Seek Knowledge

Acquiring Islamic knowledge is vital to every Muslim. Clearly knowledge must precede action, since it is the bases by which one knows his/her obligations to Allah. Knowledge will enable you to practice your religious duties correctly, be aware of things which Allah made halal (permissible) and haram (forbidden), in that way you will conduct your life according to Allah's guidance. 

Several verses in the Quran reveal to us the importance of knowledge: 

"Allah will raise up, to (suitable) ranks and (degrees), those of you who believe and who have been granted knowledge. And Allah is well-acquainted with all you do." [Al-Mujadilah 58:11] 

"And say: My Lord increase me in knowledge." [Ta-Ha 20:114] 

Also the prophet, peace be upon him, informed us of the reward for one who seeks knowledge. 

Abu Hurayrah relates that the Prophet, peace be upon him, said, "For him who embarks on the path of seeking knowledge, Allah will ease for him the way to paradise." (Related by Muslim)

So, know you may wonder what do I need to learn?

Well first of all you need to:

Have a good understanding of the basic Islamic beliefs (Aqeedah) such as knowledge of Allah, the Angels, the Prophets, and the Day of Judgment. Learn the purification and the five daily prayers correctly. Its important to learn how to recite Al Fatiha in Arabic for the prayers. 

Learn about the permissible (Halal) and forbidden (Harm) things in Islam. 

After that, you can continue in learning more about the other pillars of Islam such as Sawm(Fasting), Zakat, and Hajj (Pilgrimage). Also you should strive to learn the Seerah (life of the Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him), since his life is a role model for all Muslims. Another excellent goal which many converts aspire to is to learn the Arabic language to be able to read and understand the Quran in the language it was revealed by Allah(subhanahu wa ta'ala). 

How can you do this?

There are many resources available to learn. There is a multitude of Islamic books, articles, and tapes which address all these topics and can give you a good start, however to learn correctly you need to do so at the hands of a practicing Muslim as we mentioned earlier regarding the prayers. Just like you can't expect to be a good sports player by simply reading a book or two about it, you can't expect to learn the various branches of Islam all alone; you need to practice it with other Muslims. Naturally to do so, you should frequently visit the mosque in your area.. Which brings us to the next topic. 

Importance of the Mosque (Masjid)

The mosque plays a central role in Muslim society. Apart from being a place of prayers (the 5 daily prayers as well as the Friday prayer) the Mosque is a learning center. It's a place where study circles and lectures are held for Muslims to learn more about Islam. Also a place were Muslims meet to study and recite the Quran, collect charity for the poor, and discuss issues concerning the community. It's an ideal place for a new convert to meet Muslims and learn in a short time what would normally take weeks or months to learn alone. Naturally many new converts are shy or afraid to make their first visit to the mosque, but if they knew the joy which Muslims share when they meet a convert, such hesitation would disappear. Also, don't worry about not doing everything perfectly from the start, no one expects a new Muslim to learn everything over night. 

From Abu Hurairah, may Allah be pleased with him, from the Prophet, peace be upon him, that he said: "A man does not frequent the mosques for the Prayer and the remembrance of Allaah except that Allaah, the Most High, greets him joyfully, just as the family of one who is absent greet him with joy when he returns to them." [Reported by Ibn Abee Shaybah, Ibn Maajah, Ibn Khuzaimah and others and it is found in Saheehit-Targheeb (no. 315)]

So finally, we strongly encourage you to do your best to enrol in the study circles in your local mosque or fix a weekly schedule with the Imam to teach you all you need to know. 

Staying In touch

It's hard to explain the joy the whole team feels at Islamway upon hearing of a new convert like yourself, at the same time we feel a sadness when someone losses touch with us. We continue to wonder how the person is doing.how he/she is coping with family and friends, If he/she succeeded in finding a local mosque or not .etc. We hope that you will help us to help you, be keeping contact and letting us know your progress, concerns, questions.etc.

Finally, Islamway Team sends you their warmest congratulations on embracing Islam and wishes you all the success in this life and the next, as Allah tells us in the Quran,

"Those who believe, and do deeds of righteousness, and establish regular prayers and regular charity, will have their reward with their Lord: on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve." [2:277]

www.islamway.net

12 Tips for the Convert Muslim

 

 

1. Practice Islam as much as you can

“He who loves my Sunnah has loved me, and he who loves me will be with me in Paradise.”


-The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ (Tirmidhi)

As a new Muslim, you will have trouble keeping up with prayers every day, fasting during Ramadan, and the many other practices in this religion. The struggle that we face, with such a radical change in lifestyle, is difficult and will take some time. Awkward moments are bound to happen, don’t fret. You are not expected to wake up at 4am every morning to pray tahajjud (extra night prayers). If you have problems with certain practices, then gradually work yourself into the mindset of worship. A counselor once told me when I was young, “How do you eat an elephant? Just One bite at a time.” Think of it as one step at a time. Pray to Allah (swt) and ask for Him to make it easy for you and the rest will come naturally.

Keeping up with your devotional practices is something that will strengthen your faith immensely. Read the Qur’an whenever possible. Find a collection of hadith, such as Riyadh us-Saliheen, and read it often. You will start to feel a connection to Allah (swt) and you will become used to Islam as a religion and way of life.

2.  Respect your parents

“Heaven lies under the feet of your mother.”


-The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ (Ahmad, Nasa’i)

Keeping up a good relationship with your family is essential. Try to avoid bringing up or taking part in controversial subjects regarding religion. This is almost unavoidable, but your parents will eventually accept that Islam is not going to turn you into a terrorist if you stay calm during these tense moments. Gradually, your parents will gain some respect and understanding of Islam and may start to become genuinely interested. This is a great sign and insha’Allah, God will make a way for them to accept Islam.

What you do not want to do is act like you know everything, attempt to debate everything, or overly defend yourself in a way that might make you angry or upset. This will just cause heartache and uneasiness. Your priority now should be to work on yourself.

3. Find a teacher

“For him who follows a path for seeking knowledge, Allah will ease for him the path to Paradise.”


-The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ (Muslim)

Finding a teacher to bounce ideas off of is a great way to learn your deen (religion). I found it is good to find someone with as much knowledge as possible who also has an understanding of the English language and American culture. It is difficult to listen to someone with a thick accent or someone with a back-home mentality. When I first accepted Islam, I would drive every day to visit my teacher and I would ask him what seemed like an endless stream of questions. Sometimes he seemed overwhelmed! This is a great way to clarify things you hear on Sheikh Youtube or Google or any part of the Qur’an you are reading at the time.

This will also help you have a real grounding in the Islamic tradition. You will eventually have spent more time learning Islam than most people from Muslim families. Maintain a sense of humility if you do gain a lot of knowledge, as there will always be someone who will be more knowledgeable than you. Learn everything you can in small chunks, no one is asking you to be a scholar!

4. Keep away from debates and arguments

“Verily anger spoils faith as aloe spoils honey.”


-The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ (Abu Dawud, Tirmidhi)

Trying to constantly defend your religion is something that will cause you a lot of stress. I remember when I first accepted Islam, it seemed like the whole world was after me. This may happen to different people at different levels, but it was a very overwhelming experience for me. The best thing to do is avoid these arguments at all costs. If you are mature about your religion and display a desire to explain yourself without refuting others, then many doors will open for you. You are bound to give someone a refreshing view of Islam, which is what so many people are hungry for after seeing Islam in such a negative light in the media.

Staying away from these discussions will put you at peace and give you breathing room. A lot of converts are not really comfortable with bringing up their religion because of the backlash they receive. Personally, I recognized that if I just mention it when necessary, I get a more positive reaction. You’ll be surprised to hear “Oh that’s cool dude, what made you pick that religion?” This is always an opportunity for da’wah (inviting to Islam).

5. Gain a connection to the Arabic language

“Indeed, We have sent it down as an Arabic Qur’an that you might understand.”


-The Holy Qur’an, 12:2

This is one of my favorite parts of becoming a Muslim. To be honest, I’m a language-lover and I realize everyone is not the same in this regard. Just because you failed high school Spanish though doesn’t mean you will have trouble with Arabic. There are many tricks to learning the language that I won’t go into here, but there are ways to make this easier on yourself. These methods can be found online or in books; with a little research you can pave your way to gaining an understanding of Arabic.

Start by learning the alphabet and connecting letters together. You can learn this in an afternoon if you know someone that is a native Arabic speaker (but go at your own pace). Sit on that for a while and eventually you will be able to follow along in the Qur’an if you listen to a recitation on your computer or MP3 player. You will start to recognize words, after which you can get into simple grammar rules. I recommend learning common nouns and prepositions first (words like “in”, “on”, “for” and “with”).

Arabic can be really enjoyable, and you are bound to gain an Islamic vocabulary after listening to talks or lectures. Eventually you will know meanings of words like “furqaan” and “sajdah” and you’ll be able to use them in conversations with Muslims. Sabr (patience) is essential!

6. Understand Islam’s organic nature

“Those who make things hard for themselves will be destroyed. (He said it three times.)”


-The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ (Muslim)

Coming to Islam will sometimes put you in a situation where you are overwhelmed with opinions that are hard to follow. As an example, one might be told that you have to wash your feet every time you make wudhu (ablution) unless you wipe over leather socks that have been worn from your previous wudhu. For most Americans, the idea of wearing leather socks is something that we find extremely unusual. If we do a little research, we find there are opinions of scholars that mention the permissibility of wiping over cotton socks (even ones with holes in them!). To an American convert, these opinions can cause a huge sigh of relief.

7. Maintain your Identity

“O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted.”


-The Holy Qur’an, 49:1 

Being a Muslim is a huge part of your identity now. That doesn’t mean you can’t barbeque with your friends or watch football on Sundays. If there are things in your culture that do not directly contradict with basic Islamic creed, then you are welcome to keep those things in your life. You do not need to start wearing Arab or Indian clothing. As long as your clothes cover what they are supposed to cover, you are in the clear.

Many converts are also exposed to really weird food that is overly spicy or funny tasting. This might lead us to think that eating curry is sunnah or something righteous. We can still have our own culture and tastes in food: pot roast and beans are still halal!

There are many other examples of things that you will be exposed to that are from foreign cultures and do not necessarily have anything to do with Islam. Our goal as new Muslims is to worship Allah (swt), not to add a Pakistani or Arab identity to our persona.

It is good to have a teacher who understands the subtleties of different opinion in fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence) and can inform you of differences among the scholars on issues that are of concern. Most people in masajid will have a very limited view of the juristic possibilities inside the Islamic tradition. Islam is a vast tradition and we should not make it small. These diverse opinions are there to help us, not cause strain on ourselves.

8. Force yourself to go to the masjid

“The person who receives the greatest reward for the Salah is one who lives the farthest and has the farthest to walk.”


-The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ (Bukhari, Muslim)

Going on Fridays is a given, but I would also recommend trying to fit a few prayers (at least) per week in the masjid. This will open many doors for you and will insha’Allah grant many good deeds to your account. You will meet people who are connected to Islam; networking opportunities are more readily available; and you are bound to make long-lasting friends. This is one of the things that I really love about Islam, that you can almost always find people in the masjid.

Although this may be hard initially, try and go to the masjid. The payoff will be huge, even if you just pray and leave right after. You will eventually warm up to the community and you can feel more comfortable going to the masjid whenever you like.

9. Find Muslim friends and avoid severing ties

“On the Day of Resurrection Allah Almighty will proclaim: “Where are those who have mutual love for My Glory’s sake? Today I shall shelter them in My shade where there is no shade but Mine.”


-The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ (Muslim)

Saying “As-salamu ‘Alaykum” ( “Peace be upon you”)  to people you see on campus or at the grocery store is a real blessing in Islam. It immediately lets people know you are Muslim and they usually will be happy to return the greeting and hopefully share a few words with you. Doors of friendship will be opened and you will meet lots of people. Try and spend some time with Muslims when you can. It is beneficial to remind yourself that you are not the only Muslim on the planet and you share your religion with almost 2 billion people around the globe.

Also, don’t sever your friendships with your non-Muslim friends unless they are constantly partying or using the list of major sins as their weekend to-do list. You can be a light to your Christian, Agnostic, Jewish, or Atheist friends. You never know who Allah (swt) will guide, and showing that you are living an ethical life can encourage these people to learn a little about Islam or change their mind to having a positive view of the religion.

10. Avoid Loneliness

“Islam began as something strange and will revert to being strange as it began, so give glad tidings to the strangers.”


-The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ (Muslim)

This is a major problem in the convert community. We are lonely. The best thing we can do to fight the feeling of loneliness is to spend as much time as possible with good company. Having dinners with people a few nights a week is a sure way to maintain a good attitude. The practice of becoming a nun or a monk is alien to Islam; we are social creatures and Islam recognizes this.

Try not to lock yourself away in your apartment to avoid the world. This will just cause a vicious cycle that will cause deep depression and can lead to searching for solace in haram (unlawful).

Make it an obligation on yourself to remain a sociable human being. It takes a lot of work but the result is happiness and contentment in life.

11. Stay away from extremism

“And thus we have made you a just community that you will be witnesses over the people.”


-The Holy Qur’an, 2:143

Most converts do not enter Islam looking for an extremist point of view. Unfortunately, we have seen some converts do end up overseas working for terrorist organizations. This is something that can happen from a person feeling victimized or ostracized by their own culture and being overcome with anger.

I personally have not had a problem with anyone trying to “radicalize” me. It does happen enough though that it should be a concern. It will be best for you to keep your head on your shoulders and not get caught up with extreme points of view. Know that all of the scholars overseas and in America have absolutely refuted terrorism in their fatawa (legal rulings). Extremism is on the very edges of the Islamic thought. Do your best to stay on a middle way.

12. Do not despair

“So know that victory is with patience, and relief is with distress and that with hardship comes ease.”


-The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ

Being a convert to Islam, you will face a lot of tribulations. There is not anything that you cannot overcome though, and never despair in Allah (swt).

Allah (swt) guided to you to Islam, you searched for the answer and you found it. Be happy and constantly remind yourself of the blessings in your life. There are a lot of good things that will happen to you and you are on the straight road to Jannah(paradise). Rejoice in being Muslim. Remember the Sahabah (companions) were all converts to Islam and they were human beings that came from Adam and Eve just like you! Be strong and find comfort in your prayers and worship to Allah (swt). The first six months were the hardest for me, and insha’Allah we will all continue to grow as a convert community in America.

By Brother Alex (Dallas, TX)

ww.suhaibwebb.com

She Became Muslim but her Husband Did Not

Is it allowed for her not to stop living with him because of his poor health and her financial situation?

I have been a Muslimah for the past 6 years, alhamdulillah. I came to Islam after almost 20 years of marriage. My son who is 11 years old is also a Muslim. I am bringing him up under the teachings of Islam. However, his father is not a Muslim and I know that according to Shariah Law my marriage was broken from the moment that I took my shahadah. His father does not practice any religion and he does not want to learn about Islam.

We still live in the same house but we stopped sharing the same bed for a long time. We don’t have intimacy at all. My son's father is also a disable due a car accident years back. We share the same house but I deal with him more as a caregiver. I think many times about leaving this house so I could have more freedom to practice my religion, including wearing the hijab when I go out with him, but I don't have the courage to leave him because of his condition and I also can't support myself. My parents are poor and I don't have much education and I also worry about my son. Please send me an advice concerning this situation and tell me if is a major sin for me not to go out with a hijab with my husband when he forced me not to do it. I wear the full hijab all the time when I am alone, but once I stepped out of the house with him, he tells me to remove it.

Praise be to Allaah.

We praise Allah for having blessed you with Islam, and we ask Him to make us and you steadfast in adhering to His true religion. 

If a woman becomes Muslim and her husband refuses to become Muslim, she is not permissible for him because Allah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“then if you ascertain that they are true believers send them not back to the disbelievers. They are not lawful (wives) for the disbelievers nor are the disbelievers lawful (husbands) for them”

[al-Mumtahanah 60:10]. 

Al-Shawkaani (may Allah have mercy on him) said: 

The words of Allah, “They are not lawful (wives) for the disbelievers nor are the disbelievers lawful (husbands) for them” explain the reason why it is forbidden to send them back. This indicates that a believing woman is not permissible for a kaafir and that if the woman becomes Muslim she must leave her husband. End quote. 

Fath al-Qadeer, 5/301 

So it is not permissible for a Muslim woman to remain married to a kaafir under any circumstances whatsoever. Rather they should be separated as soon as she becomes Muslim, then she should wait until her ‘iddah ends. If he becomes Muslim during the ‘iddah, that they remain married, but if the ‘iddah ends and he has not become Muslim, she becomes irrevocably divorced from him and she may marry someone else if she wishes, or she may wait until he becomes Muslim. 

*'iddah: waiting period of the woman after divorce or after decease of the husband.

Ibn al-Qayyim (may Allah have mercy on him) said: What is indicated by the ruling of the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) is that the marriage is suspended. If he becomes Muslim before the end of her ‘iddah, then she is still his wife, but if her ‘iddah ends, then she may marry whomever she wants, or if she likes she may wait for him. Then if he becomes Muslim, she is still his wife without any need for a new marriage contract. End quote. 

Zaad al-Ma‘aad, 5/137 

As you say that you became Muslim six years ago, you became irrevocably divorced from him a long time ago. So you have to leave him immediately and it is not permissible for you to stay with him under any circumstances. And you have to seek forgiveness and repent to Allah, may He be exalted. 

It is not permissible for you to serve him and take care of him when Islam has separated you, especially since he -- in addition to being a disbeliever -- hates religion and despises hijab and tells you to take it off. How can you feel that you and your religious commitment are safe when you are with him? 

The Standing Committee for Issuing Fatwas was asked about a Christian woman who was elderly, as was her husband. She became Muslim but he did not, and there was no sexual relationship between them. Is it permissible for her to stay with him or should the marriage be annulled? 

They replied: 

If a Christian woman becomes Muslim and she is the wife of a Christian man, the marriage contract is annulled.  Based on that, it is not permissible for her to stay with him even if they are old and have no sexual relationship. End quote. 

Fataawa al-Lajnah al-Daa’imah, 19/16-17 

The fact that you are poor and have no work does not make it permissible to you to stay in the same house as a non-Muslim man. Think positively of Allah, may He be exalted, for He is the One Who says (interpretation of the meaning):

“Allaah will grant after hardship, ease”

[al-Talaaq 65:7]. 

Al-Sa‘di (may Allah have mercy on him) said: 

This is glad tidings to those who are in difficulty, that Allah will grant them relief from their hardship and take away their difficulties. End quote. 

Tafseer al-Sa‘di, p. 871 

And Allah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“And whosoever fears Allaah and keeps his duty to Him, Allah will make a way for him to get out (from every difficulty).”

3. And He will provide him from (sources) he never could imagine. And whosoever puts his trust in Allaah, then He will suffice him. Verily, Allaah will accomplish his purpose. Indeed Allaah has set a measure for all things”

[al-Talaaq 65:2-3]. 

Imam Ibn al-Qayyim (may Allah have mercy on him) debated with a Christian scholar until the truth became clear to him, but he refrained from entering Islam on the grounds that the Christians venerated him and he said: I do not know any trade and I have not memorized any Qur’aan or grammar or fiqh.

If I become Muslim I will go around the marketplaces begging from people. Who could agree to that? Ibn al-Qayyim said: That will not happen! How can you think of Allah that if you give precedence to pleasing Him over your whims and desires He would humiliate you and make you in need of others? Even if we assume that that will befall you, what you have attained of truth and salvation from the Fire and from the wrath and anger of Allah will be the most complete compensation for what you have lost. End quote. 

Hidaayat al-Hayaara, p. 119 

Your son should treat his father kindly and serve him and help him as much as he can. That is his father’s right over him, even if he (the father) continues to follow his present religion. Strive to call him to Islam, for that will be better for both of you, so that the family will not be divided. Tell him that Islam forbids you to stay with him, and that there is no solution to this problem except his becoming Muslim. 

We ask Allah to guide and help you all. 

And Allah knows best.

Islam Q&A