Hi,
So, I have been thinking of possibly converting to Islam. I have a few questions that aren't really answered by Google, so maybe you guys here can help me out.
Welcome to the forum and (hopefully) to islam! I maintain a list of links and resources that I think may be helpful to newbie muslims and people interested in Islam here -
http://rahma.hadithuna.com/converts/ - if you’d like more resources.
If I do convert, would my name have to change? I notice that a lot of Islam converts change their name.
Not unless your name is blatent shirk (associating partners with Allah) or unislamic. Converts do tend to get pressured to change their name, but it’s totally not a necessity. The Prophet (saws) would change the names of his companions if their names meant something negative, but otherwise, Muhammad was Muhammad before islam, so why can’t I remain Jennifer? I’ve been a muslim for more than 7 years, and I still often get asked what my “muslim” name is. I smile and tell them I’m a muslim and my name is Jennifer, so Jennifer is my “muslim” name.
Do all Muslim women wear a hijab? In some photos, some women are wearing hijabs and others aren't.
No, all muslim do not wear hijab. But, all muslim women should wear hijab. If we look at the consensus of the people of knowledge throughout history, there’s a strong consensus that women should wear hijab.
Now, I tend to think hijab gets a lot more emphasis then is warranted. Modesty in dress and actions are an important part of the faith, but not the only part. If a convert does not feel comfortable donning hijab right away, I don’t pressure. Getting one’s prayers in order should be the priority, imho, and once they do that, they’ll feel stronger in their iman (faith) and will be able to put on hijab when they’re strong and ready.
How do Islamic states treat non muslims in that state?
It really depends on the state. But, I think we should really look at how the Prophet (saws) and the early muslims treated non muslims, as I don’t think modern muslim states do a very good job. Muslims paid zakat, non muslims paid jiziya. Muslims were the subjects of sharia, non muslims were subjects of their own religious courts. Muslims were the protectors of the non muslim subjects.
And how many times do you pray a day?
At a minimum, there are 5 fard (required) daily prayers. Beyond that, there are many sunnah prayers that were the habit of the Prophet (saws) to pray. They are recommended, but not required.