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Madinat al-Muslimeen Islamic Message Board

COnverting to Islam
Anonymous
09/21/00 at 10:22:52
Hi to all! Over the last number of months I have, for a variety of reasons, become interested in Islam, and am starting to think about converting.  To be honest, the thought scares me to death! I feel like there is so much more I need to know. Where do I even start in terms of changing my life? I am so overwhelmed at this point that all I want to do is lie on the couch with a pillow over my head:) I would LOVE to have opinions, comments, thoughts, especially from those who have had similar experiences. For the record I am 30, single, and a writer. Thanks! T

Re: COnverting to Islam
widad
09/21/00 at 11:29:33
slm Well,I am a muslim by birth,but alhamdulillha when I grew up I found a lot about the beauty of Islam. I do hope that Allah helps you into doing this ,you will never regret. Pleaes visit this site,if you want to see some beautiful scientific proof. www.it-is-truth.org also I would be honoured if you visit my homepage: homestead.com/widad/

Re: COnverting to Islam
Arsalan
09/21/00 at 11:51:05
[quote]I feel like there is so much more I need to know. Where do I even start in terms of changing my life? I am so overwhelmed at this point that all I want to do is lie on the couch with a pillow over my head:) [/quote] Have you read any part of the Quran?  That's a good place to start.  I have heard from many non Muslims who begin reading about Islam (and many new converts) that they go through this same "too much to learn" feeling.  But many of them find it very comforting to focus on the Quran at the beginning, and finishing that first.   Take it slow.  Little bit at a time.  I suggest you get yourself a copy of Yusuf Ali's translation of the Quran (which one do you have?) and start from the beginning.  Many questions will arise when you start reading the Quran.  But be patient.  The book itself will answer your questions as you read further ... almost as if it could read your mind! If you still have questions, consult the commentary underneath the text, or ask any one of us.   Also, visit http://www.islam101.com ; it's a great site about the basics of Islam - nothing overwhelming. I wish you all the best, and may Allah guide you and guide us all. Arsalan

Re: COnverting to Islam
Saleema
09/21/00 at 15:34:27
Hi, I am a Muslim by birth and let me tell you something. When my interest in learning more about my religion began I felt the same way as you that theres so much to learn. But I started at the Quran and then picked my way through some really good books. And here I am and I don't feel overwhelmed by all the stuff. It comes really naturaly now. I will also add a website for you to visit for further questioning. www.iiie.net Its a site dedicated to answering question by non-muslims and the organziation is based in Chicago. If you want to ask any questions, you can always come back on here. So what do you write if you don't mind my asking? Just want to know because I like writing too. Wassalam Saleema

Re: COnverting to Islam
Kathy
09/21/00 at 18:38:38
I was 26 when I reverted. The basics were very easy- regarding the five pillars of Islam. The learning process never ends. I think you will find a lot of supportive people on this forum. I wish this was here back then. I recieved a lot of Islamic knowledge that was culturally biased. On this message board if someone gives you the wrong answer- many will take the time to correct it! I strongly suggest that you take advantage of us and ask away! Many of us truley understand what you are going thru! A book that I enjoyed reading when I first became interested was "Let Us Be Muslims" by Sayyid Abul A'la Mawdudi. May Allah swt guide you on this righteous path. You will never regret it!

Re: COnverting to Islam
Arsalan
09/21/00 at 19:09:20
Assalamu alaikum, [i]Let Us Be Muslims[/i] is also known by another name: [i]Fundamentals of Islam[/i].  Same author.  Same book.  Two different names.

Re: COnverting to Islam
salamrae
09/23/00 at 03:32:21
I am a revert. I became muslim about five years ago. I was raised in a very strong Christian family. My father is an elder, my brother a deacon, my mother teaches sunday school, my other brother teaches , and has a Bible degree, as well as a master degree, and they are all very involved in the church. I think the begining for me was accepting the fact that the Bible is not the true and complete word of God. Then I began to look at Islam. My husband was raised muslim and though at the time he was not practicing, he still felt strongly about the Quran. And after visiting Saudi to see his family, (he is family is from Palastine but he was raised in Saudi) I learned more. I became muslim before I really understood, so we could go. But after arriving there I was given many books, and  knowldege. Even so after we returned to the US it took a year or so for us to really become stronger and practice. So even if you are raised Muslim you still may not pocess the knowldege to practice. In any case It takes time, and step by step things become clear. I would recomend books by Ahmad Deedat, and Jamal Badawai. They are good for answering Christianity. If you want you can email me I can give you some good sites to go to , etc... Salam Rae

Re: COnverting to Islam
bhaloo
09/23/00 at 11:07:40
slm I recommend getting the book, "Islam the Nautral Way" by Abdul Wahid Hamid.  It explains so many things in a nice and easy to read format.  One can find the book at www.islamicbookstore.com

Re: COnverting to Islam
HS786
09/23/00 at 23:39:02
Assalamu Alaikum, I would very strongly reccommend Jeffrey Lang's books, "STRUGGLING TO SURRENDER" and "EVEN ANGELS ASK". In Struggling to Surrender, the author has talked about his own experiences when he was looking for truth and his conversion, his emotions his convictions. You will really feel and understand what he went thru. Once you find the truth you will find peace and tranquility within yourself. May Allah (SWT) guide you to the right path. HS

Re: Converting to Islam
Terri
09/29/00 at 13:36:40
Hello all, I'd like to thank everyone who took the time to email me and post in reply to my question about converting to Islam.  I've visted a number of the web pages suggested to me, and bought two books, Islam the Natural Way and Struggling to Surrender, that I am reading now.  I am still fighting my own battles with this, but it is a comfort to know that there are people who are willing to share their thoughts with me.  The funny thing is, the spiritual part is not what overwhelms me so much - that all makes a lot of sense to me, from what I have read - as it is the basic, day to day changes I would have to make in my life.  Still, I will continue the struggle, because in  the end I believe it will be worth it. Thanks again! Terri

Re: COnverting to Islam
bhaloo
09/29/00 at 18:12:28
Hi Terri, I'm glad to hear your doing all this research, alhumdullilah (All praises to Allah).  If you need any help or have any questions at all, PLEASE ask.  Many people on this board converted to Islam and quite a few have converted before our very eyes. :)   I'm sure they have had similiar questions and concerns that you have and can insha'Allah (God willing) help and share with you similar experiences.

Re: COnverting to Islam
Arsalan
09/30/00 at 01:47:45
Bhaloo, that reminds me.  What happened to Efuru?  Is she on this board now or not yet?  Anybody still in contact with her?? Wassalamu alaikum.
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