Conversion

"I say we need to be troubled on their reasons why yes. I believe
a lot of times why apostates leave is because of various factors
as I mentioned one is culture the other is perhaps dialectical or
if one disproves the legitemacy of Islam. again how a person
leaves Islam is the result of the slightest doubt in their mind not
some profound argument that another conjures. "

Ok so they leave, but if they have faith in One Lord(Allah) and that was what brought them to islaam, even if they leave the group with serious conflicting thoughts because of the corruptedness of that group, then after this person has left, the dust will settle and what remains is still faith in Allah and the desire to better him or herself in His eyes. Then comes the realization that something needs to be done against these psychological "terrorist" claimers of islam who caused him or her headaches and grief. And Allah will most certainly reward the thankful.

Assalamu alaikum Brother Israfil,

Israfil wrote: Ok let me respond in order here starting with Sister Ummziba: Sister I hope you didn't get the impression that what I said implied to you because it didn't but as I look at your responses I see smiley faces so I assume you didn't take it as something towards you. You are too intelligent for me to criticize Yes I do agree that the hearts has its own knowledge, but what I meant here is that when converting at least comprehend the tenents of the faith you are converting to. There is a difference between belief and knowing!

No, I did not think you implied me at all - it only caught my eye because it certainly could apply to me (as I didn't know a lot about Islam when I became a Muslim).  Happily for me, all worked out eventually, but it was a long and winding road from there to here! 

What I might add is that had I known more about Islam before converting, I wonder if I ever would have?  Some of the things that some Muslims consider must be absolutely done in order to be Muslim are, to put it mildly - quite silly!  Of course, I know now that a lot of those things are cultural and some are extreme interpretations of Islam.  I also realize these people are only telling their version of Islam with the best of intentions (as they, sadly, believe what they say).

Still, had someone told me back then, for example, that I would have to eat with my right hand only and use the left for "other purposes", never shake hands with a non-mahram man, not travel alone, not go to the funeral (or wedding) of non-Muslims, would have to learn to read and speak Arabic fluently, could never wear sandals on a hot day again, always spit three times when you have a bad dream... do you see what I mean? 

I have since learned better, but, had Muslims told me sincerely (as they have since then) that the above (and more) is true Islam, I never would have considered it.  They make Islam sound like a religion of do's and don't's.  And not knowing any better (back then), why wouldn't I have believed what a Muslim told me was so?  I know way better now!!!

So, knowledge of a faith is important before converting, but, be careful who or where you get that knowledge from!  Really, true faith is a gift from Allah and only by His Grace can anyone realize Islam.

Peace, ummziba

Wa' Alaikum Salaam Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuh sister Ummziba!

I understand that sometimes its the inital feeling we get when we come in contact with something that makes us emotional, in the sense of us reacting to it. Islam is that. We think of its principles and how we are at one with God and that in his latest doctrine-Al Qur'an we find truth and guidence. Yes this alone is enough to be attractive. But sister as you mentioned earlier in your response if I were to tell you the details of ones duty to Allah it shouldn't make any difference whether they sounded bizarre or not. The whole concept of Islam is to submit to God's will entirely, not half way, not a quarter or a third the way but entirely this entails even the biazarre (so long that it does not hinder ones charatcer).

To Community:

I agree there is none who can guide save Allah (God) but that doesn't stop me from being concerned. I feel for those who critique Islam as Islamic eschatology states that those very people who denied God will suffer eternal separation from God...

Assalamu alaikum Brother Israfil,

Israfil wrote: But sister as you mentioned earlier in your response if I were to tell you the details of ones duty to Allah it shouldn't make any difference whether they sounded bizarre or not. The whole concept of Islam is to submit to God's will entirely, not half way, not a quarter or a third the way but entirely this entails even the biazarre (so long that it does not hinder ones charatcer).

Yes, but my point was that it must be actually what Allah wants (as He lays out so beautifully in the Qur'an) and not what a Muslim thinks is what Allah wants.  Many times there can be a huge disparity in the two, especially when culture or extremism get in the mix.

So, your original point of learning about a faith first is absolutely valid, as long as one's source of the learning is also valid.  Islam is a reasonable religion and very simple to follow (as revealed in the Qur'an), it is humans who get things twisted round and make it all so confusing and bizzare!

Peace, ummziba.