Stories of Muslim Reverts! - Post yours here! - Page 20

rose_petal · **Re: Stories of Muslim Reverts! - Post yours here! -** 05-07-2008

mashallah amazing to jus read stories. its a real booster and welcome to the new ummah family, all reverts broz n sistaz.

Muslim Woman · **Re: Stories of Muslim Reverts! - Post yours here! -** 05-09-2008

From Catholicism to Islam
By Angela Collins

Related Links

http://www.readingislam.com/servlet/...am%2FDIELayout

iliketosmile99 · **Re: Stories of Muslim Reverts! - Post yours here! -** 05-11-2008

I converted to Islam when I was fifteen. I was never raised in a particular religion, but I had always, even when I was tiny, believed in a God. I just didn't know which one. For a long time, I considered myself a neo-Pagan with Islamic influences, but I felt very uneasy with my spirituality right before I converted.

There are a number of reasons why I felt as though my spirituality was not in a good place. I was into drugs, alcahol, sex... You name it, I did it. I was also raped when I was fourteen on my high school grounds, and the attacker only got a five day suspension from school (this not only included the attack, but that he had smoked marijuana on school grounds), so I still saw him every day after that, and I still see him twice a week (I changed schools, but we live in the same town). Obviously, after I was raped, the amount of substances in my body shot sky high. Not only this, but I was very depressed. I ended up starving myself for a time, and I lost twenty pounds. I was already thin, too, so at this point, I was just a stick.

I convinced myself that there were no good people in the world and that God did not care about me anymore. But, that all started to change about eight months before I converted. I had a dance teacher at that time who started to notice my deteriorating body. Everyday before I went to her class, she would show up early, because I always did too, with a box of pizza that she forced me to eat. Slowly, my dance teacher got my appetite back. With my appetite came self-confidence, happiness, and in a way clarity. Before my dance teacher got me eating, I didn't want to do anything. I didn't even want to think, or grow intellectually. But now, I'm the top student in my class. As I slowly healed, I thought that maybe, in fact, God did still care about me.

At that point, I went on a journey to find my spirituality. Since I was already familiar with Islam, I decided to start there. I read the Qur'an cover to cover, and read many informative books about Islam. I visited a Mosque for the first time with a Muslim friend of mine. Everything about Islam gave me such a sense of peace. After reading the Qur'an every night, I could fall asleep in a wink, and when I learned to pray for the first time, I felt so good, almost accomplished. Everything about Islam gave me a warm feeling in my tummy, and I didn't want the feeling to leave. So, I became a Muslima.

Güven · 10:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iliketosmile99

I converted to Islam when I was fifteen. I was never raised in a particular religion, but I had always, even when I was tiny, believed in a God. I just didn't know which one. For a long time, I considered myself a neo-Pagan with Islamic influences, but I felt very uneasy with my spirituality right before I converted.

There are a number of reasons why I felt as though my spirituality was not in a good place. I was into drugs, alcahol, sex... You name it, I did it. I was also raped when I was fourteen on my high school grounds, and the attacker only got a five day suspension from school (this not only included the attack, but that he had smoked marijuana on school grounds), so I still saw him every day after that, and I still see him twice a week (I changed schools, but we live in the same town). Obviously, after I was raped, the amount of substances in my body shot sky high. Not only this, but I was very depressed. I ended up starving myself for a time, and I lost twenty pounds. I was already thin, too, so at this point, I was just a stick.

I convinced myself that there were no good people in the world and that God did not care about me anymore. But, that all started to change about eight months before I converted. I had a dance teacher at that time who started to notice my deteriorating body. Everyday before I went to her class, she would show up early, because I always did too, with a box of pizza that she forced me to eat. Slowly, my dance teacher got my appetite back. With my appetite came self-confidence, happiness, and in a way clarity. Before my dance teacher got me eating, I didn't want to do anything. I didn't even want to think, or grow intellectually. But now, I'm the top student in my class. As I slowly healed, I thought that maybe, in fact, God did still care about me.

At that point, I went on a journey to find my spirituality. Since I was already familiar with Islam, I decided to start there. I read the Qur'an cover to cover, and read many informative books about Islam. I visited a Mosque for the first time with a Muslim friend of mine. Everything about Islam gave me such a sense of peace. After reading the Qur'an every night, I could fall asleep in a wink, and when I learned to pray for the first time, I felt so good, almost accomplished. Everything about Islam gave me a warm feeling in my tummy, and I didn't want the feeling to leave. So, I became a Muslima.

Awful Past you have Sis But that doesnt matter anymore you have found The Light and may Allah bless you with good and happiness in this life and the hereafter ameeeen

( PS. and Sis, I see that you like to smile, So smile

)

MKE Brother · **Re: Stories of Muslim Reverts! - Post yours here! -** 05-15-2008

My story is far over due.

Grew up in Iowa on the usual Iowa farm. A Catholic upbringing...let me change that, a VERY Catholic upbringing. The area is/was about 95% Catholic. Attended Catholic school right through 8th grade.

You get the point.

As I grew up and matured I had a growing feeling of unease and distrust in the religion that had been thrust so heavily upon me. Call it the feeling that something just wasn't right.

Forward into my 20's when I shed the whole idea of religion. With Christianity and more specifically Catholicism simply not something I could be a true believer in it was my only choice given my surroundings in small town America. Did my lack of faith and religion cause issues. When I look back on a failed marriage in my 20's I say "yes", that a strong faith would have helped me through tough times but one cannot dwell on that.

Fast forward to my 30's and moving out of small town America. I met my now very loving wife and we have a combined (she was also previously married) six children whom are my pride and joy. I slowly was introduced to Islam. I guess you could say that I was slowly "drawn" to Islam. It fell within my belief strusture, simply put, it all made sense to me in a way that Christianity never did in two decades.

My family back in small town America were not thrilled....at all. I had some difficult times, lack of acceptance, etc. It was very difficult for me. I found strength after some time in someone I call my "mentor" who I met at our masjid.

When going back home I get the strange looks, people wondering what is up with the local looking guy but who is sporting a pseudo-beard and the, as someone said, "one of those Muslim lookin' hats". "For the record it is called a skull cap or kufi" was my reply. Some people ask, being intrigued. Anything I can do to educate people I do, but it isn't always accepted.

So that is my much abbreviated story.

Assalamu Alaikum to you all and thank you for reading

i_m_tipu · **Re: Stories of Muslim Reverts! - Post yours here! -** 05-15-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by iliketosmile99

At that point, I went on a journey to find my spirituality....

Quote:

Originally Posted by MKE Brother

It was very difficult for me. I found strength after some time in someone I call my "mentor" who I met at our masjid.....

There r so many journey we made
There r so many taste we take
There r so many thing we see
There r so many thing we dream
So many....

But when we got sick & tired of our self. We want so badly some place to sit and take rest with peace.

Souljette · **Re: Stories of Muslim Reverts! - Post yours here! -** 05-16-2008

Subhanallah amazing stories ...keep striving brothers and sister

Muslim Woman · **Re: Stories of Muslim Reverts! - Post yours here! -** 05-20-2008

For the First Time in My life, I knew the Truth

Scott Lynch

Taylors, South Carolina USA
lynch_scott1@centerpartners.com

12/12/2002

I converted to Islam about 21 months ago. My journey to Islam was a long one that spanned over more than 2 decades.

ALL-AMERICAN BOY

Allah is a permanent reality that works in the lives of those who hear His message. Not having a personal relationship with my Creator tugged at my heart and mind for nearly two decades.

Then, I discovered Islam. I would not be considered in the West as a stereotypical Muslim. I believe the popular Western stereotype of a Muslim male is something like the following: dark skin, dark hair, bearded, Middle-Eastern or Asian descent, dressed in modest clothing and possibly a head covering.

No, I’m the complete opposite of this. I am in many ways the epitome of the “all-American boy”: blond-hair, blue-eyed, corn-fed Protestant/Christian background.

However, Islam and Muslims take on many faces, many backgrounds, many cultures, many nationalities and many tongues. Our family moved a few times in my youth, but my world was limited to the heart of the “Bible-belt” in Augusta, GA, and Spartanburg and Greenville, SC—all fairly large communities, but all offered little in religious diversity. I had normal, loving, God-fearing parents—they are still happily married today after more than 30 years—and one younger brother.

I grew up as a “PK” (for those of you outside of Protestant Christianity, I was a “preacher’s kid”). My father was a Southern Baptist minister for more than 25 years.

As you can imagine, for the first 18 years of my life, I attended church every Sunday morning, Sunday night, Wednesday night and any number of other nights that the church lights were on. I grew up believing in God and Jesus, or, should I say, fearing God and Jesus. Like most adolescents, I was afraid not to believe in the religion of my parents. However, something was wrong.

I can recall thinking, even at age 10, “this Jesus’ story just doesn’t make sense to me.” Even at this young age, I didn’t accept the divinity of Jesus and the notion of Christian salvation (i.e., Jesus dying for my sins). As all my church friends were getting saved, baptized and confirmed during their pre-teen and teenage years (this all seemed like more of a rite of passage than a sincere decision for most, or just the popular thing to do), I quietly sat in the church pews questioning the fundamentals of Christian theology. My parents, my church-friends and the various churches my father pastored throughout my childhood all prayed for my salvation.

Then, one Sunday night, I sub-came to the pressure. I was 12 years old and my family was at the First Baptist Church of North Spartanburg (in Spartanburg, South Carolina). After a fiery sermon, which obviously moved a lot of people, my father came to me and said, “Son, do you want to ask Jesus into your heart? It’s about time you do so.” Tired of all the solicitations, tired of all the “Scott, we’re praying for you,” tired of always feeling like the one who didn’t belong, I lied to my father and said, “Yes POPS.”

That night, I repeated after my father and supposedly accepted Jesus into my heart. I was presented to the church as a new Christian, baptized and immediately became part of the Christian community; although, I was very empty inside. For the next 5 years, I put on the charade of a good preacher’s kid.

I attended Bible studies, went on summer mission trips and even had a couple “saves” (individuals becoming Christian) contributed to me. This was all under the veil of a big lie—that night when I was 12 years old, the night that I supposedly became a Christian myself—I never asked Jesus in my heart.

True, I went through the motions, but it meant nothing to me.

full story here
http://www.islamonline.net/english/journey/jour39.shtml

**Abdul Baari** · **Re: Stories of Muslim Reverts! - Post yours here! -** 05-23-2008

Assalamu Alaykum Warahmatullahi Wabarakaatuh,

An article written by Noor, an overseas student from India who came to study in a British university and accepted Islam following her experiences in Western social culture:

Quote:

I came from a purely Hindu family where we were always taught to regard ourselves (i.e. women) as beings who were eventually to be married off and have children and serve the husband–whether he was kind or not. Other than this I found that there were a lot of things which really oppressed women, such as:

If a woman was widowed, she would always have to wear a white sari (costume), eat vegetarian meals, cut her hair short, and never re-marry.
The bride always had to pay the dowry (bridal money) to the husband’s family. And the husband could ask for anything, irrespective of whether the bride would have difficulty giving it. Not only that, if after marriage she was not able to pay the full dowry she would be both emotionally and physically tortured, and could end up being a victim of “kitchen death” where the husband, or both the mother-in-law and the husband try to set fire to the wife while she is cooking or is in the kitchen, and try to make it look like an accidental death. More and more of these instances are taking place. The daughter of a friend of my own father’s had the same fate last year!
The “caste” system, where women of lower caste are treated badly.
In addition to all this, men in Hinduism are treated literally as among the gods. In one of the religious Hindu celebration, unmarried girls pray for and worship an idol representing a particular god (Shira) so that they may have husbands like him. Even my own mother had asked me to do this. This made me see that the Hindu religion which is based on superstitions and things that have no manifest proof , but were merely traditions which oppressed women could not be right.Subsequently, when I came to England to study, I thought that at least this is a country which gives equal rights to men and women, and does not oppress them. We all have the freedom to do as we like, I thought. Well, as I started to meet people and make new friends, learn about this new society, and go to all the places my friends went to in order to “socialise” (bars, dance halls, …etc.), I realised that this “equality” was not so true in practice as it was in theory.

Outwardly, women were seen to be given equal rights in education, work, and so forth, but in reality women were still oppressed in a different, more subtle way. When I went with my friends to those places they hung out at, I found everybody interested to talk to me and I thought that was normal. But it was only later that I realised how naive I was, and recognised what these people were really looking for. I soon began to feel uncomfortable, as if I was not myself: I had to dress in a certain way so that people would like me, and had to talk in a certain way to please them. I soon found that I was feeling more and more uncomfortable, less and less myself, yet I could not get out.

Everybody was saying they were enjoying themselves, but I don’t call this enjoying. I think women in this way of life are oppressed; they have to dress in a certain way in order to please and appear more appealing, and also talk in a certain way so people like them.

During this time I had not thought about Islam, even though I had some Muslim acquaintances. But I felt I really had to do something, to find something that I would be happy and secure with, and would feel respected with. Something to believe in that is the right belief, because everybody has a belief that they live according to. If having fun by getting off with other people is someone’s belief, they do this. If making money is someone’s belief, they do everything to achieve this. If they believe drinking is one way to enjoy life then they do it. But I feel all this leads to nowhere; no one is truly satisfied, and the respect women are looking for is diminishing in this way.

In these days of so called “society of equal rights”, you are expected to have a boyfriend (or you’re weird!) and to not be a virgin. So this is a form of oppression even though some women do not realise it.

When I came to Islam, it was obvious that I had finally found permanent security. A religion, a belief that was so complete and clear in every aspect of life. Many people have a misconception that Islam is an oppressive religion, where women are covered from head to toe, and are not allowed any freedom or rights. In fact, women in Islam are given more rights, and have been for the past 1400 years, compared to the only-recently rights given to non-Muslim women in some western and some other societies. But there are, even now, societies where women are still oppressed, as I mentioned earlier in relation to Hindu women.

Muslim women have the right to inheritance. They have the right to run their own trade and business. They have the full right to ownership, property, disposal over their wealth to which the husband has no right. They have the right to education, a right to refuse marriage as long as this refusal is according to reasonable and justifiable grounds.

The Quran itself, which is the word of Allah, contains many verses commanding men to be kind to their wives and stressing the rights of women.

Islam gives the right set of rules, because they are NOT made by men, but made by Allah; hence it is a perfect religion.

Quite often Muslim women are asked why they are covered from head to toe, and are told that this is oppression–it is not. In Islam, marriage is an important part of life, the making of the society. Therefore, a woman should not go around showing herself to everybody, only for her husband. Even the man is not allowed to show certain parts of his body to none but his wife. In addition, Allah has commanded Muslim women to cover themselves for their modesty:

“O Prophet! Tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to draw their Jilbaabs (outer garments) over their bodies (when outdoors). That is most convenient that they could be known as such (i.e. decent and chaste) and not molested.” (Quran 33:59)

If we look around at any other society, we find that in the majority of cases women are attacked and molested because of how they are dressed.

Another point I’d like to comment on is that the rules and regulation laid down in Islam by Allah (God) do not apply just to women but to men also. There is no intermingling and free-running between men and women for the benefit of both. Whatever Allah commands is right, wholesome, pure and beneficial to mankind; there is no doubt about that. A verse in the Quran explains this concept clearly:

“Say to the believing men that they should lower their gaze and protect their private parts (from indecency, illegal sexual acts). That will make for greater purity for them. And Allah is well aware of what they do. And say to the believing women that they should lower their gaze and protect their privaate parts (from indecency, illegal sexual intercourse). That they should not display their beauty and ornaments except that which is apparent thereof …” (Quran, surah “Al-Nur” 24:31)

When I put on my hijaab (veil), I was really happy to do it. In fact, I really want to do it. When I put on the hijaab, I felt a great sense of satisfaction and happiness. Satisfied that I had obeyed Allah’s command. And happy with the good and blessings that come with it. I have felt secure and protected. In fact people respect me more for it. I could really see the difference in behaviour towards me.

Finally, I’d like to say that I had accepted Islam not blindly, or under any compulsion. In the Quran itself there is a verse which says “there is no compulsion in religion” . I accepted Islam with conviction. I have seen, been there, done that, and seen both sides of the story. I know and have experienced what the other side is like, and I know that I have done the right thing.

Islam does not oppress women, but rather Islam liberates them and gives them the respect they deserve. Islam is the religion Allah has chosen for the whole of mankind. Those who accept it are truly liberated from the chains and shackles of mankind whose ruling and legislating necessitates nothing but the oppression of one group by another and the exploitation and oppression of one sex by the other. This is not the case of Islam which truly liberated women and gave them an individuality not given by any other authority.

Source

WaAlaykumus Salaam Warahmatullahi Wabarakaatuh

Souljette · **Re: Stories of Muslim Reverts! - Post yours here! -** 05-23-2008

WOW mashallah that was a good story Jazakallah khair

Muslim Woman · **Re: Stories of Muslim Reverts! - Post yours here! -** 05-23-2008

Belgian Convert Day *

By Eva Vergaelen Freelance Writer

Eva Vergaelen lives in both Egypt and Belgium and works as a freelance journalist, with special interest in gender politics and identity.

She wrote a book on female immigrants in Belgium. Eva studied African culture and obtained a master's in governance and development. She embraced Islam in 2004.

The first Belgian day for converts took place on Sunday March 4, 2007.

More than 700 people joined the workshops and lectures. In the Imam Bukhari mosque in Antwerp, 500 women and 200 men gathered in two gender-separated places.

Al-Minara (an organization that informs and supports new female converts) organized the Convert Day for women, and De-Koepel (an organization that informs and supports new male converts)organized the activities for men.

This is an interview with Aisha Cindy Raes and Karolien Mus, president and vice president of Al-Minara respectively.

http://www.readingislam.com/servlet/...am%2FDIELayout

Souljette · **Re: Stories of Muslim Reverts! - Post yours here! -** 05-23-2008

WOW thts so cool

TabTabiun · **Re: Coming to Islam part 1 and 2 -** 05-25-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by leena.noor

Asalaamu Aleykum Brothers and Sisters. Since my conversion, I have had so many people ask me to write down my account, so I think that right now is the time. As with many reverts, something happened in my old life that led me to where I am now. When I was in high school, in history class we were all assigned a religion to study, and the religion that my group picked was Islam. I found it very interesting and I really got involved in the project, but after it was over, I forgot most of it. From time to time I remember hearing about Islam from my mom (she loves Cat Stevens, and I remember her telling me about his conversion.) I was brought up in a family that is very open minded and never attached judgment to any of these things. I was baptized into the Catholic Church when I was eight years old because my parents thought that religion would help give some form of stability to my family. My parents were Christians one day a week at best, and never really impressed religion beyond what we learned in church upon us. My senior year in high school I started my search for religion. I became a devoted Christian going to a different church every Sunday, and going to Bible study. I went to Nicaragua the previous summer on a mission trip, but while there found a verse in 1Timothy that had me angry with God for days. Going to Nicaragua made me more convinced that Christianity is used as a coping tool because with out it, the people would not have the hope to survive. I attended more than 15 different denominational churches in my search for God.
I study religion because I am able to see the part that it plays in the lives of individuals, but I never felt fulfilled. The more I learned, the more questions were being raised for me, and the more and more unsatisfied I felt. I ignored these feelings and came to a Catholic College, and became active in the Campus ministry. It was at college that I met Muslim sisters that began to teach me about Islam. Looking back, I was so ignorant, and they were so patient, teaching me over and over. My friend went back and looked at our first conversation and laughs at some stupid things I said. I remember not being able to say the whole greeting, and then how happy I was when I realized that I could say it correctly. My Muslim sisters I met gave me websites and people to talk to about Islam, and through these people I learned more and more.
I never intended to convert. I still was misinformed about the roles of Women in Islam. Because of what I read and because of the media, I did see them as silent and subservient. I had my eyes open when I met some wonderful Muslim sisters. When I saw a Sister pray I knew that I wanted to convert. It was so beautiful and fluid, and I could feel the closeness with God. I kept telling people I didn't want to convert but when the fact that I believed Shahadah was pointed out to me; I couldn't stop thinking about religion. All day in my classes, before I slept, all my time awake I studied Islam and kept questioning why I was here on this earth. I came to the realization that it was to worship Allah. I took Shahadah in my heart long before I took it with witnesses. When I was put on the phone with someone that pointed out that I believed in Islam, it was then I cried. I cried because I realized that my life was about to change, and I couldn't ignore it. I was scared to go to the masjid to say Shahadah so I put it off. When I did go, I was so nervous. It was a fun experience for me to go to the masjid though. Someone even took my flip-flops to make wudu. In the following months, I have faced a lot of difficulties and obstacles in my faith. I hope to InshaAllah learn more about Islam everyday, and have my eyes opened more and more everyday. Thank you to all of the wonderful brothers and sisters that have helped me on my journey...and my I grow closer everyday to the relationship that Allah wants me to have with HIM.
Part two:

Sometimes I think that living in IN ruined me. It makes me care what other people through of me, too much, and it didn’t expose me to as many cultures and religions as I would like to have been exposed to. My grandfather is a Catholic priest and more than anything else in my life, I fear his finding out that I converted. I was at one time completely encompassed by fear about what my parents would think. Even before I converted I was so incredibly afraid of what other people would and will think about my conversion. I spend hours explaining Islam to people and dispelling their unguided incorrect information, but never tell them that, I am in fact a Muslim. I don’t look like a stereotypical Muslim. I am white, with light brown hair and blue eyes, and I look like a good little American Christian girl. I don’t wear hijab; once again for my fear of people paying me undo interest. I remember going to the masjid and I have to walk about half a mile from the train station, and being terrified because I put hijab on and was afraid that someone was going to do something to me while I was walking to the masjid. Nothing happened though, and I am starting to realize that all of my fears from living around close-minded people aren’t necessary here. People in this area are used to seeing women in hijab. People in Indiana would think that I’m a nun. I am very picky with the people I tell that I’m Muslim. It took a month and a half and there are still a couple people in my office that don’t know I’m Muslim. When it came to finding a Muslim for a speaking engagement though, guess who they looked to J me…..hahaha that was rather interesting.
Anyways though this was supposed to be about my telling my parents! I went home about three weeks ago, and I knew that I had to tell them. It was eating me up inside. I didn’t eat for three days before I went home, and I was just so incredibly nervous. I was having panic attacks and alternating between sleeping all the time and not sleeping at all, and it was all I could think about when I was awake, and when I was asleep I was dreaming of the worst-case scenario. It really wasn’t a good situation. People kept telling me, either, don’t tell them, or trust God.
After I returned home, I was making a grilled cheese sandwich and my mother said something, I can’t remember what having to do with religion and looking into ‘Muslim’. I first couldn’t believe that she already knew I was looking into Islam and secondly couldn’t believe how uninformed about Islam she was. I told her not to tell my dad, so of course she leans over and yells out the window ‘hey John, I have something to tell you’. He comes over and is like ‘what’? My mom says in all her glory ‘your daughter is studying Muslim’ ….I about died, but I replied ‘Islam mom, its Islam.’ “Oh…she’s studying Islam then’. My father’s response was… “Where did you want to me to plant this?” I almost died with relief.
When I went to pray my mom wanted to see my hijab and all of my Islamic paraphernalia that I had cleverly hidden in a backpack. I showed her and she was moderately interested. See, my parents have always taught my brother and I to be the most open minded, kind, charitable people that we are able to be, to ignore the chains of modern society and be our own person. Because of this, my mother now has a Wiccan son and a Muslim daughter. I think she is quite happy.
While at home, my mot

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rose_petal Limited Member Status: Offline Posts: 3 Reputation: 5 Rep Power: 0 Join Date: May 2008 Way of Life: Undisclosed	Re: Stories of Muslim Reverts! - Post yours here! - 05-07-2008 mashallah amazing to jus read stories. its a real booster and welcome to the new ummah family, all reverts broz n sistaz.

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Muslim Woman LI Oldskool Status: Offline Posts: 1,873 Reputation: 3858 Rep Power: 15 Join Date: Dec 2006 Gender: Way of Life: Muslim	Re: Stories of Muslim Reverts! - Post yours here! - 05-09-2008 From Catholicism to Islam By Angela Collins Related Links US Mayor Embraces Islam An American Mormon's Journey to Islam An American Police Officer Discovers Islam An American Teenager Discovers Islam American Performing Artist Discovers Islam Canadian Catholic Discovers Islam http://www.readingislam.com/servlet/...am%2FDIELayout __________________ "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

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iliketosmile99 Limited Member Status: Offline Posts: 27 Reputation: 224 Rep Power: 0 Join Date: May 2008 Gender: Way of Life: Muslim	Re: Stories of Muslim Reverts! - Post yours here! - 05-11-2008 I converted to Islam when I was fifteen. I was never raised in a particular religion, but I had always, even when I was tiny, believed in a God. I just didn't know which one. For a long time, I considered myself a neo-Pagan with Islamic influences, but I felt very uneasy with my spirituality right before I converted. There are a number of reasons why I felt as though my spirituality was not in a good place. I was into drugs, alcahol, sex... You name it, I did it. I was also raped when I was fourteen on my high school grounds, and the attacker only got a five day suspension from school (this not only included the attack, but that he had smoked marijuana on school grounds), so I still saw him every day after that, and I still see him twice a week (I changed schools, but we live in the same town). Obviously, after I was raped, the amount of substances in my body shot sky high. Not only this, but I was very depressed. I ended up starving myself for a time, and I lost twenty pounds. I was already thin, too, so at this point, I was just a stick. I convinced myself that there were no good people in the world and that God did not care about me anymore. But, that all started to change about eight months before I converted. I had a dance teacher at that time who started to notice my deteriorating body. Everyday before I went to her class, she would show up early, because I always did too, with a box of pizza that she forced me to eat. Slowly, my dance teacher got my appetite back. With my appetite came self-confidence, happiness, and in a way clarity. Before my dance teacher got me eating, I didn't want to do anything. I didn't even want to think, or grow intellectually. But now, I'm the top student in my class. As I slowly healed, I thought that maybe, in fact, God did still care about me. At that point, I went on a journey to find my spirituality. Since I was already familiar with Islam, I decided to start there. I read the Qur'an cover to cover, and read many informative books about Islam. I visited a Mosque for the first time with a Muslim friend of mine. Everything about Islam gave me such a sense of peace. After reading the Qur'an every night, I could fall asleep in a wink, and when I learned to pray for the first time, I felt so good, almost accomplished. Everything about Islam gave me a warm feeling in my tummy, and I didn't want the feeling to leave. So, I became a Muslima.

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MKE Brother Member Status: Offline Posts: 78 Reputation: 826 Rep Power: 5 Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Franklin, WI Gender: Way of Life: Muslim	Re: Stories of Muslim Reverts! - Post yours here! - 05-15-2008 My story is far over due. Grew up in Iowa on the usual Iowa farm. A Catholic upbringing...let me change that, a VERY Catholic upbringing. The area is/was about 95% Catholic. Attended Catholic school right through 8th grade. You get the point. As I grew up and matured I had a growing feeling of unease and distrust in the religion that had been thrust so heavily upon me. Call it the feeling that something just wasn't right. Forward into my 20's when I shed the whole idea of religion. With Christianity and more specifically Catholicism simply not something I could be a true believer in it was my only choice given my surroundings in small town America. Did my lack of faith and religion cause issues. When I look back on a failed marriage in my 20's I say "yes", that a strong faith would have helped me through tough times but one cannot dwell on that. Fast forward to my 30's and moving out of small town America. I met my now very loving wife and we have a combined (she was also previously married) six children whom are my pride and joy. I slowly was introduced to Islam. I guess you could say that I was slowly "drawn" to Islam. It fell within my belief strusture, simply put, it all made sense to me in a way that Christianity never did in two decades. My family back in small town America were not thrilled....at all. I had some difficult times, lack of acceptance, etc. It was very difficult for me. I found strength after some time in someone I call my "mentor" who I met at our masjid. When going back home I get the strange looks, people wondering what is up with the local looking guy but who is sporting a pseudo-beard and the, as someone said, "one of those Muslim lookin' hats". "For the record it is called a skull cap or kufi" was my reply. Some people ask, being intrigued. Anything I can do to educate people I do, but it isn't always accepted. So that is my much abbreviated story. Assalamu Alaikum to you all and thank you for reading

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Souljette Souljette Of Allah Status: Online Posts: 1,647 Reputation: 5389 Rep Power: 11 Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: All over the place Gender: Way of Life: Muslim	Re: Stories of Muslim Reverts! - Post yours here! - 05-16-2008 Subhanallah amazing stories ...keep striving brothers and sister __________________ [SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]“The believers in their mutual kindness, compassion and sympathy are just like one body. When one of the limbs is afflicted, the whole body responds to it with sleeplessness and fever”.

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Muslim Woman LI Oldskool Status: Offline Posts: 1,873 Reputation: 3858 Rep Power: 15 Join Date: Dec 2006 Gender: Way of Life: Muslim	Re: Stories of Muslim Reverts! - Post yours here! - 05-20-2008 For the First Time in My life, I knew the Truth Scott Lynch Taylors, South Carolina USA lynch_scott1@centerpartners.com 12/12/2002 I converted to Islam about 21 months ago. My journey to Islam was a long one that spanned over more than 2 decades. ALL-AMERICAN BOY Allah is a permanent reality that works in the lives of those who hear His message. Not having a personal relationship with my Creator tugged at my heart and mind for nearly two decades. Then, I discovered Islam. I would not be considered in the West as a stereotypical Muslim. I believe the popular Western stereotype of a Muslim male is something like the following: dark skin, dark hair, bearded, Middle-Eastern or Asian descent, dressed in modest clothing and possibly a head covering. No, I’m the complete opposite of this. I am in many ways the epitome of the “all-American boy”: blond-hair, blue-eyed, corn-fed Protestant/Christian background. However, Islam and Muslims take on many faces, many backgrounds, many cultures, many nationalities and many tongues. Our family moved a few times in my youth, but my world was limited to the heart of the “Bible-belt” in Augusta, GA, and Spartanburg and Greenville, SC—all fairly large communities, but all offered little in religious diversity. I had normal, loving, God-fearing parents—they are still happily married today after more than 30 years—and one younger brother. I grew up as a “PK” (for those of you outside of Protestant Christianity, I was a “preacher’s kid”). My father was a Southern Baptist minister for more than 25 years. As you can imagine, for the first 18 years of my life, I attended church every Sunday morning, Sunday night, Wednesday night and any number of other nights that the church lights were on. I grew up believing in God and Jesus, or, should I say, fearing God and Jesus. Like most adolescents, I was afraid not to believe in the religion of my parents. However, something was wrong. I can recall thinking, even at age 10, “this Jesus’ story just doesn’t make sense to me.” Even at this young age, I didn’t accept the divinity of Jesus and the notion of Christian salvation (i.e., Jesus dying for my sins). As all my church friends were getting saved, baptized and confirmed during their pre-teen and teenage years (this all seemed like more of a rite of passage than a sincere decision for most, or just the popular thing to do), I quietly sat in the church pews questioning the fundamentals of Christian theology. My parents, my church-friends and the various churches my father pastored throughout my childhood all prayed for my salvation. Then, one Sunday night, I sub-came to the pressure. I was 12 years old and my family was at the First Baptist Church of North Spartanburg (in Spartanburg, South Carolina). After a fiery sermon, which obviously moved a lot of people, my father came to me and said, “Son, do you want to ask Jesus into your heart? It’s about time you do so.” Tired of all the solicitations, tired of all the “Scott, we’re praying for you,” tired of always feeling like the one who didn’t belong, I lied to my father and said, “Yes POPS.” That night, I repeated after my father and supposedly accepted Jesus into my heart. I was presented to the church as a new Christian, baptized and immediately became part of the Christian community; although, I was very empty inside. For the next 5 years, I put on the charade of a good preacher’s kid. I attended Bible studies, went on summer mission trips and even had a couple “saves” (individuals becoming Christian) contributed to me. This was all under the veil of a big lie—that night when I was 12 years old, the night that I supposedly became a Christian myself—I never asked Jesus in my heart. True, I went through the motions, but it meant nothing to me. full story here http://www.islamonline.net/english/journey/jour39.shtml __________________ "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

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Souljette Souljette Of Allah Status: Online Posts: 1,647 Reputation: 5389 Rep Power: 11 Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: All over the place Gender: Way of Life: Muslim	Re: Stories of Muslim Reverts! - Post yours here! - 05-23-2008 WOW mashallah that was a good story Jazakallah khair __________________ [SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]“The believers in their mutual kindness, compassion and sympathy are just like one body. When one of the limbs is afflicted, the whole body responds to it with sleeplessness and fever”.

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Muslim Woman LI Oldskool Status: Offline Posts: 1,873 Reputation: 3858 Rep Power: 15 Join Date: Dec 2006 Gender: Way of Life: Muslim	Re: Stories of Muslim Reverts! - Post yours here! - 05-23-2008 Belgian Convert Day * By Eva Vergaelen Freelance Writer Eva Vergaelen lives in both Egypt and Belgium and works as a freelance journalist, with special interest in gender politics and identity. She wrote a book on female immigrants in Belgium. Eva studied African culture and obtained a master's in governance and development. She embraced Islam in 2004. The first Belgian day for converts took place on Sunday March 4, 2007. More than 700 people joined the workshops and lectures. In the Imam Bukhari mosque in Antwerp, 500 women and 200 men gathered in two gender-separated places. Al-Minara (an organization that informs and supports new female converts) organized the Convert Day for women, and De-Koepel (an organization that informs and supports new male converts)organized the activities for men. This is an interview with Aisha Cindy Raes and Karolien Mus, president and vice president of Al-Minara respectively. http://www.readingislam.com/servlet/...am%2FDIELayout __________________ "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

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Souljette Souljette Of Allah Status: Online Posts: 1,647 Reputation: 5389 Rep Power: 11 Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: All over the place Gender: Way of Life: Muslim	Re: Stories of Muslim Reverts! - Post yours here! - 05-23-2008 WOW thts so cool __________________ [SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]“The believers in their mutual kindness, compassion and sympathy are just like one body. When one of the limbs is afflicted, the whole body responds to it with sleeplessness and fever”.