What did you find were the largest adjustments? How did you tell your close friends and family?
What are the biggest positive changes your life has had as a result?
I just told my best friend that I am reverting to Islam and she was so supportive and excited for me! This makes me feel more confident about telling my parents tomorrow
When it comes to telling people who are close to you, well, someone who is going to take it badly will do so regardless of how you tell it. My only advice (and which I did myself) was to tell it at some time when you have plenty of time together, enough to deal with any fallout.
As for the largest adjustment, that would have to be to begin praying regularly. Adjusting to live according to Islamic morality went smoothly, but beginning to pray regularly felt completely unnatural for me. I'm pretty much inert spiritually, developing iman will be a lifetime project for me.
As for the biggest positive change, well, even after years it's still too early to say
Most of you already know my story and know that I have not yet told my family about my conversion.
I did tell my best friend last week and he was pretty neutral about it. That was about what I expected from him, so I wasn't upset or disappointed.
I know that eventually I will have to tell my family, but I want to become stronger in my faith first. I want to gain more knowledge so that I can answer any questions with confidence and if necessary, refute any doubters.
Most of you already know my story and know that I have not yet told my family about my conversion. I did tell my best friend last week and he was pretty neutral about it. That was about what I expected from him, so I wasn't upset or disappointed. I know that eventually I will have to tell my family, but I want to become stronger in my faith first. I want to gain more knowledge so that I can answer any questions with confidence and if necessary, refute any doubters.
Salaam
Brother you are a brave human being for having to face that, i know it's hard , but one thing i noticed in you after reading some of your posts is that you are an Honest person... May Allah make all the hardships you face easy and benfecial .
And May He protect whom so ever is near , dear or beloved to your heart. and every one you care about.
Salaam
The most difficult for me was the lack of a support group to make the transition to a new way of life. It was difficult for me to be the only Caucasian American Muslim in my area. Acquiring the discipline to pray 5 times a day in Arabic was also a difficult adjustment.
How did you tell your close friends and family?
I don't remember the details, but I did tell my family soon after I took my shahadah. My family was not receptive to my conversion at all. I have explained my beliefs and practice of Islam, including my decision to eat only zabiha meat. My parents have died, but my brother and sister now accept my being different even though we don't discuss religion.
What are the biggest positive changes your life has had as a result?
I believe that I live a 'cleaner' life knowing that I will have to give an accounting for my every deed and word. Another change is that my worldview extends beyond the borders of my country.
What did you find were the largest adjustments? I think learning the Arabic for salat was one of the harder things for me.... my concentration is poor to say the least and this was so hard, not only to learn but to stick to learning it. I didnt have to adjust too much to Islamic lifestyle as I had done this slowly over a period of months
How did you tell your close friends and family? I found it easy to tell my kids (they are grown up) they are great and dont judge, they both said 'so long as you are happy we are happy' I cant remember how i told my friends...... I probably just came out with...oh btw im Muslim now...... I did lose some friends....obviously not real friends to start with
What are the biggest positive changes your life has had as a result? I am like a completely different person (yet still the same) i have more patience, tolerance, i am a lot calmer and more peaceful..... i enjoy life a lot more than i have ever done before.... its hard to explain i feel like ive 'come home' and just feel so comfortable happy and content
Salaam
Brother you are a brave human being for having to face that, i know it's hard , but one thing i noticed in you after reading some of your posts is that you are an Honest person... May Allah make all the hardships you face easy and benfecial .
And May He protect whom so ever is near , dear or beloved to your heart. and every one you care about.
Salaam
Salaam, sister.
You can thank my parents for instilling honesty in me. I don't feel right about lying, and it tears me up sometimes when I am talking to my parents and I know I can't tell them about my conversion yet. I want to tell them and get it over and done with, but I'm not ready for it yet. Allah will show me when the time is right.
Brother Mustafa brought up a good point too. I'm learning al Fatiha in Arabic for my prayers and it's not easy. It didn't take long to learn it in English, but the Arabic is proving a little difficult. I have learned most of it now though over the last week, but that last line is taking a while.
It's tough right now too living by myself and not having any Muslim friends or family for support. It's easy enough at the masjid when I am with my Muslim brothers, but I live on the other side of town, and during the day I am alone most of the time with my thoughts and my faith.
Brother Mustafa brought up a good point too. I'm learning al Fatiha in Arabic for my prayers and it's not easy. It didn't take long to learn it in English, but the Arabic is proving a little difficult. I have learned most of it now though over the last week, but that last line is taking a while.
salam bro...... I dont know if you have seen the videos on youtube that teach the Arabic for salat but they are fantastic...... they helped me no end..... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rywokB1vtOc
positive changes are too numerous to mention, hardest adjustments for me was staying away from haraam and doing some obligations like salaah and fastn which take some serious will power
Making salat five times a day was definitely an adjustment, although the bigger adjustment for me was changing what I eat, or don't eat. It has been really difficult for me to find things to eat that are halal because there are no stores in my area which sell halal meat. And I don't like to eat baked goods anymore because they may have been made with vanilla, which contains alcohol. And a lot of foods contain gelatin as well. I'm finding that the only foods I'm absolutely sure are safe to eat are plain pasta and raw vegetables. It can be frustrating at times, but insha'Allah I will be able to adjust in time.
format_quote Originally Posted by Starrynight
How did you tell your close friends and family?
I haven't directly told anyone yet except for my best friend, and she was fairly neutral about it. She was skeptical at first but I cleared up some misconceptions of hers and she felt better about it. I have hinted to my family, and I think my mother has figured it out for herself. She doesn't seem pleased about it, but I hardly expected better. Insha'Allah she'll come around sooner or later.
format_quote Originally Posted by Starrynight
What are the biggest positive changes your life has had as a result?
I could write fifty pages on this But I'll just say that all of the questions that I had as a Christian have now been answered. I never felt like I belonged when I was a Christian, and now I feel like I have a place to be and people to share it with. While sometimes it feels like my life is only becoming more complicated because of all the new adjustments I'm making, I know that my life has truly become more simple, and more fulfilling. I sincerely hope that you will find the same happiness in Islam, insha'Allah
Making salat five times a day was definitely an adjustment, although the bigger adjustment for me was changing what I eat, or don't eat. It has been really difficult for me to find things to eat that are halal because there are no stores in my area which sell halal meat. And I don't like to eat baked goods anymore because they may have been made with vanilla, which contains alcohol. And a lot of foods contain gelatin as well. I'm finding that the only foods I'm absolutely sure are safe to eat are plain pasta and raw vegetables. It can be frustrating at times, but insha'Allah I will be able to adjust in time.
I haven't directly told anyone yet except for my best friend, and she was fairly neutral about it. She was skeptical at first but I cleared up some misconceptions of hers and she felt better about it. I have hinted to my family, and I think my mother has figured it out for herself. She doesn't seem pleased about it, but I hardly expected better. Insha'Allah she'll come around sooner or later.
I could write fifty pages on this But I'll just say that all of the questions that I had as a Christian have now been answered. I never felt like I belonged when I was a Christian, and now I feel like I have a place to be and people to share it with. While sometimes it feels like my life is only becoming more complicated because of all the new adjustments I'm making, I know that my life has truly become more simple, and more fulfilling. I sincerely hope that you will find the same happiness in Islam, insha'Allah
Peace and blessings be with you
As far as good goes I wanted to give you some suggestions. Fruit, beans, rice, oatmeal, homemade bread (so you can make sure there is no vanilla extract), stir fry, etc. I've been a vegetarian for ages so I'm used to having to tip toe around meat and gelitin. Let me know if you want some recipes or food suggestions
"Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that." --Martin Luther King Jr.
What did you find were the largest adjustments? How did you tell your close friends and family?
What are the biggest positive changes your life has had as a result?
Nice topic, sister.
I think I could write a novel on this one. lol.
When I accepted Islam, I straightaway told my family and friends about my decision. They were all hostile, full of criticism. Till today I am looked upon with scorn. And my response has always been.... "I don't care what you think!!! To me my way, to you, yours!! I don't interfere in your life, don't interfere in mine."
Positive changes. Well.... Islam changes you completely. Inside out. It makes you a better person... with better manners, better speech, better conduct. You learn patience, self-control, self-discipline and grow in your love for God. What can be more positive than that?
Alhamdulillahir rabbil al ameen!
Jazakallah khair for asking this interesting question sister Starrynight.
It is pointless to watch other people's houses crumbling when our own house is in need of repair and attention.
salam bro...... I dont know if you have seen the videos on youtube that teach the Arabic for salat but they are fantastic...... they helped me no end..... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rywokB1vtOc
Salaam, sister. Thanks for the link.
I finally learned the whole thing the other day and I can say it all in Arabic now. I'll keep practicing to get the pronunciation down.
As for foods, well, I never ate that much pork anyway (though I loved some bacon), so that is no big loss. Alcohol has been the biggest struggle for me. Well, that, and not looking at girls anymore. I'm a single lonely guy (who won't be married for a while), so some days it is a real struggle to lower my gaze and not think about women.
Well, that, and not looking at girls anymore. I'm a single lonely guy (who won't be married for a while), so some days it is a real struggle to lower my gaze and not think about women.
Brother, I am 50 and married and I too have to maintain a high level of discipline to lower my gaze. I just returned from a vacation to the beach in Alabama and that was a constant struggle for me.
When I accepted Islam, I straightaway told my family and friends about my decision. They were all hostile, full of criticism. Till today I am looked upon with scorn. And my response has always been.... "I don't care what you think!!! To me my way, to you, yours!! I don't interfere in your life, don't interfere in mine."
Positive changes. Well.... Islam changes you completely. Inside out. It makes you a better person... with better manners, better speech, better conduct. You learn patience, self-control, self-discipline and grow in your love for God. What can be more positive than that?
Alhamdulillahir rabbil al ameen!
Jazakallah khair for asking this interesting question sister Starrynight.
I'm sorry your family isn't supportive. I'm sending love and support your way!
"Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that." --Martin Luther King Jr.
I finally learned the whole thing the other day and I can say it all in Arabic now. I'll keep practicing to get the pronunciation down.
As for foods, well, I never ate that much pork anyway (though I loved some bacon), so that is no big loss. Alcohol has been the biggest struggle for me. Well, that, and not looking at girls anymore. I'm a single lonely guy (who won't be married for a while), so some days it is a real struggle to lower my gaze and not think about women.
MAshAllah thats great... Im sure you're probably aware, but excercize, and drinking plenty of water, fresh juices really helps drive the alcohol out of your system..Start a healthy active life style, start jogging, or some sport that you like, it also helps ease away the withdrawl symptoms of alcohol which is depression/anxiety ,restlessness, confusion and etc..
Have you ever heard of figs? ( its called Injeer in arabic) they are very very nice dried up fruit and they have been mentioned in the Quran, and been known to really help purifying the blood and digestive system, mentioned in the QUran so must try! You can ask a muslim brother for help, and they are very tasty, well i love them
Also honey is very good, if you can take about a teaspoon or two, before you eat anything in the morning, well its really good to have 2,3 glasses of water first thing in the morning, follow them with honey or injeer, and its really good Alhamdulilah. You can also take a teaspoon of honey after your measl, they help in digestion and its In sunnah as well, the Prophet saww loved honey : )
Another purifying fruit is, Ajwa dates, Oh my my absolutely favourite kind of dates, but they are quite expensive, BUT im sure any arab brother would love to get them for you, Arabs have plenty of dates! They are also known to be healing in nature, and also protect from the effects of poisons and magic, And only Allah knows best, but you must try! Eat plenty of fruits, drink milk shakes, Once you start the healthy stuff you'll be repelled to have alcohol, InshAllah
Be positive, think Only good thoughts!find some activity to do even if its mowing the lawn or washing your car, don't sit idle, an idle mind is a devils factory! : ) May Allah swt be with you!
Brother, I am 50 and married and I too have to maintain a high level of discipline to lower my gaze. I just returned from a vacation to the beach in Alabama and that was a constant struggle for me.
Alabama? Dude, I live in Alabama. I haven't been to the beach in years. I don't even have to go to the beach around here though. I go out somewhere and see girls in short shorts, miniskirts, and halter tops everywhere I go. It's a struggle not to look, especially in our sex-crazed culture.
format_quote Originally Posted by SFatima
MAshAllah thats great... Im sure you're probably aware, but excercize, and drinking plenty of water, fresh juices really helps drive the alcohol out of your system..Start a healthy active life style, start jogging, or some sport that you like, it also helps ease away the withdrawl symptoms of alcohol which is depression/anxiety ,restlessness, confusion and etc.. Have you ever heard of figs? ( its called Injeer in arabic) they are very very nice dried up fruit and they have been mentioned in the Quran, and been known to really help purifying the blood and digestive system, mentioned in the QUran so must try! You can ask a muslim brother for help, and they are very tasty, well i love them Also honey is very good, if you can take about a teaspoon or two, before you eat anything in the morning, well its really good to have 2,3 glasses of water first thing in the morning, follow them with honey or injeer, and its really good Alhamdulilah. You can also take a teaspoon of honey after your measl, they help in digestion and its In sunnah as well, the Prophet saww loved honey : ) Another purifying fruit is, Ajwa dates, Oh my my absolutely favourite kind of dates, but they are quite expensive, BUT im sure any arab brother would love to get them for you, Arabs have plenty of dates! They are also known to be healing in nature, and also protect from the effects of poisons and magic, And only Allah knows best, but you must try! Eat plenty of fruits, drink milk shakes, Once you start the healthy stuff you'll be repelled to have alcohol, InshAllah Be positive, think Only good thoughts!find some activity to do even if its mowing the lawn or washing your car, don't sit idle, an idle mind is a devils factory! : ) May Allah swt be with you!
While I haven't had a drink of alcohol in almost a month, cutting down on caffeine and drinking more water has been more difficult. The first few days, I got really bad headaches from not drinking caffeine. I was drinking 4-5 caffeine drinks per day. I have it down to 1-2 now. It has gotten easier the longer I go. I also try to eat less food, partly to lose weight and also to prepare myself for Ramadan (which will be my first).
Dates... I don't think I've ever had dates. I do like fruit, though. Apples, peaches, strawberries, and grapes are particular favorites. As for exercise, I've been thinking about getting back into shape to play some basketball with the young brothers at the masjid. We've talked about starting a team up and playing in a league.
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I'm sorry your family isn't supportive. I'm sending love and support your way!
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