Many converts experience great difficulty during their conversion. This is due to a lack of a route and plan. In this article you get several tips to make the path easier.
If you have recently converted, you may find the article on conversion to Islam interesting. It provides you with information of what to do right after conversion.
It remains difficult to live as a convert in a house where the parents are disbelievers. For example, you automatically have to deal with things that Islam does not allow.
What we often forget is that it is a very big change for the parents too. Their daughter or son ascribes themselves to a different religion than the one they grew up with.
Not every parent accepts this change. And from among the Muslims it would also be difficult if the child changes religion. So it is important to show the parents understanding, because the change is quite large.
We should keep in mind that the rights of parents should always be given. This will only change once the situation becomes a serious problem to your health, where you can distance yourself.
Some parents will handle the change better than others. Allah tests anyone with difficulties in family ties, prosperity, health and much more.
See for yourself what you want to achieve. Do you think it is necessary to move away from your parents as soon as possible because they are oppressing you? Then you should only take steps if you have tried to alleviate the situation.
For example, it is not a disaster for female converts not to wear a headscarf at home. For male converts, leaving the robe in the wardrobe is not a disaster either.
Try to reduce the extra things if parents oppress you because of it. It is wise to cooperate with them unless they ask you to disobey Allah.
Engage yourself in researching Islamic subjects. There is plenty of information on the internet today. Always keep filtering out the correct information by staying critical.
Follow the Quran and the authentic Hadith, according to the understanding of the first generations of Muslim scholars. A good topic to study is what kind of groups there are.
During the path as a convert you will encounter several groups and sects. It is important to be able to distinguish these groups. This gives you a clear picture of what is false and what is correct.
Other topics that converts can learn more about are Islamic jurispudence. For example, how one should dress, what sins there are in Islam and what some Arabic terms mean.
We regularly publish various articles on Islamic topics that will benefit the convert.
For many, a critical attitude has led to many insights. It required a lot of research and use of the natural inclination (Fitrah) to embrace Islam.
There will be some obstacles a convert may face. For example, you will be provided information which you have to verify.
You should not follow anyone blindly. That seems quite obvious, but often we forget it when we take knowledge.
Knowledge resides in truth, which is the Qur'an and authentic Hadith according to the understanding of the first three generations of Muslim scholars.
It is up to the convert to always remain critical, without blindly following others because, for example, they have a diploma, wear a long gray beard or are proficient in the Arabic language.
The blessing of patience is often hard to find. There will be problems where your patience will be tested.
The convert is in a big challenge because you are actually starting from scratch. Fortunately, there are plenty of tools these days to help yourself further.
Continue to be patient when you experience family problems. Be wise with dealing with false claims and do not get lost in the process.
Take small steps to make it easier on yourself. With each learning point you strengthen your character and resistance to injustice and evil.
It is of Islam to take small steps. That is the advice of the Prophet (ﷺ). It is therefore important not to immediately apply everything.
Sure, it is essential to practice the basic foundations of Islam. You have to be careful not to go too fast with applying extra forms of worship.
The Prophet (ﷺ) warned the Muslims not to go to extremes. Your body also has a right over you. The convert should not immediately lock him or herself up in a room and read ten Islamic books a day for example.
Keep taking breaks in between when you find yourself needing it, as this will ensure that you can go back to it with full energy.
Make sure you apply the basic foundations of Islam. These include Tawheed and the five pillars of Islam: Shahada, the five daily prayers, Zakat, fasting of Ramadan and the pilgrimage.
Small steps cause faith to increase. The term faith is also known as Iman. The Muslim possesses Iman (faith) by surrendering to Islam and practicing its foundations.
It is a known problem that many converts feel lonely. This is because everything is so new and there seems to be no support.
However, there are several ways to get this support. There are foundations for converts, but you can also go to websites like ours where you can be offered support.
We are open to answer various questions from converts. These can be all kinds of Islamic questions. That way we hope to make you feel heard. Do you need that? Then you can open a chat or contact us to send us your question.
As a convert, the path forward often seems a bit unclear. This is due to a lack of a plan. With small steps you will eventually get further, so that the fog will disappear more and more. Practice the basics of Islam and if Allah wills, He will guide you through the path.
Abu Athari writes about basic principles within Islam. He uses his critical and well-researched way to spread knowledge of the first three Muslim generations.
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