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Muslim Woman · **Re: Stories of Muslim Reverts! - Post yours here! -** 09-08-2008

My First Ramadan

For years, Jelly Panderias watched her Muslim friends, even those who are not very practicing, fast the holy month of Ramadan.

"I used to ask them about their feelings and why they were not eating or drinking as usual," she recalls.

This year, Panderias finally got her chance to experience the same feelings of her Muslim friends.

"This is my first Ramadan as a Muslim," the 22-year-old told IslamOnline.net.

Born to Catholic parents, she pronounced the Shahadah – testifying that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammad (peace and blessing be upon him) is his Messenger – at a mosque in northern France two months ago.

"Fasting Ramadan is the real embodiment of becoming a Muslim," she said proudly.

"I'm now living the same feelings of nearly one billion Muslims around the world."

Muslims worldwide began this week observing the holy fasting month of Ramadan.

Ramadan, the ninth month on the Islamic lunar calendar, began in France like in most world countries on Monday, September1.

During Ramadan, adult Muslims, save the sick and those traveling, abstain during daylight hours from food, drink, smoking and sex between dawn and sunset.

Muslims dedicate their time during the holy month to become closer to Allah through prayer, self-restraint and good deeds.

Special

Panderias spent her first Ramadan day with the family of a Moroccan friend.

"My friend invited me for iftar and after that we went together to perform Tarawih in the mosque," she added.

"I'm so excited about my Ramadan experience."

Tarawih is a special nightly prayer performed by Muslims in their thousands during Ramadan.

Panderias is not alone.

"Embracing Islam ahead of Ramadan has become very common," Sheikh Zuhir Bureik, the head of the French Council of Imams, told IOL.

He noted that three girls in their 20s and a man in his 30s came to his mosque in a Paris suburb a few days before Ramadan to pronounce the Shahadah.

"Ramadan was a central factor in their decision to embrace Islam," said Bureik.

"One of them told me that she used to fast Ramadan before becoming becoming a Muslim. She said that encouraged her become a Muslim."

French statistics suggest nearly 3,500 people convert to Islam every year in the European countries.

Unconfirmed statistics put the figure at nearly 50,000.

France is home to 6 million Muslims, the biggest Muslim minority in Europe.

http://www.islamonline.net/servlet/S...News/NWELayout

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Muslim Woman LI Addict Status: Offline Posts: 2,027 Reputation: 4946 Rep Power: 21 Join Date: Dec 2006 Gender: Way of Life: Muslim	Re: Stories of Muslim Reverts! - Post yours here! - 09-08-2008 My First Ramadan For years, Jelly Panderias watched her Muslim friends, even those who are not very practicing, fast the holy month of Ramadan. "I used to ask them about their feelings and why they were not eating or drinking as usual," she recalls. This year, Panderias finally got her chance to experience the same feelings of her Muslim friends. "This is my first Ramadan as a Muslim," the 22-year-old told IslamOnline.net. Born to Catholic parents, she pronounced the Shahadah – testifying that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammad (peace and blessing be upon him) is his Messenger – at a mosque in northern France two months ago. "Fasting Ramadan is the real embodiment of becoming a Muslim," she said proudly. "I'm now living the same feelings of nearly one billion Muslims around the world." Muslims worldwide began this week observing the holy fasting month of Ramadan. Ramadan, the ninth month on the Islamic lunar calendar, began in France like in most world countries on Monday, September1. During Ramadan, adult Muslims, save the sick and those traveling, abstain during daylight hours from food, drink, smoking and sex between dawn and sunset. Muslims dedicate their time during the holy month to become closer to Allah through prayer, self-restraint and good deeds. Special Panderias spent her first Ramadan day with the family of a Moroccan friend. "My friend invited me for iftar and after that we went together to perform Tarawih in the mosque," she added. "I'm so excited about my Ramadan experience." Tarawih is a special nightly prayer performed by Muslims in their thousands during Ramadan. Panderias is not alone. "Embracing Islam ahead of Ramadan has become very common," Sheikh Zuhir Bureik, the head of the French Council of Imams, told IOL. He noted that three girls in their 20s and a man in his 30s came to his mosque in a Paris suburb a few days before Ramadan to pronounce the Shahadah. "Ramadan was a central factor in their decision to embrace Islam," said Bureik. "One of them told me that she used to fast Ramadan before becoming becoming a Muslim. She said that encouraged her become a Muslim." French statistics suggest nearly 3,500 people convert to Islam every year in the European countries. Unconfirmed statistics put the figure at nearly 50,000. France is home to 6 million Muslims, the biggest Muslim minority in Europe. http://www.islamonline.net/servlet/S...News/NWELayout __________________ "My Father is greater than I." John 14:28 Christ will never be proud to reject to be a slave to God , nor the angels who are near ( to God ) .....holy Quran, chapter Women , 4: 172 recitation:http://quran.jalisi.com