Considering Converting from Catholicism, please help.

[hc18]

So my boyfriend and I have been together for a while. Him and his family moved here about 8 years ago from Iraq and are Sunni Muslims. I am a Catholic American. I was raised in a Catholic family and attended Catholic school, but stopped attending church and praying once I got to high school. I'm more just a Catholic by title than a practicing one. Ive spoken to my mom about converting and she is okay with whatever I decide as long as I'm happy. He's in no way forcing me to convert, but stated that he would like me to at least consider converting and learn more about Islam (it also would make things easier with his family). I have also learned a lot about Islam from being around him and his friends and asking questions and I really am attracted to and intrigued by it. I have began to read the Quran and have caught myself reading it and not being able to put it down once I start. I've also prayed about how I'm considering converting. However, I feel as if I don't know enough to be able to convert because I want to convert for myself and in my belief that Islam is the one, true religion, not for my boyfriend. What are the first steps I need to take in order to learn more about Islam and decide if it's right for me?

Thanks for all your help!

 

[Search]

:bism: (In the Name of God, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful)

Welcome to this board, sis. An honorable and happy welcome from the heart!

I used be an atheist, and I have been in love with Islam for years and years now. Of course, you are 100% right that you should do it for yourself and no one else as faith is a matter ultimately between you and Allah (God) alone first and foremost.

To get started in terms of learning the basics, I'd recommend that you sign up for Seekershub.org classes taught by Islamic scholars. They are 100% free classes that are offered for all Muslims, new converts and non-converts, to learn from and you may even sign up for the classes without converting. Of course, Term 2 is currently underway and so they won't be opening for classes until October 2nd; so, you might (unfortunately) have to wait some time. In the meantime, if you like to read, I recommend browsing the site WhyIslam.org.

However, if you like listening to real stories of converts, I'd recommend these two wonderful stories on YouTube to gain a better understanding and insight into Islam: Dr. Lawrence Brown's conversion story and this 85-year old Muslim convert's story.

Finally, if you want more in-depth explanations on the question of why Islam or such, I'd recommend two YouTube videos that I think are great at explaining the truth of Islam: Divine Prologue 1 and Divine Prologue 2.

And in addition to all of the above, I'm linking you to an inspiring YouTube video called Islam and the Ego.

Peace.

By the way, if you have any concerns, questions, inquires or whatever, please, please, please don't hesitate to reach out to us as we're always InshaAllah (God-willing) happy to help you as you're our sister in humanity and one whom we're honored to host on this board as our sister and friend.

Sincere Regards & Best Wishes, :statisfie

So my boyfriend and I have been together for a while. Him and his family moved here about 8 years ago from Iraq and are Sunni Muslims. I am a Catholic American. I was raised in a Catholic family and attended Catholic school, but stopped attending church and praying once I got to high school. I'm more just a Catholic by title than a practicing one. Ive spoken to my mom about converting and she is okay with whatever I decide as long as I'm happy. He's in no way forcing me to convert, but stated that he would like me to at least consider converting and learn more about Islam (it also would make things easier with his family). I have also learned a lot about Islam from being around him and his friends and asking questions and I really am attracted to and intrigued by it. I have began to read the Quran and have caught myself reading it and not being able to put it down once I start. I've also prayed about how I'm considering converting. However, I feel as if I don't know enough to be able to convert because I want to convert for myself and in my belief that Islam is the one, true religion, not for my boyfriend. What are the first steps I need to take in order to learn more about Islam and decide if it's right for me?

Thanks for all your help!

 

[ahmedahmed]

Sister,welcome to the IB forum,first of all you should consider you coming here and posting as a blessing from almighty allah.;D,yes,islam is the only true religion,it is the religion which prophet abraham,moses,jesus and muhammed peace be upon him followed,i would say learn more.learn the basics. start with the five pillars of islam and pray to to God(allah) in the morning and afternoon to show you guidance.


may allah be with you on your unique,personal journey.

Mashalah,la hawla wa quwata ila bilah.

 

[Umm♥Layth]

Your story is very similar to my own I was Catholic before and stopped practicing right at confirmation time because I didn't want to confirm that faith as I wasn't convinced of it. I met my ex husband right out of high school and married shortly after.

My advice to you is to do this FOR YOU and because you are convinced on your own and it is the path you want to take. Don't do it for him because he may very well not be in your life at some point (you never know!). You will more than likely face cultural clashes with your boyfriend when you really get to know the faith and realize that he and his family may have practices that are different from what Islam teaches. It is common with people who are born Muslim, just like Catholics from other cultures practice differently than Catholics born in America. You have to be prepared to accept that and not let it put you off of learning Islam and also not let his practices limit you from growing.

I actually developed as a Muslim after my divorce. Alhamdullilah, here I am 13 years later. Becoming a Muslim was the biggest blessing and greatest gift I've ever received.

Also, be careful with your boyfriend, he knows that as a Muslim he shouldn't be dating, touching or even looking at a woman he isn't married to. I would hate for you to be disappointed with his practices if you guys do get married as the relationship is likely starting off on the wrong foot. Forgive me if I have assumed wrong, but this is common. Waaaay too common.

If you have any questions, feel free to ask!