I was wondering if anyone could answer these questions for me.....
1. I live an hour away from the nearest mosque, I can't drive which means I can't get to it, does this matter?
2. Do I have to make contact with the muslim version of a vicar (sorry I don't know the name) to be a muslim?
3. My family do not like muslims or Islam, so if I became a muslim I couldn't wear a Hijab is that ok, or is that a problem or a sin?
I am only just starting my search into Islam, but I thought I would ask as I don't want to learn that this is where I want to be only to discover that I can't be a muslim anyway.
4. I am going to buy a copy of the Qu'ran, but I have heard about a book called 'Islam for Dummies' is this a good book to buy to use as a starting place to pick up some of the basics? If not, what books would you recommend?
I'll help you with #3. You may want to wear a Hijab right away, but if your family hates Muslims and you think you would find potential violence to yourself, then I say wait until you have read up some books on Islam first. Knowledge is key before entering into Islam. Take your time and read about it. I don't know about the "Islam for Dummies" book. It might tell you a few things. But let's see what some others have to say about what you should read.
As I always say to anyone wanting to learn about Islam. It is best to start off with the important topics. The two important ones are the five pillars of Islam and the six articles of faith.
Five Pillars: Kalimah (Declaration of Faith), Salat (Five times daily prayers), Zakat (poor-due tax), Hajj (pilgrimage to Ka'aba) and Sawm (Fasting during Ramadan).
Six Articles of Faith: Oneness of Allah, Belief in His Angels, His Prophets, His Books, His Divine Decree and the Day of Judgment.
Once you know these and understand them, and if you accept these and believe in every single one of them, then you are ready to be a Muslim.
Establish some contact with Muslims you can find and befriend them nearby you if you can. Keeping in good company will help you in your journey to Islam. But read first. Again, knowledge is key and you cannot be certain you have faith in the One God completely unless you know what is necessary to know.
It's great to know you are looking into Islam. Never think that you cannot be a Muslim. Islam is the true religion ordained by God for all of humanity. Once we firmly believe in the One true God and submit to His guidance, we must strive to implement that as much as possible. Nobody is perfect and we will face obstacles and may commit sins. But we must strive to do as much as we can and God will not burden us beyond what we can bear.
About your questions:
1. It is not a must for you to get to the Mosque. However, it is helpful to be near a Mosque so that you can meet other Muslims and receive support from the Muslim community.
2. Entering into Islam can be done by uttering the two testimonies of faith with complete conviction of their meaning. It is not a condition to do this in front of an Imam. You may wish to get the help of another Muslim (even over the phone or on the internet) to help with pronouncing the Arabic words. And if you manage to go to a Mosque/Islamic Centre, they sometimes have special classes or literature for new Muslims, and making contact with them is often helpful.
3. It is better to be a Muslim who is unable to wear the Hijab than not be a Muslim at all. Once you become more confident, you might be able to wear it in future. Take things step by step and remember not to over burden yourself.
4. It is a good idea to read the English translation of the Qur'an, as this is the most important book for Muslims. If there are any verses you don't understand, you can ask other Muslims for help. There are also some commentaries available online. Have a look at this thread which was started by a Christian wanting to read the Qur'an: http://www.islamicboard.com/discover...christian.html
I haven't read the other book called 'Islam for Dummies' so I don't know about that. Here are a couple of other books which are free to download online, which you might find helpful. They are geared towards New Muslims:
Apart from the progressive laws on the finer details in conduct, the message sent by Allah from Adam, Abraham, Noah, Moses, Jesus and Muhammad, peace be to them all, were essentially the same. Associate no partnaer to Him. Praise Him and Him only.
Prophet Muhammad was preaching the same message of Allah that was granted to Prophet Abraham, Moses and Jesus, peace be to them all.
On the hijab, if I am not mistaken, it is not necessary to cover up when at home with the family. In its simplest term, to my knowledge, you have to cover up if you in the presene of people you can marry. I may be mistaken.
Last edited by Insaanah; 05-11-2013 at 09:43 AM.
Reason: Deleted parts about the other scriptures which don't seem to fit well or be that relevant here.
Thank you for all the suggestions, no one has mentioned the book 'Islam for dummies' so I am going to assume that it's not worth getting, I will concentrate my efforts on some of the other things mentioned.
I have another question, if a mosque is described as being for men only, can a women still get help and advice from them? or does that mean that only men can use any or all of the things on offer?
The mosque is like a community centre. What you understand about it being for men most likely stems from the fact that muslim men are encouraged or strongly urged to do their 5 daily prayers together rather than individually. It is a definite MUST for the Friday prayers, though. The women on the other hand can do it at home. It does not restrict them from joining the communal prayers at the mosque, though.
I think everyone here has made all the most important points but I just wanted to add to your point concerning mosques, no mosque can be exclusively for men but it is mostly men who attend mosques. But I'm sure if you go there and ask to see the imam or someone who can provide you with information regarding the imam, the mosque and where to find further guidance, explaining your current situation, everyone will be more than happy to help.
I have another question, if a mosque is described as being for men only, can a women still get help and advice from them? or does that mean that only men can use any or all of the things on offer?
Hi Penny,
While it is possible for both men and women to visit a mosque, it sometimes happens that seperate facilities are not provided for women to pray there and/ or, it may not be permitted (in some mosques) for the women to pray behind the men.
Due to this, women tend to keep away from such mosques that are mostly frequented by men.
To avoid a possibly uncomfortable situation for yourself, I would suggest that you phone the mosque directly and ask the imam to assist you with your queries/ make an appointment to see him at a mutually convenient time/ direct you towards other female teachers in your community.
Please let us know if there is anything else that we can assist you with.
May the Almighty guide you towards His truth, and a life that is spent in His servitude.
Ameen.
3. My family do not like muslims or Islam, so if I became a muslim I couldn't wear a Hijab is that ok, or is that a problem or a sin?
Well, even the Prophet Muhammed was a Muslim in secret for the first three years, only telling close friends and family members. Don't worry about instant perfect adherence. The mere act of converting in an extremely hostile environment is already, in itself, no small feat of moral fortitude.
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