Well, after reading the Qur'an, doing some personal study, and visiting my local mosque for about a little over a month now, I made the decision to say Shahada last night. I was there observing again and since the imam knew I had been reading the Qur'an and coming to see their Salah for a while now, he asked me if I had come to any sort of decision about what I'd like to do, and I said that I had. I was ready to say Shahada. The imam gathered everyone together and then he gave me a microphone and had me say it in front of everyone. I was very nervous because of all the eyes on me, but once I said it I felt this terrific feeling go through me and I knew I had just made one of the most important decisions in my life. Afterwards, the other brothers all congratulated me and shook my hand. Some told me "Happy birthday" as they said I was now like a newborn in Islam. They were all so pleased and it was a very emotional experience for me. After everyone left to go home, the imam sat with me and showed me how to perform Wudu and gave me a guide on how to perform the Salah at home. I even received this really nice prayer rug and another copy of the Qur'an. He said to not stress about getting every right immediately as I still have a lot of learning to do (learning the Salah and everything), but they will all be there for help me and guide me through my learning process.
I didn't get to go to bed last night until after 3am (I was very excited), and I set my alarm to wake me up for Fajr at 6:30am, so you can imagine how tired I am today. But it was worth it to get up and perform my first Salah. I did make a few mistakes (like putting my forearms on the ground during Sujood at one point), but I was following along in the guide the imam gave me so I guess it's understandable I would make a few mistakes the first time doing it. But I told myself that at least I got up and did it, and after only 2-3 hours of sleep. I guess the good news is that I can go to bed earlier tonight and then (hopefully) not have a problem waking up tomorrow for Fajr. Maybe being tired all day today will just be what I need to reset my body's clock to get up for Fajr without trouble every day.
Well, I just wanted to share my experience with everyone here as I am so happy at the moment and am now officially a Muslim! It feels great, and I know whatever tiredness I experience today will be worth it. Well, I am off to read the Qur'an and have a lazy Saturday at home (and perform my other four Salahs, of course, at the appropriate times).
I hope everyone had a good day. I am still trying to learn Muslim greetings, so I wasn't sure how to say "goodbye" yet.
I didn't get to go to bed last night until after 3am (I was very excited), and I set my alarm to wake me up for Fajr at 6:30am, so you can imagine how tired I am today. But it was worth it to get up and perform my first Salah. I did make a few mistakes (like putting my forearms on the ground during Sujood at one point), but I was following along in the guide the imam gave me so I guess it's understandable I would make a few mistakes the first time doing it. But I told myself that at least I got up and did it, and after only 2-3 hours of sleep. I guess the good news is that I can go to bed earlier tonight and then (hopefully) not have a problem waking up tomorrow for Fajr. Maybe being tired all day today will just be what I need to reset my body's clock to get up for Fajr without trouble every day.
Well, I just wanted to share my experience with everyone here as I am so happy at the moment and am now officially a Muslim! It feels great, and I know whatever tiredness I experience today will be worth it. Well, I am off to read the Qur'an and have a lazy Saturday at home (and perform my other four Salahs, of course, at the appropriate times).
I hope everyone had a good day. I am still trying to learn Muslim greetings, so I wasn't sure how to say "goodbye" yet.
