Asalamu Alaikum wa Ramatullahi wa Barakatuhu,
First of all I want to say...shukran for visiting my blog. I was disappointed however, that comments have been sent to my e-mail, or I have received phone calls about them, but they have not been posted to the blog to share with others. I want to create a dialogue, so that we can learn from each other, share stories, dissent...whatever. So please do not send me private messages, unless you really don't want to share. However, I get the sense from the responses, that YOU want to share your ideas. Let me know via email if this is not the case.
Salma
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Before I became a Muslim, I had many friends from all over the world who were Muslims. However, I had no real idea what Islam was all about. In fact, I will go as far to say many of them were Muslim by name only, as what I have come to learn of Islam was not what we were practicing....Allah knows best. As you will see in some of my posts, the road has been a winding one, but Sobhan'Allah, I am here, striving and learning daily. I have many stories to tell, and many opinions about a Muslim woman's life, from my perspective (of course). When I think about my journey to Islam, there are many things that come to mind...many twists and turns. But I will share two memories that I have.The day I went to the mosque to convert, and my husband teaching me al-Salat.
The Mosque:
I had called and ask to meet with an Imam, at a local mosque. I was told that technically I did not need to attend any mosque to recite the shahada, which I had actually said a hundred times in my head, in an attempt to memorize it. On this day, I believe it was a Thursday, I took the subway, then the bus to the mosque. It was the month of July, so it was quite hot. As I made my way to the mosque I remember thinking, I am going to be a new person.
I had been inside of a mosque before, but I still did not know what to expect. Sensing my nervousness, the Imam tried to make me feel more comfortable, asking me about Jamaica, my family, my reason for wanting to be a Muslim, and telling me about the beauty of Islam. Finally, the man who would be the witness came (although I don't believe it is necessary). After I recited the shahada, I signed some papers, and spoke briefly with the Imam and the witness about (once again), the beauty of Islam, the role of Muslims, and the need to join the community. I was hopeful, and ecstatic.
My Wedding Night:
Fast-forward a few years later...my husband and I had talked about praying together on our wedding night. Years had passed, and while I had done bits and pieces of al-Salat, I just became frustrated and had given it up all together. I had memorized some parts quite well, but not in a format of the actual prayer, as you Muslims will understand what I mean. I was nervous enough about getting married, so I put the prayer matter, in the back of my mind, and hoped for the best. Well, he prayed that night, and I watched him lovingly, but it really did not occur to me how important this would be for us as a newly married couple.
As our honeymoon was coming to a end, I was bothered by the fact that he diligently adhered to his worship (even on his honeymoon), waiting for the adhan (call to prayer), performing wudhu, and praying 5 times a day, while I did not. A, had promised me before marriage that he would be patient, and understanding about my lack of knowledge about Islam, due to the fact that I was raised Catholic for a good portion of my life. I had heard his words, but had not digested them, because I felt (maybe), it was easier said than done.
One after-noon I took a deep breath and told him what was troubling me. I admitted to him that I did not "really" know how to pray. I held my breath, waiting for his reaction, because my husband is very strong in his faith, I felt he would judge me. However, he reacted in a way I had not imagined. SobhanAllah, he was so patient and kind to me in those moments. He sat next to me, knelt with me and taught me how to pray. It was truly a relief for me. Every time I think about what I love about him, I remember this day...big smile : )
In conclusion, in my early days as a convert, I really isolated myself from the world, not just other Muslims. I was afraid and ashamed for not knowing what to do, how to wear a hijab, or even how to greet Muslims when I was greeted. Alhamdulleah, I am more open now to simply say, "I don't understand..." and ask for clarification. As a mother with young (ish) children, studying and attending school, as well as being a wife, I have not had as much time as I would like to meet with other Muslimahs. Insha'Allah, this will not be a permanent aspect of my life.
Sooooooo...I am in the process of creating a short Q & A about Islam and aspects of Islam. I have broken it down into a total of 2 Questions per day, possibly a series of 6 to 8 (possibly more) postings. Some of the information is basic. But, perhaps, you can give your views, or a snippet of your life that highlights one or both of the questions.
For my fellow Muslimahs, (guests), if you note any mistakes or missed (relevant) facts in these particular postings, please let me know and I will check into it, and or change accordingly. For everyone else, give me your feedback, thoughts, etc.
Here are the first two questions.
Ma'salam
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Muslims believe in one God and in the Day of Judgment and individual accountability for actions. Muslims believe in a chain of prophets beginning with Adam and including Noah (Nuh), Abraham (Ibrahim), Ishmael, Issac, Jacob (Yacoub), Joseph (Yusuf), Job (Ayoub), Moses (Musa), David (Dawud), Solomon (Sulaiman) John (Yahya), and Jesus (Isa). God's message was reaffirmed and finalized by the Prophet Muhammad...(peace and blessing be upon them all).
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The Arabic word "Islam" means "submission," and it derives from a word meaning "peace." In a religious context it means complete submission to the will of God. "Allah" is the Arabic name for God.
Islam is a religion of peace, mercy and forgiveness.
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