Alf Mabruk!!! I wish that we all lived close to u so that we could kiss both ur cheeks and give u lots of hugs what a wonderful thing to wake up and find

Thanks everybody!!!

Jackie, I didn't get your message until this morning so I will check in with you tomorrow if I learn this verse tonight. Thanks!

I feel blessed to be able to help you with this In the future, you will be teaching al fatiha to your son.

Jackie

congrats Tasha!!!!

My hubby and I may try and attend some of the Tarawee prayers at the local Islamic Society. I haven't signed up for any courses. Bridget had suggested some but I don't think they start until October. I am definately awaiting our local Islamic Society to offer Arabic and a class for new Muslims that is supposed to be coming but no date for certain has been set.

Tasha, I am so excited for you. I converted to to my faith more than 6 years ago, as I had always felt in my heart that it was for me. I studied, questioned, and prayed so much about it, that it was what I had been called to do. Conversion, when done through one's own self discernment, is the greatest. You had an impetus to study that religion and you found it on your own - how awesome is that. Furthermore, I love how your husband taught you how to seek the information for yourself. I realize it is a Biblical verse but it reminds me of Matthew 6:33 which states,"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."

You had to seek it out...you had to find it...and ultimately, you found your faith and that is wonderful. And as was mentioned - how lovely that you will be able to teach Malek about Islam along with his father...he will learn from the love and guidance that you two bestow upon him.

So, now I repeat my post from earlier:

Congrats Tasha...I'm happy for you to find your path in your faith. May your soul sing the praises of Allah - and may your joy eminate from within.

Bless you and your family at this special time.

Thank you Staashi. I reread some PM's and this thread and I am sitting at my desk with tears running down my face and I am sure everybody here at work thinks I am probably losing my mind or something terrible has happened to me. My tears are from joy and thankfullness for all of the kind words for myself and my family. Yes, now I know that I can along beside Ayman raise Malek in our faith. This I am grateful for and have suffered with the what ifs for quite some time now if I wasn't strong in my faith either it be Christian or Muslim and how would I be a light in my son's life.

Thank you again for your kindess everyone!

Bismillahir Rahmanir raheem

I think that your tears show what a bright light you are going to be in your son's life!!
So many blessings for you!!!!

I am a Muslim
==============
I am a Muslim
And God I praise
For all His blessings
My voice I raise
In one God I believe
No equal has He
Lord of the universe
Compassionate to me
Muhammad the prophet
Taught me the way
To be honest and truthful
Throughout every day
The holy Qur'an
To life is my guide
It's teachings I follow
By it I abide
Islam my religion
Preaches good deeds
Mercy and kindness
To the right path it leads
Upon all humanity
God showers His grace
Regardless of colour
Nationality or race
Through working together
Our hopes increase
To live in a world
Full of love and peace
I am a Muslim
And God I praise
For all His blessings
My voice I raise

Anonymous

Awww honey, I actually was crying writing my post to you. My joy and delight for you are real and honest. I am so excited for you to be at peace. It is a wonderful feeling.

Many, many blessings.

Alhamdu lil lahi Rabbil Alameen

Have you thought about what you'll do with your other children? That was a hard one for me, though thank God it's working out nicely so far. I basically just tried to lead by example and they know they can ask me any questions anytime they want. I don't believe in forcing them to convert just because it happens to be my particular path but I do things like subscribe to Muslim Girl and leave it around on the coffee table, tell them I won't give them any Eid presents if they don't at least try to fast 1/2 days during that time, leave prayer times on the fridge so they are accustomed to when it's time for me to pray, keep the athan on the computer so they're used to hearing the sound of it, etc.

So far they've been pretty good though my wearing hijab was a big hurdle for them. They're quite used to it now and have actually shunned a kid or two who has made fun of it and their friends have stood up for them in the process. They no longer look for those short shorts in Abercrombie and now tend to wear bermuda shorts and go for the one piece bathing suits which is cool and that's without any influence from me at all. ( i never bought the short shorts btw for them but they used to beg for them for some reason).

In the end I think if I just present myself as a power of example of what Islam is really like then they can in turn make their choice when they are old enough. They have had a Catholic upbringing from birth until a few years ago, they went to a Congregational church when I went through an anti-Catholic phase after finding out a friend of mine was abused by a priest in Boston, and they actually go to a jewish camp, so I think all in all they're pretty well rounded religiously. The biggest part is that they believe in one God and they ask Him for help before tests, doing homework, etc. and that's all I can really ask for right now.

Yes Bridget I have thought about this. One of the reasons why I waited so long to convert was because of issues I had with my two older children. They have been raised Missionary Baptist since birth and their father as much of a hipocrite as he seems was very adamant about their upbringing. Before my husband came he made me promise to never bring them to a mosque or any Islamic event. With that being said, I am the one that has custody of my children and he is the visiting parent twice a month so if we go to an event at the Islamic Society and they want to participate I will welcome them with open arms. Sorry ex husband but you no longer rule my world!

They have witnessed their step father praying and do his Islamic duties but never me. I have not yet discussed my change of religion with them nor anybody except fellow Muslim friends and my spouse. As one of the girls stated to me, you don't have to wear a sign around your neck at first and this has helped me to realize I can ease myself into this. Not that I am ashamed so please nobody take offense, its just that I want to avoid huge problems with my ex's family, friends and others.

I will lead by example for them just as you Bridget when the time is right. Right now I want to focus on growing in my faith and learning as much as possible before my feet are put under the fire by speculating others. If my children want to learn, I am here. I will not force my beliefs on them like their father does. They will learn the correct way and it is by choice only.

You have it just right.... Easing into it is the # 1 thing... Not trying to run around learning everything at one time or changing your life over night. Taking one thing at a time, making it part of your life, over days, weeks, months and for some things even years - Until you have mastered that and moving onto something else. ( I know it might be a poor example but it's like trying to lose weight- If you just say okay tomorrow I am going to blah blah and blah you might not be as committed after a few days or you make those changes but in a few weeks you find yourself going back to your old habits.. It just has to go slow, with purpose and intent, but slow nonetheless and every step of the way you are going to be rewarded)

Allah made Islam easy, to be like breathing, but when you aren't raised in a MENA country or an Islamic household it can seem overwhelming if you try to change everything at one time and that is the last thing that you'd ever want... Relax and step by step! But I'm still suuuper proud of you hehe

I have similar issues with my ex husband, you are most definitely not alone on that one!! The things that come out of that man's mouth sometime shock me to the point of wondering how I ever married him in the first place..... I try to forgive myself for it daily

Yes Allah states in the quran there is no compulsion in religion; i agree leading by example is the best way; be openminded to their question n let them choose their path n insha ALLAH they will be guided

Tasha! I just read all the posts now! (where have I been!)

Alf mabrouk! I am so happy and truly you're blessed! As many have said here...take your time. Read, Ask Questions, Learn!! Take this at a pace that is most comfortable for you. I believe strongly that learning and growing at your own pace helps avoid falling back!

YAY TASHA {{HUGS}}

PM me when your free! We should try to chat...me, you and Melinda when you have time.

It is really hard with children, but as everyone has stated everything comes with time and being a good example. Before I married my husband and came here ... we lived in the US (near a Muslim community) but still it was never "cool" to be Muslim (unless we went out to Lebanese resturants to eat) ...

My daughter's bio-father is an Arab and Muslim but never set a good example for any of his children. Yet he thought he was the Islamic police telling everyone else how to act .... so of course my daughter had never any example (other then me) to learn from. But elhamdullah my current husband is a man man who deals with children and is setting a very good example for my daughter!

Being with my husband and here in Algeria too, my daughter as come into her own ... when it comes to religion. She sets the prayer rugs, reminds everyone of the athan, looks throu and tries to read the Quran, has learned 2 surats so far and was the first one to say "I want to go to the masjid" LOL!

Sweet

Very Interesting allof this!!! I went to Jordan to marry my muslim husband, I am a christian, and was subject to an extra security check upon returning to the US myself. I think everyone gets treated pretty equally, I suppose to a point tho my Hubby will face the slap in the face too-- we just have to keep hoping for the best, and go with the will of God all of us! I hope the best for you all, and wish we and our loved ones will soon be together where we all belong!

Hey, I want in on chat!!! Can I, can I? Please???

I'd LOVE THAT! You still need to call me MISSY!

ummm, yeah - you busy now? I have a break!
BTW, that scorpion was nasty to the max! blech!!!!!!!

Yes! I'm about to leave work now...call me!!

Yes, he's the nastiest EVER! I'm still creaped out.

I'm neither a Muslim nor am I marrying anyone from a MENA nation, but I just thought I'd ask - female USC's with Muslim MENA beneficiaries, what prompted you personally to convert to Islam? Was it truly a decision you made prior to meeting your mate, or was it to ensure that your mate would be marrying a Muslim woman, or was it because the faith truly appealed to you? And if the latter, what was it about the faith that convinced you to adopt it?

This is totally not a sarcastic or rude question, but one of genuine curiosity.

I really had never heard of Islam until after 9/11. I started to read about it and studied for 6 months. I knew of no muslims. I didn't know any arabs. I just knew I was searching for something with structure and found it in Islam.

After 6 months of preparing, I said my shahada May 5, 2002. A muslim woman can only marry a muslim man, so that narrowed my field greatly! lol.

It is always refreshing to see someone show interest.

Jackie

Al Raham Al Rahim..... (thought i'd say it too w/you JJ...) You know I say Al Fatiha everytime I am nervous or frustrated or sad... it's like a constant hummmmm in my head.

I am sooo glad you came on and told everyone it was soooo hard not to scream your name to the roof tops i was so happy!!!! Times like this I feel our community (umma) even stronger

Alhamdolilah!!!

Now that you mention that Rajaa ... it seems that there are Surats and/or Hadiths that were "written" for us ... like when you hear them you feel they were written for! Subhan'Allah the glory and greatness of Allah!

Thank you again everybody for your kindness and caring. I didn't have a chance to get back online last night to read your posts until this morning.

Nawal and Noura, PM me your email address and sometime we can chat. I don't get much online time anymore in the evenings but if you are on and I can or you can just send me an IM or I will the same to you.

Sterling Girl.....I did not convert for my husband or nor would I for any man but I will tell you that it is because of him I learned Islam is not like we see portrayed on tv. So I can accredit him for this but for learning about it and getting educated I did it on my own. There are so many reasons why I did but I really do not want to get into it in this thread or post in public all of the major details. I do not want to offend any other religion or make hard feelings against another poster. I can say some to you as of why I converted was a lot like Jackie, I needed a structured religion, a consistent religion where I wasn't questioning all of the why's and what if's and I felt led in my heart to do it. Hope this makes some sense to you!

Amy time Nawal Im here to chat with you and Tasha and anyone else ! Im a new muslim also.

Well mabrouks to all the new Muslims here! Nice!

Just a suggestion for you (you might already have one) But I absolutely love the Quran that I picked up the other day ...

It's split into three columns : Arabic text, Arabic by roman script (English lettering/ phonetic) and then the English translation - all right next to each other. Very organized and numbered.. A great way to learn, valuable to your hubby who reads Arabic, valuable to you to learn how to say surahs in Arabic, as well as see the English meaning.. I got it at Borders for under $20. There is a lettering /arabic sound guide in the front as well .. I have purchased many copies but I have found this one to really be the best and it also opens as an Arabic book or Quran in arabic would, left to right, the pages also turn this way.

It's titled " The Qu'ran Translated by Abdullah Yussuf Ali Transliteration Roman Script by MAH Eliyasee and Arabic Script by Osman Taha"

I also think it's a valuable tool for raising multi-cultural and multi lingual children in Islam also.

It's purple with nice calligraphy on the cover.

Here is a link from the Border's site but you can get it any of their stores and I'm sure else where too! Wonderful learning tool

http://www.borders.com/online/store/TitleD...?sku=1879402572

Description :
About this edition:
ISBN13: 9781879402577
ISBN: 1879402572
BINC: 8831802
About the book:

Description: The ideal edition of the Qur'an for anyone interested in Islam or learning to read and speak Arabic, this version includes not only the Arabic script and its translation to English but also a transliteration in Roman script for proper pronunciation - all in three separate columns on each page. With a list of Suras (chapters) and a key to the transliteration, this book is a wonderful resource for both students and adherents of the Muslim faith. The book comes with a spine-bound bookmark.

You're so cute

I know.. That's why you looove me sooo much hehe

Thanks I will keep it in mind. Right now my husband went to the Islamic Society and checked out the something similar but I think I have to turn it back in because they asked for our phone number.

There are ones they give out for free as well. Typically online they ask for number/email as well since they want to make sure its "one" to a home...since they are footing the bill (shipping and cost of printing).

That is what Ayman said that we should get one for free because you really shouldn't have to buy God's word. He did say that if it is sold he thought they had to sell it as wholesale.

Thanks for the information girlies!

Anytime Tasha!!

PM'ing my email(s).

I feel the same way also!!!

Melinda, you have my emails, right? If not..message me I will send again!

There is also a really beautiful hardbound copy (similar to the one Ash mentioned, but larger) available free to new muslims from CAIR.ORG. Well, it used to be totally free, but now they charge a small shipping price - it's well worth it though - it's an amazing version. I believe it's the Muhammed Asad translation.

That is the one I am referring too! CAIR rocks and so does ADC!

cool... i really need one with the tranliterations in it..... i have one for my purse, and two at home but neither of them have it.

Congratulations to all the new converts. If anyone ever wants to chat with someone who's been there, done that, my email is always open.

I'm also compiling my best of the best resources for converts. Check it out and let me know what you think - http://rahma.hadithuna.com/converts/

Thank u! I

Although I'm sure it's been mentioned before, Sunnipath offers courses at a reduced price for converts. If you've converted in the last 3 years, you're elligible for a 75% discount on certain courses.

Courses at a reduced price include:

Introduction to Islamic Belief
Essentials of Islam Hanafi
Essentials of Islam Shafi’i
Essentials of Islam Maliki
Understanding Islam - a 75% discount also available for non muslims

Not all these courses are avaible this fall, but may be available in the Spring.


Other courses that may be of interest:

The Muslim Scholarly Tradition
Supplications of the Daily Prayer - a few VJers took this last ramadan and found it very beneficial. My favorite SP class thus far.
Mercy, Forgiveness and Salvation - special 3 week course during ramadan. I'm going to see if I have time to take it, and if I do and anyone else does, we can be study buddies

Rahma!!!!!!!!!!!!! {{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{HUGS}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}} You have been on my mind girlfriend! I think of you so often and just have really slacked about being in touch. Remember what a special Ramadan it was for me after that first Sunnipath class? You will always be part of that memory for me.

Girl, I remember that day! I'm getting teary eyed just thinking about it. Dang, now everyone is going to look at me

awwwwwww I love a good convert cry!

Hi rahma! Good to see you here. Please don't stay away. Your knowledge and support are needed here.

Jackie

Hehe, I feel like a old battle hardened ax. Been there, done that, have the tshirt.

You got a shirt ?