So I'm going to visit the local masjid today...

[Who Am I?]

I felt just same, as walking in darkness before I returned to Islam.

Actually I saw that Islam was like great garden behind walls and at wall were gate I had to find key to open it but it was my story.

You saw more than I did, then. I knew almost nothing of Islam until a couple of months ago. But the more I studied, the more things made sense, like my eyes were slowly being opened. I'm still a little afraid, but not as much as I was this morning.

That's not to say that things will be all good from here on out, but at least I have more support than I did before. I might actually be able to do this now...

 

[sister herb]

Don´t worry if you don´t understand everything right now. I studied Islam 7 years before were ready to say shahada.

Ooops.

 

[Who Am I?]

Don´t worry if you don´t understand everything right now. I studied Islam 7 years before were ready to say shahada.

Ooops.

Well I don't know how long it will take me. Allah (swt) will show me when the time is right...

 

[sister herb]

You are lucky as you have already contacts to muslims. My 7 years were absolutely lonely without any other muslim here. Just books I read and things I had.
But lately Allah choose He wants.

 

[Who Am I?]

Well I have had very little contact with Muslims outside these forums. These two trips to the masjid in fact have been my first real contact with Muslims in my life. I've never had any Muslim friends or family. That is why I was really nervous going to the masjid, because it was a completely new experience for me.

 

[Who Am I?]

Just a Guy: Good for you following your feelings. It is impressive that you are going forth with an open mind and brave heart. Keep your eyes and heart open and make your decision with the knowledge that you are seeking.

Whatever decision you make, i hope for you all of the best. If you choose to revert, you will have many challenges but no doubt many blessings as well. Remain strong in the knowledge that if your choice is to make your life better and more meaningful, there is no person who has the right to challenge your human right to do so.

May you find peace in your brave quest!

Peace out...JD

I saw this post last night but was too tired and forgot to comment.

Appreciate it, brother. Even my own mother told me "keep your heart and mind open" when I started going back to church. I don't think she meant Islam, but I've taken her advice anyway.

 

[sister herb]

I saw this post last night but was too tired and forgot to comment.

Appreciate it, brother. Even my own mother told me "keep your heart and mind open" when I started going back to church. I don't think she meant Islam, but I've taken her advice anyway.

Moms know the best.

 

[Who Am I?]

Moms know the best.

Yeah. She told me this weeks ago before I was even considering Islam as a religion. Now she's a pretty devout Christian, so I don't know how she will react, but I haven't told my family yet. I'll worry about that when the time comes.

 

[joedawun]

I saw this post last night but was too tired and forgot to comment.

Appreciate it, brother. Even my own mother told me "keep your heart and mind open" when I started going back to church. I don't think she meant Islam, but I've taken her advice anyway.

No worries, just happy to see someone actively on a quest for their true path in life. Your Mom gave you good advice, and obviously it can apply to your exploration of Islam as well.

 

[Who Am I?]

No worries, just happy to see someone actively on a quest for their true path in life. Your Mom gave you good advice, and obviously it can apply to your exploration of Islam as well.

I should have done this 15 years ago when I was in my early 20's. Then I wouldn't have had to go through 20 years of self misery. Now I'm trying to make up for lost time.

But then again, I may not be the same person that I am today.

 

[MustafaMc]

http://juz30.software.informer.com/

This software is useful for learning the Quran in Arabic with English translation and transliteration. For example, The first surah Al-Fatiha is recited during every rakat of every salah. The last surahs are short and easy to learn such as Al-Ikhlas (112) and Al-Asr (103).

 

[Abz2000]

you uplift others who consider themselves to be practicing, it feels like watching the seeds you were rewarded for sowing grow into fruit bearing trees - despite the fact that you were only paid to plant them, it's an unbelievable feeling to see the fruits - i'm sure you'll feel the same some day soon - and take the time to watch this video:

watch?v=IYMKQKSV0bY

it's his experience with his visit to the mosque - thought they'd kill him for the virgins , funny - yet educational,
peace

 

[Who Am I?]

Well, this is going to be harder than I thought.

Sometimes I wish I did not live in the same town as my parents.

Today was not a good day, and it was my fault.

I went to visit my parents today, to see mom after her surgery, and in causal conversation, I mentioned that I was taking Arabic classes at the masjid (stupid, I know. I shouldn't have said anything). Mom and Dad didn't say anything for a few seconds, then Mom says "Just don't become a Muslim." I didn't say anything. I couldn't. If that is going to be their reaction about that, what are they going to say after I take shahada?

But, I am 35 years old. I am my own man. I go my own way. I have to do what is right for me, and I still feel like Islam is right for me. I just won't tell them when I convert.

My faith is going to be tested, and I must win. I can't give this up after everything I've done this week. Not now. I won't let Allah down, and I won't let myself down.

I am alone, but I've always been alone. That is nothing new for me.

I will prevail, inshallah.

Today was not a good day...

 

[Flame of Hope]

Today was not a good day...

No brother. Today was a beautiful day! What a beautiful, blessed day! Don't you see how the reaction of your parents simply served to strengthen your faith?

It's truly a wonderful thing to hear you react the way you did. I'm soooo happy, you have no idea. :statisfie

Alhamdulillahir rabbil al ameen!

 

[Who Am I?]

No brother. Today was a beautiful day! What a beautiful, blessed day! Don't you see how the reaction of your parents simply served to strengthen your faith?

It's truly a wonderful thing to hear you react the way you did. I'm soooo happy, you have no idea. :statisfie

Alhamdulillahir rabbil al ameen!

Yeah, I guess it would be too easy if they just accepted it, but I've never been that lucky.

No, I can't quit now. I've put too much effort into this. I have to see this thing through. For Allah, for myself. This is the right path for me. I'm more convinced of that now than ever.

 

[MustafaMc]

I agree with you, brother. I advise that you keep you journey into Islam to yourself. When I converted to Islam 29 years ago, I was excited about finding Islam and told my family. Being from the Bible-belt, that went over like a 'lead balloon'. I was physically attacked by a family member, but Allah willed that I was able to restrain him even though he was stronger. After that I got discouraged and left Islam for 16 years. Shortly after I turned 40, I decided to again practice Islam in June 2001 despite what others thought or did. I praise God that so far I have stayed the course and my intention is to die not but as a Muslim. I pray for the same for you. Ameen!

 

[Who Am I?]

I agree with you, brother. I advise that you keep you journey into Islam to yourself. When I converted to Islam 29 years ago, I was excited about finding Islam and told my family. Being from the Bible-belt, that went over like a 'lead balloon'. I was physically attacked by a family member, but Allah willed that I was able to restrain him even though he was stronger. After that I got discouraged and left Islam for 16 years. Shortly after I turned 40, I decided to again practice Islam in June 2001 despite what others thought or did. I praise God that so far I have stayed the course and my intention is to die not but as a Muslim. I pray for the same for you. Ameen!

Yeah, I think the thing to do is not tell them. It's time I took my own advice that I've been giving out. It's time to be a man. I am my own man now. I don't have to tell my parents anything. I go my own way, and I go the way of Islam.

Funny. I was a little upset when it happened and I couldn't wait to complain about it on the forum. I thought I would be more upset about this when I got home. But now I'm not really that upset anymore.

:shade:

 

[Flame of Hope]

But now I'm not really that upset anymore.

How can Just a Guy be upset when Just a Flame is all smiles? lol. :shade: :statisfie :sunny: :smile: :coolious:

 

[Flame of Hope]

Shortly after I turned 40, I decided to again practice Islam in June 2001 despite what others thought or did.

This part of brother Mustafa's story really touches me. I know that it's straight from the heart. Real and genuine.

I feel it to be an honor to know people like you.... Just a Guy and MustafaMc.....

Alhamdulillahir rabbil al ameen!

 

[Who Am I?]

How can Just a Guy be upset when Just a Flame is all smiles? lol. :shade: :statisfie :sunny: :smile: :coolious:

You know you're my biggest supporter here and I appreciate that. This is as much for you and everyone else that has supported me as it is for myself. I can't let you down, I can't let myself, and I can't let Allah down. For too long I've done things because I was too afraid to upset anyone. I was too afraid of what others would think. I was too afraid to let anyone down.

That time is fading. This is my hour. This is Allah's hour. I know what I must do.

Or maybe I'm just taking this too seriously...