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bismiAllah arRahman
arRaheem
(in the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful) .
Advice for my
New Muslim Sisters
... "Let there be no compulsion in religion. . ." (Qur'an 2:256)
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Islam is life and not a way of life. This means that it includes all aspects of life and is not just a small corner of your life. It's also the key to paradise. Some people see religion as only a part of their life, Islam is not that way, it fills every area of your life.
Here are some guidelines to keep in mind as a new Muslim, or a Muslim who has just seriously started learning about her religion.
Don't let all the "details" of Islam prevent you from enjoying Islam.
Many good meaning Muslims will tell you that as soon as you become a Muslim then you must start doing everything according to Islam. What seems to be forgotten in this day and age is that the Qur'an was revealed over a period of years and the Muslims then had that time to learn about what the religion required. Once you embrace Islam, start praying to Allah to guide you in all your affairs and trust in Him to help you learn what you need to know, when you need to know it.
Don't let the things you're supposed to do as a Muslim keep you from becoming one. Sometimes people let one or two issues keep them from totally accepting Islam. No one expects you to change totally overnight, we know it takes longer for some to practice Islam as it should be practiced.
Decide if you believe in the Shahada (twin testimony of faith). If you do, then don't worry about the rest yet. Say the Shahada and practice more as you learn. Learn the practice of Islam at your own pace whether that's jumping in head first or wading in slowly.
Prayer is one of the most important parts of being Muslim. Our prayers of this lifetime will be looked at on the Day of Judgement. It is very important that as soon as you become Muslim you start learning how to pray the five daily prayers and pray them.
If you feel discouraged it's okay, we all do at some point. Just ask Allah for help and go forward. Find Sisters (even if only online) to discuss these feelings with. You can always contact me, I would love to hear from you and help in any way I can!
Don't look at other Muslims as being perfect. Islam is perfect, Muslims are not.
Plan life around your prayers and not prayers around your life.
Seek other Muslimahs (Muslim women) in your community for fellowship and learning.
Take criticisms in stride. Try not to get angry... that just gives Islam a bad name.
If you are a single woman, do not let yourself be alone with a man - unless of course he is family. This just causes temptation even if you don't realize it.
It is clear from the Qur'an and hadith that we should wear hijab (the Islamic covering for women). But it is something you should want to do to please Allah, not because someone tells you you should wear it. Again, give yourself time and ask Allah to help you. Allah (salla alahu alayhi wa salam) will reward you so much. There will come a time when you feel you just can't go out without wearing hijab!
When correcting other Muslimahs, do it in love and not harshly. It should also be done in private so as not to embarrass the sister. Kindness in the manner of correcting others allows others to see your concern and gives Islam a good name.
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