american muslim

Hi salams_wife,

Its such a shame that many people of all religions arent more open minded. It would make life a whole lot easier. My family dont even mention my religion to me. Guess I'm an embarrasment on that score. Never mind, they still love me. Just wish my daughter would speak to me. she hasnt for 4 years now, since I became muslim. But I live in hope for a reconciliation.

 I just wish they had shown more conflicts we muslims face in America.  There is so much material to cover.  Muslim converts dealing with Christian families, finding places to worship if you are not near a major city,  Fasting while watching others eat and drink all around you, Explaining Islam to your friends who don't understand, etc.

Thankyou for these words. I have had a personal conflict over such matters. When I became muslim 4 years ago, I faced no end of hardship. Because I was not accepted in my 'christian' town after wearing the hijab, I had to leave my hometo keep my children safe from bullying . They did not even feel safe in their home. I went to London alone in my car. I chose London as it is more tolerant of all religions. It was also easier for me to intergrate with fellow muslims. I got no help with accomodation from my government. After a while I found somewhere to live, albeit an empty office, and also employment. But even in London there were obstacles. It was during this time that muslims generally were getting bad press.

 When the siege in the Beslan school took place, and many children were killed by veiled muslim suicide bombers, I took the decision to remove the hijab. London became a more easy target for attacks, especially on veiled muslim women travelling on the transport system. I also did not want to associate with the kind of people associated in such attacks as Beslan. That was not my kind of Islam.

I do not understand why christians and muslims do such st**id things that result in others suffering unnecessarily. It is difficult enough trying to be a muslim. And I know that whatever I do each day to improve myself, there will always be those who will say I'm doing it the wrong way. So now I dont tell people I'm muslim. People just dont understand. I am the only muslim in my family. Can anyone imagine how they must feel about me being muslim? It is extremely hard. I dont discuss Islam with them or anyone else. Do you think this is fair on me? 

I am not alone in this situation. I just wish all religions stopped to think what harm they cause people before they act on their own incentives. It does more harm than good. But I know it will never change. There will never be any kind of peace for anyone.