Wanting to Become Muslim

Welcome to the embrace of Allah Most Compassionate and Most Merciful.

 

All of us were born not knowing how to walk.  First we learnt how to crawl, then sit, then stand and slowly walk. So are you,  being new to Islam.

 

One of the obstacles for a new Muslim is the family. Some are lucky that ther family are supportive while some are not.

 

As to your grandmother, perhaps you can advise her gently of why you are embracing Islam. Tell her that you are worshipping the God who is most worthy of worship. The God that created the whole universe, the God that created Adam, Abraham, Moses Jesus and Muhammad. The God that created the brightest of the stars, the furthest of the planets, the deepest of the oceans and the tiniest of an atom.

 

The God who is Most Merciful, Most Forgiving, Most Just, All-Hearing and All Seeing. It would be wise if you can quote the 99 names of Allah like Allah the Preserver, Allah The Shaper, Allah the Nourisher and many others that you can find it here  http://www.sufism.org/society/asma/.

 

And Muhammad was just a messenger, a guide to the straight path, the best example of a human being.

 

May Allah shower His blessings - Rahmah and Hidayah to you and your family.

 

You will find services haphazard at best.. one aspect of 'culture' is that we are organzed planners and thinkers.. and other cultures are not.

 

If you find great classes go for it. Some places have few or no services for reverts. I bet most reverts learn on their own. And now with the interent you can do so.

 

Oh, if you are not married, and people 'push' you to marry.. really do be careful. People think you MUST be married which is not the case. Yes recommeded but as long as you are not foolig around. .it is not a big deal.

 

Plus when you first revert people either want to 'help' you or take advantage of you. Assuming you do your Shahada in the next few years you will go through many changes.. you need to go through this and also spend time really learning Islam as to know what to look for in a spouse.. a man should have religion AND character. That is about inner and outer. And when you are just learning, how does one really know what to look for. Either she is not get ready or the man is really not religious, and as you change, conflicts happen because he WON'T change. Many 'born' Muslims think they 'got it' where religion are concerned. Often mixing up religion and culture.  And then there is the  marry for a green card, or for a 2nd wife.. lots of stuff.. so just smile and be noncommital.. it can 'soun'  good. But know your deen first.. Then you can tell the quality of Muslim. Many people from other cultures ARE cordial and respectful as is necessary when meeting people. But this is different then family and who they marry.