Mairo
Maryama
Assalaamu Aleykum,
I am so glad to have found this forum! I am new to the "online message board" community. This one seems to be especially positive with great feedback and so much helpful information posted. I look forward to becoming more involved and getting to know you all better.
A little about myself: I am an American who was initially atheist, then later became a practicing Christian, and eventually became an individual who simply believed in God without any religion. My first introduction to Islam came when I was in my early 20's and lived as a Peace Corps volunteer in a Muslim country in West Africa (Niger). I had initially been nervous about the idea of living as a women in a Muslim society, based on all the negative information I had been fed about the religion from the US media. I imagined that I would feel oppressed or looked down upon in some way because I was not Muslim.
Instead I found that Islam was the most beautiful religion I had ever witnessed being practiced, and I was always treated with kindness and respect regardless of my differing opinions. I learned a bit about Muhammad's life and also fasted during Ramadan. I tried to read some of the Quran, but I did not really understand it at the time. I also was fortunate to have had the opportunity to learn directly from the personal example of several individuals who were dedicated Muslims who practiced their religion devoutly. They really had a positive effect on developing my deep respect for Islam. However, at the time I still did not feel it was the religion for me.
After returning to the US and continuing to try to live my life with truth and integrity, I eventually came back to studying about Islam. I picked up a copy of the Quran again, and combined that with reading a biography of Muhammad. This time I had a completely different experience reading it, Alhamdulilah! I knew without question that it was the truth from God, and I had no other option but to embrace it completely as my religion and strive to follow it to the best of my ability.
I have found it very challenging to be an American revert to Islam, in many ways I feel like it is just like the examples of the first Muslims who converted at the time of Muhammad. Fortunately my husband is Muslim and we are very supportive of each other, which is wonderful. But I have felt alienation from my own family and society because of my new lifestyle, while also not fully feeling a part of the Muslim community.
In large part I thnk this is because there are so many sects that have developed among Muslims, and these are all represented here in the US. I have read that the prophet Muhammad, PBUH, stated that there will come a time when Muslims will practice like strangers in their own religion, and I feel this is the case for me. He also said that many sects will develop due to innovation in the religion, just as there are in Judaism and Christianity - but that all of these ways are in the fire except for one. There will remain a body of followers who will stay true to the prophet's teachings until the end. Inshallah we will remain guided on the right path.
I am very encouraged by the dialogue I have discovered on this website and look forward to being able to further my knowledge thanks to the information shared by everyone here. Best wishes and peace to you all!
I am so glad to have found this forum! I am new to the "online message board" community. This one seems to be especially positive with great feedback and so much helpful information posted. I look forward to becoming more involved and getting to know you all better.
A little about myself: I am an American who was initially atheist, then later became a practicing Christian, and eventually became an individual who simply believed in God without any religion. My first introduction to Islam came when I was in my early 20's and lived as a Peace Corps volunteer in a Muslim country in West Africa (Niger). I had initially been nervous about the idea of living as a women in a Muslim society, based on all the negative information I had been fed about the religion from the US media. I imagined that I would feel oppressed or looked down upon in some way because I was not Muslim.
Instead I found that Islam was the most beautiful religion I had ever witnessed being practiced, and I was always treated with kindness and respect regardless of my differing opinions. I learned a bit about Muhammad's life and also fasted during Ramadan. I tried to read some of the Quran, but I did not really understand it at the time. I also was fortunate to have had the opportunity to learn directly from the personal example of several individuals who were dedicated Muslims who practiced their religion devoutly. They really had a positive effect on developing my deep respect for Islam. However, at the time I still did not feel it was the religion for me.
After returning to the US and continuing to try to live my life with truth and integrity, I eventually came back to studying about Islam. I picked up a copy of the Quran again, and combined that with reading a biography of Muhammad. This time I had a completely different experience reading it, Alhamdulilah! I knew without question that it was the truth from God, and I had no other option but to embrace it completely as my religion and strive to follow it to the best of my ability.
I have found it very challenging to be an American revert to Islam, in many ways I feel like it is just like the examples of the first Muslims who converted at the time of Muhammad. Fortunately my husband is Muslim and we are very supportive of each other, which is wonderful. But I have felt alienation from my own family and society because of my new lifestyle, while also not fully feeling a part of the Muslim community.
In large part I thnk this is because there are so many sects that have developed among Muslims, and these are all represented here in the US. I have read that the prophet Muhammad, PBUH, stated that there will come a time when Muslims will practice like strangers in their own religion, and I feel this is the case for me. He also said that many sects will develop due to innovation in the religion, just as there are in Judaism and Christianity - but that all of these ways are in the fire except for one. There will remain a body of followers who will stay true to the prophet's teachings until the end. Inshallah we will remain guided on the right path.
I am very encouraged by the dialogue I have discovered on this website and look forward to being able to further my knowledge thanks to the information shared by everyone here. Best wishes and peace to you all!
welcome sister in islaam
