islam until a year or two has passed and you feel comfortable in your faith. At that point, it would be obvious to them that Islam has not made you a worse or lesser person, and has in fact (hopefully!) noticeably improved you!(4) Most importantly, remember that the best teaching is by example. If you want to help others overcome the stereotypes bound to Islam and lessen discrimination against muslims, be a model muslim! Remember to be tolerant, patient, giving, helpful, and peaceful with those around you, be they muslim or not. Be open to questions regarding your new faith, but do not feel compelled to answer questions to which you do not (yet) know the answers. Get involved in your ummah, mind your prayer, and with time, everything will become easier for you.Written by Mona August 5, 1998

[فداء الرسول]

Advice to new Muslimas by Judi Muhammad, MA, LLP, PhD Candidate; Vice President/ Clinical Director Islamic Health & Human Services, Detroit, MI
AsSalaamuAlaykum (Peace be upon you)

It feels like I have been Muslim all of my life. In actuality, I probably was - underneath. But, for most of my life (50 years) I was Christian. I was raised Catholic and converted to a fundamental Christian religion, The Salvation Army, in my 30s and remained there until Allah (SWT) rescued me at age 50. AlHamdullillah!!For many years I taught psychology and philosophy in college. In that teaching, and in my own education, I came to believe many concepts and philosophies things that did not fit with my religion. But, I accepted that there would be differences and that was OK. One of the things I knew was that while the Christian religion taught that I was (1) born in the image of God (on one hand) and (2) born in sin (on the other) - both were not possible. The first thing I heard about Islam was that we are born good.In succeeding years, fitrah has become a favorite topic of my reading. All of my reading has proven that what I always believed in my heart was true - that man is born good and his propensity is to live within the Will of Allah.

I spent the first 8 months in Islam single - and when I did marry I was truly blessed with a good Muslim husband. I learned more in the first 1 month of my marriage to him than I had in the 8 months I tried to learn on my own. Always, however, my husband told me that, "Islam is a process. You are responsible for what you learn as you learn it. Worry about the ‘big' things - not the little things."

Some of the most important things I have learned are:That I was always Muslim in my heart - that not all practice Islam the same but anyone who calls themselves "Muslim" is treated by me as Muslim - that Sisters make WONDERFUL friends ( too bad I waited so late in my life to learn that) - that being obedient to my husband has more benefits than I could have ever imagined - that women are more respected in Islam than anyone who is not a Muslimah would possibly imagine - and that the "Peace that passeth all understanding" is not a Christian reward - it is an Islamic reality.The most important advice I can give a new Muslimah is: Allow Allah to chose your husband - make Istikharah and trust that you will learn the truth from it Do not worry about changing those around you - worry about changing yourself , into the best Muslim you can be - Allah will take care of the rest Search for legitimate Scholars - not everyone knows enough to teach you the truth When you marry, trust your husband and look to him to teach you Islam - it is his job Enjoy obedience to your husband - it will bring rewards in heaven but also on earth!!Become friends with Sisters who are like you want to become.May Allah bless you and make your Islamic journey as peaceful as mine.

Written by Judi Muhammad August 3, 1998

[فداء الرسول]

Advice to new Muslimas by Judi Muhammad, MA, LLP, PhD Candidate; Vice President/ Clinical Director Islamic Health & Human Services, Detroit,

MIAsSalaamuAlaykum (Peace be upon you)It feels like I have been Muslim all of my life. In actuality, I probably was - underneath. But, for most of my life (50 years) I was Christian. I was raised Catholic and converted to a fundamental Christian religion, The Salvation Army, in my 30s and remained there until Allah (SWT) rescued me at age 50. AlHamdullillah!!For many years I taught psychology and philosophy in college. In that teaching, and in my own education, I came to believe many concepts and philosophies things that did not fit with my religion. But, I accepted that there would be differences and that was OK. One of the things I knew was that while the Christian religion taught that I was (1) born in the image of God (on one hand) and (2) born in sin (on the other) - both were not possible. The first thing I heard about Islam was that we are born good.In succeeding years, fitrah has become a favorite topic of my reading. All of my reading has proven that what I always believed in my heart was true - that man is born good and his propensity is to live within the Will of Allah.I spent the first 8 months in Islam single - and when I did marry I was truly blessed with a good Muslim husband. I learned more in the first 1 month of my marriage to him than I had in the 8 months I tried to learn on my own. Always, however, my husband told me that, "Islam is a process. You are responsible for what you learn as you learn it. Worry about the ‘big' things - not the little things."Some of the most important things I have learned are:That I was always Muslim in my heart - that not all practice Islam the same but anyone who calls themselves "Muslim" is treated by me as Muslim - that Sisters make WONDERFUL friends ( too bad I waited so late in my life to learn that) - that being obedient to my husband has more benefits than I could have ever imagined - that women are more respected in Islam than anyone who is not a Muslimah would possibly imagine - and that the "Peace that passeth all understanding" is not a Christian reward - it is an Islamic reality.The most important advice I can give a new Muslimah is: Allow Allah to chose your husband - make Istikharah and trust that you will learn the truth from it Do not worry about changing those around you - worry about changing yourself , into the best Muslim you can be - Allah will take care of the rest Search for legitimate Scholars - not everyone knows enough to teach you the truth When you marry, trust your husband and look to him to teach you Islam - it is his job Enjoy obedience to your husband - it will bring rewards in heaven but also on earth!!Become friends with Sisters who are like you want to become.May Allah bless you and make your Islamic journey as peaceful as mine.

Written by Judi Muhammad August 3, 1998

[فداء الرسول]

FROM JIM (NASIR) who Embraced Islam Sat, 11 Apr 1998 at the ripe young age of 68Assalamu'alaikum

As advice to a new Muslim I first greet you and congratulate you on your choice and good taste. If you are like I was the road will be a little to quite rocky at first but you must remember Allah is probably testing you to see if you are truly worthy. After a while things will smooth out. You will laugh. cry, get upset and be the happiest person in the world. In time you will have doubt that you chose was the best way to live. Nobody will tell you this, you will know deep down inside.When I started out I almost gave up many times. I was introduced to a converts/reverts group. The leader asked me if i was convert yet. I was so fed up I almost told what to do with his group. I thought here comes a third degree. Man did I eat crow. Then again it reminded me of the years back when I went to live in Australia. When you went to get anything. It had a different name over there and if it was not on the ladies counter she did not want to know about it. After I learend my way around things settled down for me. All I can advise you is patience and perserverence. Try to find a good Muslim friend who can guide you around, but best of all be guided by your inner self. I could tell you stories of my problems but then you have enough that you can probably tell me. Why dont you? As I look back I am reminding myself how much of Don Quixote there is in me. Also his epitaph on his tombstome which goes something like this.Here lies a brave and fearless knight Who had the courage in his day to live a fool and die a sage.I am not a sage yet but I am working on it.

Nasir (Jim) Written July 20th 1998