Let me preface this by saying that I am not currently Muslim and please bear with me while I give you a little background information on myself.
I was born in the late 1970's, my father who was a Baptist preacher left my mother shortly after she got pregnant to go live with his x-wife whom he already had a son with. I never really got to know him growing up. I tried once when I was 13ish to reconnect with him, like many children do these days when they come up in a broken family. So I never really had a stable father figure in my life until my late teens when my mother remarried a really wonderful man. This man did adopt me and I do see him now as my true father.
My mother who is admittedly spiritual but not very religious did not goto church very much in my youth. My grandmother who was a bit more religious did take me to Baptist church every now and again and my mothers new husband is very devote so during the 1990's I spent alot of time in the Baptist church. So my religious back ground is somewhat limited to Baptist churches for about a period of 10 years. I've always wanted to be closer to God and I've always felt his "call" in my heart. So I tried my best to be a good Christian and Baptist girl. I studied with enthusiasm but as I got older I started questioning the basic principles of the "born again" philosophy. How could someone just simply say "I accept Jesus in my heart" and they the entire slate be completely forgiven? How could child rapists and murders on their death beds, "get religion" and be suddenly saved?
And how could preachers who profess to love Jesus preach nothing but hate messages about how babies will burn in hellfire and how Jews and Islamics, Buddists and whomever else out there, is also doomed to hell?
Jesus's message was of acceptance and Love. Not of hate.
It just really did not make any sense to me.
The last straw was the disillusionment I eventually realized when I saw how "two faced" some of the church goers were. On Sundays they were one person- the other 6 days of the week- Someone else. Now my grandmother told me, that it's better to sit with heathens in church than sit with them in hell but still...if you are a true person of God, shouldn't you at least TRY to practice his words and law outside of the church building as well as within?
So basically for the past 15 years I've been rather lost. I believe in One true god, but I've always thought that Jesus when he said he was the son of God he meant.. "We are all sons and daughters of God." My mother jokingly told me a long time ago and it stuck with me that she thought that perhaps I was a "Jew" at heart. Well that is semi-true! I believe Jesus was a wonderful prophet, messenger and teacher. I'm not 100% sure he was the actually "blood son" of God in that sense.
It wasn't until just recently, when the call in my heart to find God was becoming so strong I couldn't stand it, that I began to search out different religious options for myself that I found Islam. 3 years ago I thought I might be Catholic, but after speaking with a Sister during a few meetings, I discovered that it really wasn't for me. Again, too much veiled hate behind her words. She wouldn't' accept my living situation at the time and to me for a church to turn someone away because of that, was cold and very "un-Jesus" like.
See I love ritual. I believe that everyday you should have prayer and reflect and have your "moment" with God. I believe that you should be moral and respectful and generally "good." Being Baptist...they don't teach that. Catholics do have more daily ritual but they were very closed and un-accepting. I also believe that girls should be girls and act like girls. I don't believe that women should be men or try to fill their roll. This is a very shocking and hard concept to follow these days.
So I tried Paganism. That did not work out. Everytime I even think about a belief in other gods other than one true God, my mind, heart and soul screams that it's wrong. So I couldn't' do that.
It wasn't until I found Islam just a few short months ago that something "clicked" with me. This could be exactly what I've been wanting my entire life. But it is SO very scary for me.
Living in the US, I'm sure you all know the most unfortunate and negative stigma that comes with Islam. But after all the studying, you tubing, blog reading, I cannot find anything remotely similar to what the US media portrays Islam to be to what I believe it actually is.
The beauty in Islam is amazing. I love how the Qur'an tells a completely different story than the "bible." How it doesn't make all women evil etc, how it includes books that the "bible" omitted to what I can only assume are political reasons during that time. I also love the community of Islam and how accepting Islam seems to be of other religions.
That being said, I am still not Muslim. I am too nervous right now to make a decision. My husband is "of the book" but he's not very religious. In fact he's fearing that I might becoming to much of a "zealot" lately. I love him with all my heart so I have to consider him in any decision I make.
I just really need some like minded folks to talk with. It feels like my heart is about to burst lately, crying out seeking fellowship. (I hope that doesn't sound too weird.)
So that's it for now I suppose. I apologize for the extremely long post.
Sister you already are a Muslim from what I can tell.
You believe in the one God and don't worship Jesus (peace be upon him) as the son of God. Jesus was one of the mightiest messengers of God. You have already taken the first step into Islam.
Remember we are all like a huge family and I am your brother. If there is anything you need or any way I can help you... you can always count on me my Sister
Also maybe you already know that Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) repeated over and over again that he was nothing more than a Messenger and noone is worthy of Worship except the one God. Jesus brought a similar message but for some reason Christians decided to worship him rather than the God that sent him.
Your story is a very familiar one. All the reverts I know (and I consider myself a revert too) have said similar things to what you said.
Allah guides people in strange ways and you feel a pull in your heart.
Also remember that you are not leaving your religion to enter Islam.... you are simply following your own religion in the way Jesus intended it to be.
Also to lighten up the mood here is a funny revert story
Yes if you can learn Arabic do so but there are English versions of the Quran. But first of I will advise you that look for a few threads about islam , on how to do wadhu and all the basics.
First and foremost, do not make it an impossible chore. Islam is actually easy, once we learn thaty Allaah(swt) will never ask us to do what we can not do.
It is easy to become a Muslim. The second you say the Shahadah you have accepted Islam. But while it only takes a few seconds to become a Muslim it is a lifetime to be one.
Everything is in babysteps, the minute a person says the Shahadah they are new borns and free of all past sins. The rest is a learning process. Do not attempt to go faster than you are comfortable with. Slow and easy is best.
Say the Shahadah as soon as you feel sincere in wanting to be Muslim, read all you can, ask questions, look for a Mosque near you and if there is no Mosque look for a Muslim Sister and if none can be found, look to the internet and always question whatever is told to you.
My wife and myself are the only Muslims within 200 miles of where we live. All we have is eachother, The Qur'an and the internet. Yet we find the strength to travel 700 miles every week and speak with Lakota Sioux at Pine Ridge about the beauty of Islam.
Seek, try and be sincere. Have no fears, Allaah(swt) will send the right people to help you.
Thank you ok. I'll keep happily reading the threads here. This forum is amazing!
I have no idea what "wadhu" is and I guess I have a stupid question...
Why is "peace be upon him or her" after saying Jesus, Muhammad, Mary etc? I hear Muslims say it all the time, please forgive my ignorance.
Wadu is a washing of our hands, feet, face head ears mouth and nose we do prior to praying or touching the Qur'an. It is to be certain we are as clean as possible.
To us everything should be a prayer and we see cleansiness as being a very important prayer.
But, one thing at a time. Either myself or others will be sending you links explaining wadu, salat, and everything else. No need in becoming overwhelmed. We are not complicated, actually we are very simple.
To become Muslim in Islam, you have to say with your heart and tongue the shahadah - testimony of faith;
Arabic: Ash Hadu an Laa illaaha illAllah, Muhammadun Rasool Allah.
English: I bear witness that there is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is His Messenger.
If you believe this in your heart, and say it with your tongue - you are Muslim and ALL your past sins are forgiven! You are like a new born baby, with a clean slate.
After this, you should learn the foundations of the faith, and how to pray and get your connection with Allah/God stronger. You've just joined a family of over 1 billion people who count you as their sister in Islam.
Here's a really good site for Muslim converts and any help they might need;
Thank you so much. Also I hope I'm not being a bother by posting so much on my first day. I understand you must moderate each and every reply and that must be a daunting task indeed.
Thank you so much. Also I hope I'm not being a bother by posting so much on my first day. I understand you must moderate each and every reply and that must be a daunting task indeed.
Thank you again. So very much.
It is no problem. Feel free to ask whatever you want. I am just happy I happened to be online today. Lately I have been traveling a lot and seldom am here. I feel blessed I am able to be here today. Mashallaah
You will find that virtually every member here will reach out to help you in any way possible.
I feel really welcomed here. You have no idea. Over the past few months I've tried posting on a couple of Christian forums and much like my past experiences in the Baptist churches of my youth, I was turned away and I am not sure how to say this but "made to feel bad." Like I was doing something wrong for trying to figure out my faith!
How could seeking knowledge and your own personal truth be wrong? I just don't get how people can so easily judge others.
You will find that Islam discourages blind following. We each are responsible for our own actions, so we can not place our wrongs off by saying any religious leader told us to do something. Questions and searching is welcome and desired.
Thank you ok. I'll keep happily reading the threads here. This forum is amazing!
I have no idea what "wadhu" is and I guess I have a stupid question...
Why is "peace be upon him or her" after saying Jesus, Muhammad, Mary etc? I hear Muslims say it all the time, please forgive my ignorance.
I guess I'll try to help you on this one
"peace be upon him" is usually said out of respect for the Prophets, as they are held in high respect in islam we try to avoid just saying their names without the words "Prophet" and "peace be upon him" before and after their name
He it is Who sends blessings on you, as do His angels, that He may bring you out from the depths of Darkness into Light: and He is Full of Mercy to the Believers. [Quran {33:43}] www.QuranicAudio.com www.Quran.com
I could not respond to your PM so I am responding here instead.
Thank you for sending me a message. I wish this forum had a chat function because I have so many questions and idea's that I would like to discuss!
I am excited and scared to study Islam. I hope that doesn't sound stupid. It's like a tickling at the back of my mind that just won't stop. I have been trying to put it aside but it keeps nagging at me!
Now the reason I am excited is because "This could be it. I might have found my true "home."
The reason I am scared- Because of my husband and my family. This is not a decision to be taken lightly. I have to consider them and honor them.
Hi Kitty, I am kind of in a same situation as you... i live in a country where almost everyone is catholic, including my family and friends. Their reaction to my conversion would be very bad, almost everyone here is so prejudiced about islam... that is the reason why i have not converted yet. I just dont know what to do.. i hope we can stay in touch and share our experiences and maybe help eachother with advice!
also Hamayun, i cant reply to your private msg, so this post is also for you, thank you for your kind words and any advice you can give me is most welcome
Hi Kitty, I am kind of in a same situation as you... i live in a country where almost everyone is catholic, including my family and friends. Their reaction to my conversion would be very bad, almost everyone here is so prejudiced about islam... that is the reason why i have not converted yet. I just dont know what to do.. i hope we can stay in touch and share our experiences and maybe help eachother with advice!
also Hamayun, i cant reply to your private msg, so this post is also for you, thank you for your kind words and any advice you can give me is most welcome
Hello!
I'm willing to bet there are thousands of people like us out there in the world with very similar questions and intent of heart.
I'm willing to bet there are thousands of people like us out there in the world with very similar questions and intent of heart.
At least thousands. I suspect it is more like in the millions. Changing religions is not like changing shoes. It takes a lot of thought and a person needs to be absolutly certain they are making the right choice. I think that is the reason so many reverts become very dedicated. They have to overcome all that they previously believed with all of their heart.
Hey there! Looks like you're enjoying the discussion, but you're not signed up for an account.
When you create an account, we remember exactly what you've read, so you always come right back where you left off. You also get notifications, here and via email, whenever new posts are made. And you can like posts and share your thoughts. Sign Up
I am so lost.
I'll keep happily reading the threads here. This forum is amazing!
Thank you ok.
You are like a new born baby, with a clean slate.
Hide
Looks like you're enjoying the discussion, but you're not signed up for an account.
Posting Permissions
Bookmarks