During worship services as my Christian church, I have always felt such a strong urge to bow down to God. Sometimes I do this even though it is very unusual. Sometimes I feel the presence of God so strongly that I have to fall to my knees with my head on the floor and give honor to the Creator of Heaven and Earth -- the God of everything -- the One God -- the Only God. And I sing -- THERE IS NONE LIKE YOU.
In the US, we have been shielded from Islam for many generations. Until now, people like me have grown up all their lives without knowing a THING about Islam other than the lies we are told. But you can't always blame the people who tell the lies because they are only repeating lies that were told to them as truth and they now believe they are telling the truth -- they are only ignorant, not necessarily evil.
Most of us have grown up not knowing anything about Islam, usually not even really knowing the difference between Islam, Muslim, Hindu, Buddist, etc... It's true -- most of us don't know a single thing about any of these other religions other than the fact that they are NOT Christian, which in this culture, pretty much amounts to being evil tools of the devil.
I don't say that to stir up contention -- only to explain.
Most of us learn to fear anything that is different than what we've been taught. We learn that different beliefs are very dangerous and that they will slip into your spirit and take you over and the next thing you know you'll be burning in a devil's hell for being deceived by false religion.
So we are not only shielded form information about non-Christian religions, we are taught to fear the very act of even questioning or investigating other religions. We are taught that to open a sacred text other than the Bible is opening yourself up to infectious ideas that will trap you like drugs and drag you into deception. We are taught that it is only safe to blind yourself from any information about other religions, particularly Islam.
But God will come to those he chooses, regardless of the barriers that ignorant men have built up around them.
I started thinking about Islam from many directions. First, I wondered about the people our government was demonizing and what purpose they had in doing that. Then in reading and researching the Middle East on topics of politics and culture I learned more about Islam.
What is Islam? I wondered. So I looked at some videos and took out a copy of the Qu'ran I had in my library and read some passages in it. I was very surprised to find that Allah was not a false god but that he was the ONE God -- the God of Abraham, Issac, Ishmael, Jacob, Jesus. Then I researched Israel and the history of Zionism.
I began to see that Muslims were the seed of Abraham and that Islam was the only truly mono-theistic religion and that Muslims were a people under attack from all sides.
At the same time, I was full of despair from living in the pornographic West. Even though I seemed alone in my beliefs I was deeply offended by the immodesty of our culture and the behavior of a society immersed in deviant sexuality. I couldn't understand how people were able to accept things as common place that were so blatantly, disgustingly perverted. Everywhere you go there are unclothed women and young girls deliberately acting in ways designed specifically to seduce men... not just one man -- any man. Clothing that was designed by prostitutes for one purpose -- to illicit sexual arousal in any and every man they pass by. And the whole society laughing and making jokes about it.. laughing and making jokes about adultry and infidelity and deceit. While my entire society had embraced these things I was profoundly offended by them.
And so I searched for a style of clothing that allowed me to respect myself as a Godly woman and yet was beautiful. I became interested in Middle Eastern clothing and first bought a sari. Then I shopped online and found a salwar kameez. After that, I bought a pantsuit with longer top. Then I bought a jilbab.
That day I felt truly at ease and beautiful, not only in the eyes of my husband but in the eyes of God.
Meanwhile I read more about Islam. But I didn't know much about Muhammed until just the other day when I started watching the documentary "The Prophet Muhammed." That's when I felt things changing in my heart.
I have already said that I believe God is the one God, the only God and that there is no God but God. I believe that God is Allah, the God of Abraham. I also believe that Jesus was born of the virgin Mary by a miracle wrought by the hands of God. Whether or not that makes him a "son" is sort of a technicality. And now I am seeing what a beautiful human being that Muhammed was and also that the message he brought was from God.
I also have a hard time going to the Christian church of which I am a member. I feel very lonely there and it is difficult for me to overlook the hypocrisy of present day 'Christianity.' I know there are many very sincere individuals in the faith and they are ignorant of the horrendous uses of what is now called Christianity. They don't know that their government uses their platform to gain the power they need to continue the mass atrocities presently occurring around the world, especially in Muslim countries. But I know. And because I know it is difficult for me to sit quietly.
And then I find that the Prophet Muhammed was very clear about our obligation to speak out against injustice when we see it. He was clear about charity and helping others.
I have been a humanitarian worker in social justice for years. My husband and I have a humanitarian project where we work with one of the poorest communities in the world.
What I'm starting to realize is that, even though I am a member of a Christian church and have not made a public stand otherwise, that I am a Muslim in my heart. And I am starting to realize that I have been a Muslim in many ways for a long time and just did not know it.
Yes, I am a Muslim.
NOW WHAT DO I DO?
My husband is a Christian minister. He does not really know the extent that my faith has changed. But I know he is drawn to Islam as well. He loves the dishdasha I bought for him and has asked me to get him the head covering as well. He loves the book I have here called "Caravan of Deams" by Idries Shah. He loves the modest clothing I wear and he cries whenever we watch videos showing the persecution of Muslim people.
I have ordered the documentary on the Prophet Muhammed that I am watching on youtube so that my husband and I can sit down and watch it all together in it's entirety.
I am kind of scared of how this will all work out. It's such a major step -- such a huge change. Especially when our entire lives have been lived pretty much in the Christian community.
I wish I had more posts here so I could correspond with someone on a more regular basis.
I really wouldn't mind getting email so if anyone feels led to write to me, my address is: Removed -email address, use send email on profile
Salaam,
caroline -- just another slave of Allah
Last edited by Woodrow; 12-17-2007 at 04:59 AM.
Reason: removed email
Wow, reading your post has really made me think, Subhan'Allah!
Just try talking to your husband, explain yur thoughts and feelings to him
I think someone has already said that because your husband is a religous person it will be easier for him to understand, and i think that they're 100% right.
May Allah swt guide you through your difficulties and bring you to Islam..Ameen
Caroline, have you ever heard of Yusuf Estes?
He was a preacher, and reading your post reminded me of his story of how he converted. link to it
I'm not sure if that will help in any way, but that's my contribution.
Assalam-o-Allikum
Alhamdulilah.. wow Caroline.... that its some journey you have been through.. Reading your post has filled me with admiration of the path you have taken into becoming a Muslim, i am also a convert with a Christian family
and inshaAllah with the guidance of Allah i hope it becomes easier for you and your husband.
I found out that Netflix doesn't have the PBS series on the Prophet Muhammed that I was watching on youtube. I think Netflix is a bit biased from the looks of their material.
Not much of a surprise.
Thank you so much. And if one of the sisters would like to correspond, please feel free to email me.
Caroline,
Im so glad that my prediction came to reality so soon. I was deep sure that you would be a muslim even when u said you still believe Jesus is the Son of God. And I still telling you that your husband will be a good Muslim too.
You may be tested in this life, you and your husband, but this is the test after which you will go to Paradise in the hereafter insha Allah.
What really stopped me is that you wanted to put ur forehead on the ground and wanted to wear covering clothes, and this is what muslims already do. This was a big indication of your kind nature.
If you need any help, it will be our pleasure all here to give to you
All praise is due to Allah! I was totally awestruck by the beauty and sincerity of the initial post. I have no advice to give you regarding whether to tell your husband or not. Becoming a Muslim is a monumental decision that can negatively impact your life in a western country, but, Allah willing, it can also have a major positive impact on your life in the hereafter. It seems that you are a very sincere and courageous person. Personally, I encourage you to become a Muslim, but be prepared for the worst. My family was very upset when they found out that I reverted, but after 26 years they have come to accept the fact that my religion is not Christianity. I am the only Muslim in my family except that my wife reverted a few years back.
I was a wishy-washy Muslim until I decided over 6 years ago to practice my faith despite my fears of what might happen. I am happy to say that there have been no major negative impacts on my life due to practicing Islam.
Last edited by MustafaMc; 12-17-2007 at 03:00 AM.
Reason: add last sentences
Very good caroline. I am a latino convert and your story makes me smile. i am from a conservative pentecostal family and it wasn't easy for me either. However Allah will help you.
If you take one step toward him, he wil take two toward you. If you take nine steps toward him, he will run to you.
Pray to your creator, and bow to him, because he is the only one who deserves that honour.
EVERY MUSLIM HAS A PART TO PLAY FOR PEACE... OR REVENGE WILL BE THE LAUGHTER OF OUR CHILDREN.
"I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their brethren; and I will put my words in his mouth, and he shall speak to them all that I command him".
Deuteronomy 18.18
Compare Moses and Jesus. Then compare moses and Muhammad. This doesnt fit Jesus at all.
Then ofcourse is what Jesus himself had stated which the church misinterpreted and constriued as THE HOLY SPIRIT and keeps hoodwinking people into it.
But I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the ‘Paraklit’(greek work translated as comforter but which means distinguisher between truth and falsehood) will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. When he comes, he will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment. (John, 16:7-8)
When Paraklit comes – the Spirit of truth – who comes from the Father, he will testify about me. (John, 15.26)
I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear. But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. He will bring glory to me by taking what is mine and making it known to you. (John, 16.12-14)
I will not speak with you much longer, for the Prince of this world is coming. And I posses nothing of him. (John, 14.30)
Are there paid pastors or ministers in Islam?
What about humanitarian aid workers? Do Islamic organizations support NGO's and poverty relief efforts?
Can husband and wife worship and pray together in the mosque or only at home?
What about musicians? Are their groups of musicians?
What about humanitarian aid workers? Do Islamic organizations support NGO's and poverty relief efforts?
Charity is a core pillar of Islam - I'm not sure which islamic organisations support NGO's, but since charity is a core belief, donating towards NGO's and poverty relief would be strongly encouraged.
What about musicians? Are their groups of musicians?
Music is seen as haram in Islam. I read a quote from one of the companions of the Prophet saying something along the lines of one cannot have the Quran and Music in one's heart. That summed it all up for me.
Your other points have been addressed by other members in the thread so there was no need for me answer them.
As for your initial post, I'm not sure what info I can give you - perhaps a muslim sister (revert would be ideal) would be more suitable?
Someone said to the Prophet, "Pray to God against the idolaters and curse them." The Prophet replied, "I have been sent to show mercy and have not been sent to curse." (Muslim)
Many mosques in the US will have a paid imam/resident scholar position, but it's not nearly as ingrained as the pastor/minister/priest is in christianity.
What about humanitarian aid workers? Do Islamic organizations support NGO's and poverty relief efforts?
Yes, and we have our own as well. There are many that operate on a local level, as well as those that focus oversees. My favorite is Islamic Relief, because it's transparent, reliable and does a lot of good.
The NGO isn't as prevelant in muslim community as it is elsewhere because of the intimate and local form charity usually takes. Often, charity, be it zakat (the required 2.5% of your wealth) or sadaqa (voluntary charity) is given directly to the individuals and families that need them the most, either from person to person, or through a local mosque or zakat operation.
Many mosques, especially in the african american community, run food shelves and soup kitchens, or volunteer with local food programs.
Can husband and wife worship and pray together in the mosque or only at home?
The main form of worship at the mosque is salat, which is done in a single gender environment - men with men and women with women. If there are lectures or classes being given at the mosque, men and women may sit together, or they may sit by gender, it all depends on the mosque.
Home is where the husband and wife really worship together. You can read the quran together, listen to islamic lectures, pray salat together
I tried to email you, but I'm not sure it worked. inshaAllah I'll send you my email through pm.
I've been a singer since I was 2 years old. My first professional performance at age 14. I've been singing and playing piano in church for over 40 years. I sit at the piano and play worship music and praise God through this instrument almost every day of my life. God has spoken to me so many times while I've been playing worshipfully to Him.
My favorite is Islamic Relief, because it's transparent, reliable and does a lot of good.
Yes, Islamic Relief is the charity I like as well.
The main form of worship at the mosque is salat, which is done in a single gender environment - men with men and women with women. If there are lectures or classes being given at the mosque, men and women may sit together, or they may sit by gender, it all depends on the mosque.
Men are requied to go to Friday prayer, Jumu'ah, and, according to the Sunnah, they should also go to the masjid for the 5 daily prayers. Women are not required to pray in the masjid, but neither are they to be prevented from doing so.
Home is where the husband and wife really worship together. You can read the quran together, listen to islamic lectures, pray salat together
Yes, praying salah and reading the Qur'an with my wife at home is most satisfying for me.
Assalamualaikum.
MashaAllah, Caroline. Glad to read all of that. The best part is also your husbands interest in Islam.
May Allah (swt) make things easy for the both of you!
Remember that Allah (swt) will test you, but inshaAllah you'll pull through easy and everyone on top of things.
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