As a revert /convert Muslimah myself, I understand that every person’s experience and story behind their Shahadah is incredibly personal, deep, and often private.
Although to others, the decision to become a Muslim may appear to be taken on a whim; but often when we delve deeper into the stories behind convert Muslims, we can see that truly their coming to Islam has been years in the making, planned and perfected by our Creator, Allah.
Some of you may know me personally, therefore you may know about my own discovery of Islam. Others may have read my personal story, which I have wrote for you many moons ago.
However, I have been honored with the privilege of writing the story of a dear friend of mine, who has opened her heart and offered to share her experience with you. To protect her privacy, I will refer to her as Arya.
A Journey to Islam
Arya reflects on her childhood when determining where her journey to Islam began. Ultimately, there cannot be one cause or trigger that led to her becoming who she is today. Surely, she accepts that despite feeling alone she was never lost and that throughout life Allah kept her close.
Arya was raised in a faithless household, yet ironically was often sent to schools of faith or schools that had a vast majority of Muslim pupils.
Similarly to myself, Arya always believed in a ‘higher power’; she was curious when it came to religion, often associating religion with a sense of belonging and community feel as her baby sitter used to take her to Bible studies at the local church.
As Arya grew older, she holds fond memories of a school trip to a Mosque. Arya was struck and intrigued by the amount of rules within Islam that helped keep people organized and focused. Even sharing deep conversations that were well beyond her years with other Muslim children about Jesus.
I would appear that one of the many sparks that ignited Arya’s search for Islam was in her childhood; and ultimately it was an ember that never faded from the fire in her search for the truth.
Marriage and Shahadah
When Arya was a teen, her mother married a man from Yemen. Despite marriage, her mother didn’t accept Islam and her husband at that time wasn’t particularly practicing.
However, through this new relationship and marriage her mother embarked on, Arya became family with the Yemeni community; and she was married herself to a Yemeni brother when she was 16.
Arya admits that at the time of marriage, her husband wasn’t practicing his deen. The imam who married them explained that she must take Shahadah and wear a hijab in order for the marriage to take place.
Ultimately, Arya was let down as the commitment she had just made was not explained to her; her understanding wasn’t there. After the wedding and her conversion to Islam, Arya carried on with life as normal;she didn’t give a second thought to Islam and what had just taken place.
The First Year of Marriage
Ultimately around their first anniversary, Arya’s husband began practicing Islam and turning back to Allah. He began to pray his Salah and tried explaining more about Islam to her.
Arya listened and respected his choice; but she firmly expressed that despite Islam being interesting, she had no intention of being a Muslim despite believing in God.
Surely, Allah never forgot her and always remained by her side; she was never truly lost.
Painting, Decorating and Jesus
During the first years of her marriage, Arya worked as a painter decorator with a very openly Christian manager. Trying to find her place and sense of belonging, Arya associated Christianity with social norm, that it was the expectation of white English girls, to become good Christians.
Craving knowledge and searching for the truth, Arya spent days asking her manager many questions about Christianity; almost waiting for the heavens to open and for the truth to hit her right on the head, but the reality was that never happened.
Looking back on this moment of her life, the Quran was the answer she needed all along:
We will show them Our Signs in the Universe, and in their own selves; until it becomes manifest to them that this (the Quran) is the truth. (Fussilat 41:53)
Despite the endless questioning, the manager never really had any answer for Arya; so she sat and pondered on what it meant to be a Christian. It was then when she realized that she didn’t believe Jesus, a man, could be God. Ultimately realizing she wasn’t and could not be a Christian.
So her search for the truth continued.
Family Conflict
Arya was still very much against the idea of becoming a Muslim mostly because she didn’t want to wear a hijab. Every now and then, the thought of Islam would creep into the back of her mind. She decided to bring up the topic of religion with her sister who became angry and very defensive, warning her not to accept Islam or she would lose her as a sister.
After the reaction she received from her sister, Arya approached the topic of religion with her grandmother; she firmly stated that religion had no place in her life, and that Arya need not be stupid and worry about such things as religion.
This time in Arya’s life was a great test for her, she felt more alone and lost than she had ever felt. With nowhere and no one to turn to, Arya looked up to the sky and made a silent prayer; she asked God to show her that He exists and that He could see her struggle and to give her guidance.
A t that point she relinquished all her anxiety and left it in the hands of God; and had faith that if God was real then she would be sent a sign.
The Realization
A number of days had passed since Arya’s silent prayer when she woke early in the morning to find her husband praying Fajr. She said to him that she didn’t understand how he could wake so early; and that she was far too lazy, part of the reason she would never ever accept Islam.
It was her husband’s response that truly changed the course of her life. He simply said that praying made him feel good and he wished ever so much that she could understand what it felt like.
Just like that Arya said she would be happy to learn about Islam in order to understand and respect her husband’s belief. Although deep down within her soul she knew this was something she had craved and needed her whole life.
Shortly after, her husband introduced Arya to a fellow revert sister who was happy to teach her. Despite initially being reluctant to follow through on her promise to learn about Islam, Arya finally felt she had found her place.
Everything began to piece together like a puzzle; and upon her first Salah, Arya felt a sense of peace and belonging, and she could not get enough of it. Only a week later she was praying all the five prayers; eagerly anticipating each next prayer.
The weeks following that all blurred together as Arya immersed herself into Islam, adopting the hijab and abaya; then retaking her Shahadah with full understanding and commitment to the statement she was proclaiming.
Returning to Work as a New Muslim
It is an exhilarating experience to step into the Islamic faith! Your journey to Islam as a new Muslim was most assuredly paved with many questions and, perhaps even, inspirational people you met along the way.
The moment you took your shahadah, or ‘declaration of faith’, you undoubtedly experienced a combination of joy and relief that was the culmination of much soul-searching.
Once someone embraces Islam, however, he or she can face many obstacles in re-entering their previous life as a new Muslim. This is especially true in the workplace. It can be very daunting to anticipate your return to work, especially if you are a woman and your headscarf easily identifies your new faith.
However, nothing should come in the way of your new life as a Muslim. With diligence and trust in God Almighty, you can overcome some of the most common problems many Muslims face in the workplace.
Fasting in the Workplace as a New Muslim
Fasting is a prescription for success in this life and the next! Muslims fast in Ramadan and at other times during the calendar year whether it is in fulfillment of the Sunnah or is an optional fast. As God Almighty revealed in the Noble Quran:
Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may attain taqwa. (Quran 2:183)
It can be difficult to fast when you’re working in a non-Muslim environment. The workplace is often rife with temptations like donuts, coffee and other breakfast fare. And when the scent of food is abound and your co-workers are happily noshing around you, it can make your fast all the more difficult.
In a situation like this, it’s important to distract yourself from the temptation of food and remind yourself that you’re engaging in this deed as a means of worshiping God and the reward is with Him. And no donuts or cup of coffee can compare to that!
Wearing the Headscarf
The decision to wear the headscarf (hijab), as a new Muslim, is one of the toughest yet the most rewarding.
You’re a Muslim! You have every reason to be proud of your decision and wearing the headscarf is an easy way to identify yourself as a Muslim.
However, entering the workplace wearing it for the very first time can be a bit of a shock for your co-workers. Most likely, it will give you a jolt as well depending on their reactions. Undoubtedly, many co-workers will tell you how beautiful your scarf is. Most likely, there will be some confusion or even disdain directed right at you.
The best course of action is to be calm and patient. You’ll be bombarded with questions and even stares. Do your best to answer them without losing your cool. And remember, you don’t owe anyone an explanation! It’s up to you if you want to field these questions or simply ignore them.
Whenever you face adversity, when it comes to your newfound religion, look back towards the hardships faced by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) to gain insight.
Praying During Work Hours
For most Muslims, praying during the work day is not an issue. First and foremost, religious discrimination is illegal in the West and there are legal ramifications for any employer that prevents an employee from worshiping.
However, it can still be difficult to pray at work. Talk to your office manager or supervisor to clarify the times you will be praying and the allocation of time, even if that means your lunch break is shortened a bit. Never sacrifice your prayer in favor of work.
As the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
The first matter that the slave will be brought to account for on the Day of Judgment is the prayer. If it is sound, then the rest of his deeds will be sound. And if it is bad, then the rest of his deeds will be bad.
You also need to find an adequate place to pray which could be right next to your desk, in your cubicle or even in the office store room.
The Islamic prayer is a right that Allah has upon us. It is also medicinal for the soul. Performing it at work is a blessing and will make your work day all the more easy!
Broaden Your Horizons
For most new Muslims, returning to the workplace following your acceptance of Islam will not be a major issue. Your relationships with co-workers and your track-record will stand out more so than your faith.
However, some new Muslims might be met with an overwhelming amount of contempt from co-workers or may even be made to feel like an outcast. In this event, remember that your Islam must always come first.
If you can withstand the barrage and still perform your job well, then continue as usual. However, if you feel that your work ethic will be sacrificed or that the negative work environment will otherwise harm your faith, you might consider broadening your horizons with a new job.
You are blessed to be counted amongst the Muslims. You have every right to be happy and proud of your new faith. And you have absolutely nothing to be sorry about. Whether you stay or go, the decision is yours alone.
Returning to work as a new Muslim is a great test, just like this life is a test. As Allah Almighty says in the Quran:
And certainly, We shall test you with something of fear, hunger, loss of wealth, lives and fruits, but give glad tidings to As-Saabiroon (the patient). (Quran 2:155)
Patience is key when it comes to any affair of a believer along with an unwavering belief that Allah, most assuredly, knows best.
How the Prophet (PBUH) Treated New Muslims
We all like this moment, when a brother or sister enters the masjid on a Friday, and announces the shahada (declaration of faith), and the whole masjid start saying “Takbir, Allahu Akbar”.
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I cannot deny that this is such an amazing moment, to witness someone who just found the right path, and took that extra step closer to God.
The bitter question is: What is next? How will the Muslim community welcome that new Muslim?
What advice will be given to them and how are they going to start their long journey in learning the Deen of Allah?
I tried to search the life of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) to examine what approach he used with newly converted companions after they became Muslims.
Sometimes this aspect is overlooked when we focus on the event itself (saying the shahadah) and consider it to be the ultimate goal of da`wah (Islamic outreach).
We neglect – or consider it to be less important – the post-shahadah advice or curriculum that new Muslims need.
1) Recognition of newcomers’ talents
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The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said:
“The best among you in the days of ignorance are the best in the days after accepting Islam, if they acquire true knowledge and understanding of Islam (Fiqh)”. (Bukhari and Muslim).
Every human has unique sets of talents and skills. The Prophet (PBUH) recognized that fact and motivated people from the moment they accepted Islam.
Story of Khalid and `Amr ibn Al-`As
Two legends of the Muslim history, Khalid ibn Al-Waleed and `Amr ibn Al-`As, embraced Islam at the same day and gave a huge boost to this deen.
Khalid was the one who led the Muslim army to conquer `Iraq, Persia (Iran), Armenia, and Shaam (Syria & Lebanon). `Amr ibn Al-`As was the one who spread Islam in Palestine and Egypt.
Imagine the huge impact that these two men gave to Islam. How many people knew Islam and later on contributed to it and to humanity through them? All that was influenced by those new (and in comparison to other companions, late) converts.
It is interesting to note that both fought the Prophet and the Muslims fiercely in their early days. Both had Muslim blood on their hands, especially Khalid ibn Al-Waleed, who was a main reason behind the defeat of the Muslims in the battle of Uhud.
How Did the Prophet Deal with Them?
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Despite all that, look at how the prophet welcomed the two new additions to the Muslim family:
– “O Allah, he (Khalid) is one of your swords, so support him”. From that time on, Khalid used to be called the Sword of Allah. (ranked as hasan, sound hadith, by Al-Albani)
– “All people became Muslims, but as for `Amr ibn Al-`As he became a believer” (indicating that he immediately entered into a higher rank of faith than other new Muslims. The Hadith is reported by At-Termizi and ranked as hasan, sound hadith, by Al-Albani)
Khalid was the leader of the Muslim army in many battles, without this being a concern to those companions who knew more Qur’an than him and embraced Islam years and years before him.
The Seerah (Prophet’s biography) tells us about some battles where Khalid did take a wrong decision, due to his lack of knowledge. This did not discredit him or let the Prophet overshadow his talents and potential contribution to the Muslim nation.
2) Giving them special attention
`Amr ibn Al-`As was amazed by the special attention that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) gave him. He actually thought that the Prophet loved him more than any other Companion. He asked the Prophet a direct question one day: “Oh Prophet of Allah, who is the most beloved person to you?”
– The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “`A’ishah (the Prophet’s wife)”;
– From the men?
– Her father (Abu Bakr As-siddique)
– Then who?
– Then `Umar, ..
In `Amr’s words: “After that, the Prophet started listing names and names of people, and this made me remain silent, fearing that he will place me at the end of the list…” (Al-Bukhari)
The messenger of Allah had this gentle effect on all those around him, especially the new comers to Islam that made `Amr seriously think he is the best companion in the eyes of the Prophet.
3) Da`wah mission from day one
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Some companions were commissioned to preach Islam from day one, and were given “ad-hoc” da`wah courses for that purpose.
At-Tufail ibn `Amr Ad-Dawsi accepted Islam in the early days of Makkah, and immediately went back to his tribe to deliver the message of truth. He had a tough way of preaching Islam where he tells people: you either follow Islam or I will never talk to you again!
While this method may not work now in downtown Manhattan or Paris, apparently it worked for some members of his tribe but not to all of them.
He came back to the Prophet (literally this was his second meeting with the Messenger after accepting Islam) and complained about his people. The Prophet made du`aa’ for Daws (his tribe) and told him:
“Go back to your people, call them to Allah and be lenient with them”. (Ibn Ishaq)
4) Gradual Change in people’s behavior
People might accept the idea of submitting to the one God, but they might have problems in some of the commandments (such as Hijab, fasting the long days of Ramadan, etc…).
The tribe of Thaqif agreed to embrace Islam but told the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him):
“We will not give out any charity, and we will not fight in the way of Allah (Jihad)”.
The Prophet accepted that from them, and he told his companion:
“They will (willingly) pay charity and perform Jihad when they embrace Islam” (Abu Dawud and authenticated by Al-Albani).
Again, we note his wisdom in recognizing the weaknesses in people and dealing with them based on that.
Other companions had certain demands, such as praying with sujud but no ruku` (Ibn Rajab, Jami` Al-`Ulum Wal-Hikam), and others requested permission to pray only two prayers a day instead of five.
It is really important here to note that the Prophet did not “customize” the religious teachings for those individuals; he rather considered that to be an introductory stage for a particular person in their new journey in Islam.
Such exceptions were not given during a Friday sermon, for example, and were not taught and spread by other companions.
All those incidents and others teach us how the messengers of the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) (i.e. us) should have wisdom in inviting people to this great deen.
Sometimes and in certain situations with certain people, raising the bar and challenging people will produce the best out of them. In other occasions, we have to understand the human weaknesses and give people a gradual plan while they get up to speed, of course without compromising the basics and essentials of our deen.
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