Assalaamu alaikum

[MaiCarInMtl]

Just a quick intro:

I'm a university student from Canada who's looking to talk to people about religions, namely the Islamic religion. Religion has always been a very interesting topic to me, but I feel that the religion I was born into does not offer me the answers and things I need (I was born and raised Catholic, although not strictly). In the last year, I've been more thoroughly introduced to Islam and have been doing much researching on websites and have now decided it's time for me to start actually talking to people who practice the religion.

Am I looking to convert? I will not say yes, but I will not say no either. I'm a very spiritual person and my relationship with God is a very improtant one. I'm really taking my time in coming to a final decision on which religion to adhere to because I want to make sure it is the right decision. So far, I am really liking what I have read and heard.

If you have any questions or just want to say hi, please feel free to do so! :)

[Star]

Welcome to the forum, glad to hear you are open minded, may allah guide you to what is right {islam hopefully}:statisfie

:w:

['Abd al-Baari]

Hey,

Welcome to the forums :)
Hope you have a good and benefical stay

[Pk_#2]

Peace be upon those who follow guidance,

welcome to the forum,

May God guide you! :) Amin

Be good, and get posting :D

All the best!!

Take care sis x

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[Al_Imaan]

:welcome: to the forum. Hope you have a beneficial stay.

[AmarFaisal]

Welcome :) to our forum

[snakelegs]

[MOUSE]welcome to LI![/MOUSE]
warning - the forum is going to shut down for a few hours because they're switching servers. so don't freak out - it will be back.

[ummAbdillah]

HI!!
welcome to the forum, get posting!
:)

[- Qatada -]

Hey :)


Insha Allaah (God willing) you'll have a beneficial stay here.


You might find this link beneficial insha Allaah;

http://beconvinced.com





Peace.

[SATalha]

Salam, Welcome to the forum any questions dont hesistate to ask.

[MaiCarInMtl]

Thank you everyone for your warm welcome! I've already posted one question and am constantly reading around the site in order to get more information and perhaps even say a thing or two here and there.

Here's a very general question: If I wanted to go to a mosque and talk to an Imam, ask questions or just have a discussion, would that be at all possible? If so, when is generally a good time of day? Or a good day? (I know Friday around midday would probably be a bit too hectic)

Thank you again!

PS Qatada - thank you for the link, I will be checking out the site over the next few days.

[*~Sofia~*]

Salam sister :)

Welcome to the forums ! i hope u have a vey beneficial stay. Im sure you will learn loads here about the beautiful religion of Islam. Various topics are posted here every-day and im sure you will find something that interests you. There a few people here that are re-verts, maybe have a little chat with them, see how they got into the religion etc

neway

Enjoy your stay sis :D and I really hope you find all the answers you are searching for and find peace :)

wasalams sis
xx

[Strzelecki]

Hey MaiCarInMtl. ^^
Welcome to LI!

[rozeena]

welcome 2da forum

[Qurratul Ayn]

Peace

WELCOME!!!! God-willing you shall have a beneficial stay here!!!

Peace to all.

[- Qatada -]

Hey again. :)

If I wanted to go to a mosque and talk to an Imam, ask questions or just have a discussion, would that be at all possible? If so, when is generally a good time of day? Or a good day? (I know Friday around midday would probably be a bit too hectic)

It depends on the Imam and his schedule really. But i think any time would be okay, depending on what activities the people do within that certain Masjid [Mosque.] You could try going and asking when they have free time when you can discuss Islaam with them.


Thanks for checking the link :) And if you still unsure or have any questions - please don't hesitate to ask.




Peace.

[SATalha]

Salam, regarding your question:

Principles and guidelines

For Muslims Interacting with non-Muslims


1- Islam is the religion of mercy and justice.

2- Muslims are commanded to call non-Muslims to Islam with wisdom and beautiful preaching and by debating in a manner that is better. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

"And argue not with the people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians), unless it be in (a way) that is better (with good words and in good manner, inviting them to Islamic Monotheism with His Verses), except with such of them as do wrong" [al-'Ankaboot 29:46]

3- Allaah does not accept any religion other than Islam. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

"And whoever seeks a religion other than Islam, it will never be accepted of him, and in the Hereafter he will be one of the losers" [Aal 'Imraan 3:85]

4- The Muslims should give the kaafirs the opportunity to hear the words of Allaah. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

"And if anyone of the Mushrikoon (polytheists, idolaters, pagans, disbelievers in the Oneness of Allaah) seeks your protection then grant him protection so that he may hear the Word of Allaah (the Qur'aan) and then escort him to where he can be secure" [al-Tawbah 9:6]


5- The Muslims should differentiate between different kinds of kaafirs in their dealings with them. They should make peace with those who make peace, and wage war against those who wage war, and wage jihad against those who stand in the way of spreading the message of Islam and causing it to prevail of earth.

6- With regard to matters of love and hate in the heart, the Muslims' attitude towards non-Muslims is based on the latter's attitude towards Allaah. If they worship Allaah and do not associate anything in worship with Him, then they love them. If they associate others in worship with Him, or disbelieve in Him, or worship others alongside Him, or are hostile towards His religion and hate the truth, then it is obligatory to hate them in our hearts.

7- Hating them in our hearts does not mean that we should oppress or mistreat them under any circumstances, because Allaah said to His Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), describing what his attitude should be towards the People of the Book:

"and I am commanded to do justice among you. Allaah is our Lord and your Lord. For us our deeds and for you your deeds" [al-Shoora 42:15]

even though he is a Muslim and they are following Judaism or Christianity.

8- The Muslims believe that it is not permissible, under any circumstances whatsoever, for a Muslim to mistreat a non-Muslim who is not hostile towards Islam; so the Muslim should not commit aggression against him, or frighten him, or terrorize him, or steal his wealth, or embezzle him, or deprive him of his rights, or deny him his trust, or deny him his wages, or withhold from him the price of his goods when buying from him or withhold the profits of a partnership if he is in a business partnership with him.

9- The Muslims believe that it is obligatory upon the Muslims to honour treaties or agreements made with a non-Muslim party. If a Muslim has agreed to their conditions when seeking permission to enter their country ( i.e., a visa) and has promised to adhere to that, then it is not permissible for him to commit mischief in their land, to betray anyone, to steal, to kill or to do any destructive action, and so on.

10- The Muslims believe that in the case of non-Muslims who wage war against them and drive them out of their homes, or help others to do so, it is permissible for Muslims to shed the blood of these non-Muslims and confiscate their wealth.

11- The Muslims believe that it is permissible for a Muslim to treat kindly those non-Muslims who are not hostile, whether by offering financial help, feeding the hungry, giving them loans if needed or interceding with regard to permissible matters, or speaking kindly to them or returning their greetings, and so on. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

"Allaah does not forbid you to deal justly and kindly with those who fought not against you on account of religion nor drove you out of your homes. Verily, Allaah loves those who deal with equity" [al-Mumtahanah 60:8]

12- There is no reason why Muslims should not cooperate with non-Muslims with regard to establishing truth and combating falsehood, to support the oppressed and ward off danger from mankind, such as cooperating to fight pollution or to protect the environment, or to combat epidemic diseases and so on.

13- The Muslims believe that there are differences between Muslims and non-Muslims in specific rulings such as diyah (blood money), inheritance, marriage, guardianship in marriage, entering Makkah etc., as is explained in the books of Islamic fiqh (jurisprudence). This is based on the commands of Allaah and His Messenger Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him). We cannot regard as equal one who believes in Allaah alone with no partner or associate and one who disbelieves in Allaah or one who disbelieves in Allaah and joins others in worship with Him, or who turns away from the true religion.

14- Muslims are commanded to call people to Allaah in all the Muslim countries and other lands. They must convey the true religion of Allaah to the world and build mosques in all parts of the world, and send daa'iyahs (callers) to non-Muslim countries and invite their leaders to enter the religion of Allaah.

15- The Muslims believe that other people who are following other religions are not following any true religion, so the Muslims do not allow others to send missionaries to build churches in Muslim countries. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

"Is then he who is a believer like him who is a Faasiq (disbeliever and disobedient to Allaah)? Not equal are they"
[al-Sajdah 32:18]

Whoever thinks that Islam is equal to other religions is making a serious mistake. But the Muslim scholars have opened the door to debate with non-Muslims and allow the opportunity to discuss with and listen to non-Muslims and explain the truth to them.

Finally, Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

"Say (O Muhammad): O people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians): Come to a word that is just between us and you, that we worship none but Allaah (Alone), and that we associate no partners with Him, and that none of us shall take others as lords besides Allaah.' Then, if they turn away, say: 'Bear witness that we are Muslims'" [Aal 'Imraan 3:64]

"And had the people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians) believed, it would have been better for them"
[Aal 'Imraan 3:110].


I hope this answers your question, i realy dont see a problem with you meeting the Imam. The Imam will surely have a conversation with you.

[SATalha]

Salam
By the way point 6 just to clarify, before some of our members jump at me, means that we should hate the practices and beliefs of the non-believers and not the non-believers as humans.
Wasalam

[MaiCarInMtl]

Assalamu Alaikum everyone,

It has been quite a while since I first started this thread and I figured I would give everyone an update.

I think the time has finally come for me to make a decision. Many times over the last year I got very excited out of the blue at the thought of converting, every time I would will myself to calm down and think things over rationally. I did this because I am a very emotional person and it would be easy for me to get carried away.

Just last weekend, I was at halaqa, listening to a brother give his lecture and all of a sudden, something told me "this is it, it's time". I felt completely calm, no excitement and no rushes, it was simply this voice telling me that this is the right decision. I;ve thought about it more over the last few days, prayed to God tomake sure that this is what he wants me to do and my feelings have not changed.

So I really do think this is it. I do not know how I will take shahada (alone, with someone present, where). It is soemthign very personal to me and a HUGE change. Part of me wants to keep it to myself for a period, to adjust, to just digest everything myself before really coming out officially. Perhaps this is normal for some converts, I don't know.

I wanted to know if someone could post the shahada in arabic script. I keep seing the transliteration of it, but I am learning to read arabic and I wanted to see if I could read it myself from the original script.

I am getting a bit nervous, but I do feel good about this.

Thank you for reading my lengthy post. I guess I just felt the need to get it out as no one knows I have reached this decision yet.

[Brother_Mujahid]

o wow thats just so cool and amazingly amazing, really is. i'll see what i can dig with regards to the shahada...

[crayon]

Wa Alaykum Asalam!

It's so great to read this.:)
It sounds like you have thought a lot about the matter and realize that this is going to change your life quite dramatically, inshAllah for the better, for the much much better.

You should have two witnesses for the shahada, from what I've seen on these forums I think "virtual" ones, ie. us, will do. If you want to take the shahada in a mosque I'm sure there would be one somewhere close to where you live, perhaps you could ask someone from the halaqa you attend? Or there's always islamicfinder.com where you can search for the mosque nearest to you. I'm sure they'd welcome you warmly and answer any remaining questions about islam you may have, give you tips, advice, help you start with the basics.

I guess different people do this in different ways, some may take it slowly, step by step, others may just jump straight into the deep end and go all the way, you need to figure out what kind of person you are, and what is comfortable for you.

Here is the shahada in arabic:

And here are the conditions of it:

• "Al-`Ilm: Knowledge of the meaning of the Shahadah, its negation and affirmation.
• Al-Yaqeen: Certainty – perfect knowledge of it that counteracts suspicion and doubt.
• Al-Ikhlaas: Sincerity which negates shirk.
• Al-Sidq: Truthfulness that permits neither falsehood nor hypocrisy.
• Al-Mahabbah: Love of the Shahadah and its meaning, and being happy with it.
• Al-Inqiad: Submission to its rightful requirements, which are the duties that must be performed with sincerity to God (alone) seeking His pleasure.
• Al-Qubool: Acceptance that contradicts rejection."

Here's a longer version of the conditions that explains them all further ( http://www.myiwc.com/forums/archive/...hp/t-1883.html )

I really hope you go through with it and hope Allah guides you to the truth. You're in my duaa's!:statisfie

[MustafaMc]

I am so glad for you as it sounds as though you are ready to take that huge step into Islam. Please, do not hesitate to recite the shahada and to state it on the forum. As Sister Crayon said, islamicfinder.com is helpful in finding a nearby masjid for you to state it publicly as soon as you are ready. Sisters, please advise her on how best for a newbie to approach a masjid for the first time.

[Eeman]

Just a quick intro:

I'm a university student from Canada who's looking to talk to people about religions, namely the Islamic religion. Religion has always been a very interesting topic to me, but I feel that the religion I was born into does not offer me the answers and things I need (I was born and raised Catholic, although not strictly). In the last year, I've been more thoroughly introduced to Islam and have been doing much researching on websites and have now decided it's time for me to start actually talking to people who practice the religion.

Am I looking to convert? I will not say yes, but I will not say no either. I'm a very spiritual person and my relationship with God is a very improtant one. I'm really taking my time in coming to a final decision on which religion to adhere to because I want to make sure it is the right decision. So far, I am really liking what I have read and heard.

If you have any questions or just want to say hi, please feel free to do so! :)

salam alaikum brother welcome to this forum there are lovely people here so im sure that Insha'Allah you'll enjoy your stay here and learn loads of new things.

:statisfie

if you need any help please dont hesitate to contact

wa salam.

[arabianprincess]

hey ..

well heres a grt website i found that could help u out... since ur looking to learn about islam... actually this website its for muhammed PBUH
http://www.rasoulallah.net/fl_list_e...=1&parent_id=1
well good luck

[Sahabiyaat]

Assalamu Alaikum everyone,

It has been quite a while since I first started this thread and I figured I would give everyone an update.

I think the time has finally come for me to make a decision. Many times over the last year I got very excited out of the blue at the thought of converting, every time I would will myself to calm down and think things over rationally. I did this because I am a very emotional person and it would be easy for me to get carried away.

Just last weekend, I was at halaqa, listening to a brother give his lecture and all of a sudden, something told me "this is it, it's time". I felt completely calm, no excitement and no rushes, it was simply this voice telling me that this is the right decision. I;ve thought about it more over the last few days, prayed to God tomake sure that this is what he wants me to do and my feelings have not changed.

So I really do think this is it. I do not know how I will take shahada (alone, with someone present, where). It is soemthign very personal to me and a HUGE change. Part of me wants to keep it to myself for a period, to adjust, to just digest everything myself before really coming out officially. Perhaps this is normal for some converts, I don't know.

I wanted to know if someone could post the shahada in arabic script. I keep seing the transliteration of it, but I am learning to read arabic and I wanted to see if I could read it myself from the original script.

I am getting a bit nervous, but I do feel good about this.

Thank you for reading my lengthy post. I guess I just felt the need to get it out as no one knows I have reached this decision yet.

:sl:

you know i smashed my elbow on the table because i thought youd taken the Shahadah :D , stop keeping us in suspense!!!, Im praying for you, InshaAllah youll make the perfect choice :D, do let us know when you do!

[MaiCarInMtl]

Hmmm, strange, I made a post this morning before leaving for halaqa but it never posted (or perhaps I never clicked on "post").

I would like to thank everyone for their support and help. This is not an easy decision for me as I come from a French-Canadian family and was raised Catholic. Although no one goes to church, people are still unsure about what to think of any other religion or way of life (the media certainly doesn't help). But hopefully I can share my knowledge with them. I just hope their reaction will be more along the lines of surprise rather than anything negative.

I will let you know when I have taken the shahada.

[MaiCarInMtl]

Assalamu alaikum everyone,

I was hoping to come on here and announce that I had taken my shahada but alas, no!

Perhaps some of you could give me some advice or give me answers to my questions.

It is best if I have 2 witnesses, correct? Must there be an imam there too? Must I go to a mosque to do the shahada? Must my 2 witnesses be muslim? What questions must I answer before I can take my shahada?

I thought I was in the clear but it seems my one muslim witness is questioning my plan. My original plan: have 2 witnesses, one of which is muslim, another my best friend (catholic - she has been there for me all the way, always listening, never judging). I was going to do this with just the 2 of them there. To me, shahada is something very personal, it is not something I am comfortable sharing with just anyone (not for the first time I say it, not for this one big first step).

The thought of going to a mosque actually makes me very nervous: I've never been to one, just driven by them. What if I go in and do something that someone will find offensive? What if I say something wrong? Will I be expected to pray with everyone when I do not know how to pray at all (except the movements)? Actually, the idea is terrifying at this stage: I would be going there and I would feel like a total moron because I don't know the procedures step by step for even the basic things. I was hoping to work up my courage over the next month and perhaps even venture out to one next month during Ramadan.

Is it normal to feel like this? I mean I want to take the first step, learn to pray at home on my own (I am a perfectionist so at least if I am alone, I am the only one criticizing myself, I don't have to worry if anyone else saw me miss a step). Some people hear about me converting and they just hug me (sisters only), others just pack on the stuff and it gets overwhelming.

Am I just going nuts here? Sorry, I just don't really know of anyone I can turn to right now without bursting into tears right in front of them.

[crayon]

Aw, I was hoping to come here and read that you had announced your shahada, lol. Soon inshallah. :)

2 witnesses are best, yes. They do not have to be an imam. You do not have to do the shahada in a mosque. I don't know if you have to answer any questions or whether the witnesses have to be muslim (although i don't think so on both counts)...

Don't do anything you're not comfortable with, but don't be too nervous as well. I doubt anything you do people will find offensive, quite the contrary, as soon as they learn that you're interested in islam and looking to revert they'll most definitely welcome you with open arms inshallah. Check this link out, a brother who just went to the mosque and pronounced his shahada a few days ago: http://www.islamicboard.com/new-muslims/134269453-have-just-returned-mosque-pronounced-my-shahada.html
My dear, you're not a muslim yet, you won't be expected to know things like how to pray or make wudu... and yet you probably know more about islam than lots of so called muslims.

Ahh, I would so love to meet you and help you out with whatever you need, but I leave friday, and plus my mom would freak at any idea of contact with "strangers" from the internet, even if i explained the context...

Whatever you decide to do, don't hesitate! Don't say in a month or during ramdan, please, none of us know how long we're here for, don't delay something this big!

You're in my duaa!

edit- if you're nervous about going to a mosque, how bout an islamic centre? here's a list of a bunch of them here in montreal: http://www.islamicfinder.org/worldIslamic.php?more=more&startPoint=0&endPoint=5 0&country=canada&city=Montreal&state=QC〈=

[coddles76]

May the Peace and Blessing of Allah SWT be upon you and may he guide you to the right path God Willing.
It brings joy to us Muslims knowing that you have an open heart and May Allah allow that open heart to flow with t he beauty and peace of Islam (Submission).

[coddles76]

Assalamu alaikum everyone,

I was hoping to come on here and announce that I had taken my shahada but alas, no!

Perhaps some of you could give me some advice or give me answers to my questions.

It is best if I have 2 witnesses, correct? Must there be an imam there too? Must I go to a mosque to do the shahada? Must my 2 witnesses be muslim? What questions must I answer before I can take my shahada?

I thought I was in the clear but it seems my one muslim witness is questioning my plan. My original plan: have 2 witnesses, one of which is muslim, another my best friend (catholic - she has been there for me all the way, always listening, never judging). I was going to do this with just the 2 of them there. To me, shahada is something very personal, it is not something I am comfortable sharing with just anyone (not for the first time I say it, not for this one big first step).

The thought of going to a mosque actually makes me very nervous: I've never been to one, just driven by them. What if I go in and do something that someone will find offensive? What if I say something wrong? Will I be expected to pray with everyone when I do not know how to pray at all (except the movements)? Actually, the idea is terrifying at this stage: I would be going there and I would feel like a total moron because I don't know the procedures step by step for even the basic things. I was hoping to work up my courage over the next month and perhaps even venture out to one next month during Ramadan.

Is it normal to feel like this? I mean I want to take the first step, learn to pray at home on my own (I am a perfectionist so at least if I am alone, I am the only one criticizing myself, I don't have to worry if anyone else saw me miss a step). Some people hear about me converting and they just hug me (sisters only), others just pack on the stuff and it gets overwhelming.

Am I just going nuts here? Sorry, I just don't really know of anyone I can turn to right now without bursting into tears right in front of them.

In order to become a Muslim, there are no specific religious rituals or customs that you need to perform, neither in specific areas nor in front of people. This is because in Islam a person has a direct relationship with his Lord without any intermediaries.

By simply believing and declaring that there is only one God and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger one thereby becomes Muslim. Upon making this statement sincerely every sin in his/her life up to that point is forgiven.

God says in the Holy Qur’an "Except those who repent and believe and do righteous deeds; for those, God will change their sins into good deeds, and God is Ever Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful " (25:70) You begin life again as a Muslim, one who submits to the will of God.

As for non-Muslims who have accepted Islam, they will be given their reward in double, due to their belief in their messengers as well as their belief in Muhammad.

Allah says:

((Those to whom We gave the Scripture [Torah and the Gospel, etc.] before it, - they believe in it (the Qur’an). * And when it is recited to them, they say: We believe in it. Verily, it is the truth from our Rubb. Indeed even before it we have been from those who submit themselves to Allah in Islam as Muslims. * These will be given their reward twice over, because they are patient, and repel evil with good, and spend (in charity) out of what We have provided them )) (28:52-54)

In addition to this, Allah effaces all the sins they did before accepting Islam. The Prophet said:

“Islam effaces all [the sins one did] before it?” (Muslim).

What you are feeling now is your hearting opening and starting to accept islam, your heart is starting to feel the joy and beauty that islam brings with it. Even me just typing this statement is bringing chills to my skin and this is what Islam provides. Its an absolute beautiful feeling and just thank Allah SWT from now on in who has opened your heart and shown his mercy upon you.
May Allah shower his blessing upon you until the end of times InshAllah

[MaiCarInMtl]

Thank you again everyone for your help and encouraging words.

Lets just say I was geting frustrated because I would hear one thing about taking shahada from some people and hear something else from other people. Finally, last night I put my foot down and said "I want to do this my way with these two witnesses, this is something personal for me, I am not ready to go to a mosque yet but I am ready to take the first step. One step at a time please!". I wonder if this is similar to what some people feel like when others try to take over their wedding preparations (the stories I have heard!).

Ahh, I would so love to meet you and help you out with whatever you need, but I leave friday, and plus my mom would freak at any idea of contact with "strangers" from the internet, even if i explained the context...

Crayon, there is no need to worry your mother, I completely understand. I must admit I've met some people from the internet: the good, the bad and the downright ugly (no not physically, I mean phychologically).

Whatever you decide to do, don't hesitate! Don't say in a month or during ramdan, please, none of us know how long we're here for, don't delay something this big!

I'm just saying I'm hoping to work up the courage to go to a mosque in the next month, but I will not wait this long to take my shahada - no way! I need to get some practice in for praying so I can try to go to the evening services at the mosque. Strangely enough, I am really looking forward to that (in the past, anytime I had to go to anything religious I used to detest it). Well this is a new experience for me...

edit- if you're nervous about going to a mosque, how bout an islamic centre? here's a list of a bunch of them here in montreal:

I just may have to. Actually, I just found out that a woman I have been in contact with works for a revert centre somewhere in the Montreal area (she's a Quebecoise revert). I'm just really nervous about going to new places for some reason.

Oh, here's yet another question (silly as it may sound)... What do I wear? This is one thing Iam a bit confused about. I guess for shahada I dress as one would dress to go to the mosque, right? But when a woman goes to a mosque, what exactly must she wear other than hijab, loose fitting long-sleeved shirt and... (this is where I get confused). Can one wear pants if the shirt is of a certain length? If so, where does the shirt have to go to? Or does one have to wear a long skirt? I ask because I see many muslim girls walking around with long shirts over pants but then sometimes I see the girls with long skirts so... I just have to know what's permissible.

Yes, questions questions questions. Sorry everyone, but I want to do this the right way. Very soon too inshAllah.

[UmmSqueakster]

Assalamu Alaikum future sister in Islam :D

Here are some articles that may be helpful for you.

How to Convert

Accepting Islam the Proper Way

The Most Important Advice we can give you


And if you're feeling harried now, just wait, lol. Once you convert, people will be tugging you in a million different directions. It's normal, it's natural, and I think it's kind of a right of passage most converts go through.

Of course, now I'm going to proceed to yank you another way, based on my own personal experiences :X

If you believe la ilaha il Allah, Muhammadur rasul Allah, don't delay your shahada. Yes, we do want it to be magical and special, but we don't know what the next hour, let alone tomorrow will hold for us. We may pass away in our sleep this very evening. My shahada was said alone, just me and God in my tiny dorm room at 5 am. I said it, made ghusul and prayed fajr the best I could. I've renewed it since in front of people, including at Al Azhar University in Cairo, who gave me a spiffy certificate to prove it, ha.

From there, take it slowly. So yeah, rush to your shahada, go slow from there. Allah (swt) in His infinate wisdom revealed the religion over a 23 year period. The Prophet (saws) and his companions are the best generation of muslims, but they didn't become that way overnight. Their change happened over a number of years. Islam is a vast ocean, and it takes a long time to sail it all. I've been muslim for a number of years, and I'm still learning. Heck, even if one is born muslim, they're all still learning. Islam is a lifelong process of refining one's character and soul. If you don't get the perfect shahada you're dreaming of, there are still many years to perfect your iman (faith) and deen (religion) to become something that you will look upon with pride.

[UmmSqueakster]

And now for the fluffy (yaay clothes!), rather than the lofty philosphical advice :statisfie

Dress modestly. Everyone will tell you what they think the minimum to wear is. At the base, your clothes need to cover everything but your hands, face (and feet, depending on one's opinion). The clothes should not be see through and should cover your shape.

Personally, I wear a long skirt, a top and a scarf, because I feel that best covers the curves of my midsection. I used to wear long sleeve tshirts and jeans, but when I realized that they were sitting on top of my hips and my jeans accentuated things, I switched. I'd say if you're going to wear pants, go for a top that covers to the mid thigh.

But then, others will tell you differently. I don't think anyone is expecting (nor should they be) that you'll be perfectly islamified in your dress when you make shahada. If you'd like to make it extra special, here's a perfect excuse to go shopping. I found this list of islamic clothes stores in Montreal, perhaps you could find something special to wear.

[crayon]

Thank you again everyone for your help and encouraging words.

Lets just say I was geting frustrated because I would hear one thing about taking shahada from some people and hear something else from other people. Finally, last night I put my foot down and said "I want to do this my way with these two witnesses, this is something personal for me, I am not ready to go to a mosque yet but I am ready to take the first step. One step at a time please!". I wonder if this is similar to what some people feel like when others try to take over their wedding preparations (the stories I have heard!).

Lol, have you ever seen one of those brides to be reality TV shows? They're a little scary. But no, like sis ayan said, Allah knows what is in your heart and will judge you upon that, so until you're ready to say it with 2 witnesses, i'm sure you'll be fine.:)

I'm just saying I'm hoping to work up the courage to go to a mosque in the next month, but I will not wait this long to take my shahada - no way! I need to get some practice in for praying so I can try to go to the evening services at the mosque. Strangely enough, I am really looking forward to that (in the past, anytime I had to go to anything religious I used to detest it). Well this is a new experience for me...

Ohh okay, i misunderstood! that's great then!!

Oh, here's yet another question (silly as it may sound)... What do I wear? This is one thing Iam a bit confused about. I guess for shahada I dress as one would dress to go to the mosque, right? But when a woman goes to a mosque, what exactly must she wear other than hijab, loose fitting long-sleeved shirt and... (this is where I get confused). Can one wear pants if the shirt is of a certain length? If so, where does the shirt have to go to? Or does one have to wear a long skirt? I ask because I see many muslim girls walking around with long shirts over pants but then sometimes I see the girls with long skirts so... I just have to know what's permissible.

I don't think you even have to wear a hijab, just don't come in a mini skirt and tube top (which i doubt you will) and it should be fine.:P As long as you're dressed modestly no one can complain. If you'd like to wear a hijab that would be cool too, though. As for what the proper hijab should look like, you will get many differing opinions.. here's a link that describes the proper hijab: http://islamworld.net/docs/hijabconds.html

Yes, questions questions questions. Sorry everyone, but I want to do this the right way. Very soon too inshAllah.

Questions are good.:D

[MaiCarInMtl]

Thank you both for the clothing information as sometimes it can be a little confusing.

Well, it seems this taking my shahada is more complicated than originally thought. My muslim witness wants to make sure everything is done properly so that it is really "official". I don't mind that, but I am getting tired of this waiting around for things to be organized. They want to speak to an imam at one of the largest mosques in Montreal to make sure everythign is ok. Meanwhile, I am getting so impatient and just want to take this first step that I am thinking of just calling the imam myself and make an appointment to speak with him personally and just do it then and there, regardless of whether my preferred witnesses are there or not.

Lets just say I'm the kind of person that takes a long time to make up their minds but once my mind is made up I want everything to be done yesterday! I also dislike it when I am stalled because of others. I'm giving it a few more days before I just go off and do things on my own. Thankfully, God knows what's in my heart, whether my shahada is "officially" recognized by the community or not.

[Brother_Mujahid]

urgghhh i hate when people complicate the simplest of things.

If you've pronounced the shahada then thats it, its done. You don't have to go to the mosque and get it 'officially' done. If its done its done.

Its just a simple declaration with the toungue. Theres no hutu tutu type ritual or anything of the sort.

Wasalam

[MaiCarInMtl]

urgghhh i hate when people complicate the simplest of things.

If you've pronounced the shahada then thats it, its done. You don't have to go to the mosque and get it 'officially' done. If its done its done.

Its just a simple declaration with the toungue.

I think this person just wants to make sure it's done properly - no mistakes - hence why they do not feel comfortable themselves in guiding me through it.

My reasons for not wanting to go to a mosque are simply because I do not feel I am ready to go yet, I also know how excited people get at welcoming a newcomer and it might be a little too much for me to handle all at once (strangers hugging you, tugging you here and there, asking questions, asking you to join in prayer). Eeeek! I also really dislike having the attention of many people all at once, it makes me very uncomfortable.

Theres no hutu tutu type ritual or anything of the sort.

You mean no parade and dance show? Aw shuks!

Thank you for letting me know it's not just me who thinks this is getting more complicated than it needs to be.

[UmmSqueakster]

Um, seriously, how hard can it be? No mistakes? La ilaha il Allah, Muhammadur rasul Allah and that's it. People having been making shahada for 1400 years. I think we got it down by now, lol.

Now, when I renewed my shahada in Egypt, the sheikh did ask me about some basics of islam, to show that I understood the basics of the religion. And I had to officially renounce my past religion. But even that took 5 minutes plus the time it took to send the papers up the the Sheikh al Azhar to sign.

[MaiCarInMtl]

Just a quick update: I made an appointment to go see the imam at one of the biggest mosques in the city (the imam came recommended to me). So, insha'Allah, I will be taking my shahada on Sunday morning!

[crayon]

....sooo?:)

[coddles76]

Just a quick update: I made an appointment to go see the imam at one of the biggest mosques in the city (the imam came recommended to me). So, insha'Allah, I will be taking my shahada on Sunday morning!

We are all waiting to hear the great news and send our our biggest blessing upon you....Sooooo? Quick we can't wait anymore ;) ???

[MaiCarInMtl]

At 12:19 PM today, I became a Muslim! :)

People keep asking me how I feel and all I can say is that I feel the same as I did 2 minutes before, but I feel.... calmer. And then I started crying when the imam said I was free of all sins (I am not surprised). As I was saying the shahada, my heart was beating a mile a minute, I could feel the heat rise up in my face, but then I just got calmer and calmer until I felt peaceful.

So, here I am at the beginning of the rest of my life. :)

Thank you all for your kind words and support.

[crayon]

MashAllah!! I'm so happy for you, I'm so glad you went through with it, congratulations!

Btw, how was going to the mosque? Were you still nervous?

[Cabdullahi]

At 12:19 PM today, I became a Muslim! :)

People keep asking me how I feel and all I can say is that I feel the same as I did 2 minutes before, but I feel.... calmer. And then I started crying when the imam said I was free of all sins (I am not surprised). As I was saying the shahada, my heart was beating a mile a minute, I could feel the heat rise up in my face, but then I just got calmer and calmer until I felt peaceful.

So, here I am at the beginning of the rest of my life. :)

Thank you all for your kind words and support.

Mashallah,sister i hope everything thats beneficial to you in this world and the hereafter becomes easy to obtain and easy to preserve,

take baby steps! ok,slowly but enthusiatically inshallah, and keep pumping iron!:-[

[coddles76]

At 12:19 PM today, I became a Muslim! :)

People keep asking me how I feel and all I can say is that I feel the same as I did 2 minutes before, but I feel.... calmer. And then I started crying when the imam said I was free of all sins (I am not surprised). As I was saying the shahada, my heart was beating a mile a minute, I could feel the heat rise up in my face, but then I just got calmer and calmer until I felt peaceful.

So, here I am at the beginning of the rest of my life. :)

Thank you all for your kind words and support.

MashAllah that is beautiful. Congratulations on your steps and May ALLAH SWT bless you and shower his mercy upon you. Welcom to the Beautiful Ummah Of Islam and may you gain the entrance to the highest level of Paradise INshAllah

[MaiCarInMtl]

Hello again everyone.

Going to the mosque wasn't too bad because I was determined to go. Also, I spoke to the imam shortly before leaving to go to the mosque and he explained to me which entrance to take (finally, we ran into him just outside - luckily I was with someone who had been to the mosque before).

I also learned some interesting info on the mosque: It was the first built in Quebec (2nd in Canada) and it was built in 1961. I had no idea it had been around that long! The mosque is currently being expanded as well.

Was I nervous? Lets just say it came and went in waves. While waiting for my ride, I was busy picking cat hair off my sweater (I have a cat, but even freshly washed clothes have some cat hair on them - clean but still...). Getting into the car for the 5 minute ride to the mosque, I was busy fixing my head scarf. I must say I did quite well (and the person giving me the ride was all compliments - lets just say it reassured me. Just what I needed. The imam was very nice though, very calm so once we got to his office, I was no longer nervous. His discussion topics were very good too (purity of intention, the oneness of God, freedom granted to us by Islam but within boundaries, peace of mind). I was also glad that he touched on educating oneself on the religion and not simply taking anything anyone says (individuals, the media, etc). Especially in this province, we've been having many problems with multiculturalism, different religions, etc. Unfortunately, my mother is one of those people but, insha'Allah, I can, at the very least, better educate her about the religion. I found through my search that it was often hard to make the difference between religion and culture. Thankfully, God showed me there was a difference. :)

Now, my first 2 biggest challenges:
1- Learning to pray (thankfully, I have been given many links, handouts and have a few sisters nearby who can help me out - Allah has truly blessed me with resources!).
2- Telling my mother that I have converted (I had talked to her about it before, but talking about things and doing them are 2 different stories).

Ok, I really must be getting to bed. I am up early to try and do my 2 rakats (4:30-ish).

[MustafaMc]

At 12:19 PM today, I became a Muslim! :)

Allahu akbar, I am so happy for you. Insha'Allah, you will learn prayer easily and your family will readily accept the change in you. As you said, you are the same as 2 min before in some aspects, but in other ways you are a completely different person. I pray that Allah preserves you on the Straight Way and let you die not but as a pious Muslimah.

[UmmSqueakster]

Alhamdulilah! I was hoping to see something about this when I logged in this morning. Welcome to Islam!

One more resource for prayer. When I converted, a sister sent me a set of cards that I could hold and read off of while I was learning to pray. I made a set that can be downloaded here - http://www.mybloop.com/rahma/Islam/salat_doc. But, it's still probably better that you have sisters near you who will help. Nothing beats that real life interaction.

If you need anything else, don't hesitate to ask

[abs]

welcome 2 the forum