Wanting to Become Muslim

Congratulations.

christine123 wrote: Can I move into the changes required gradually? Like going from no hijab to a scarf then to a proper hijab? And doing the same with clothes as well, i.e. gradually getting more modest attire over a few weeks or months rather than all at once.

Yes sure. Take your time, to adjust. Nothing need to be hurry. Just do it little by little.

christine123 wrote: What if I forget to pray while I'm starting on this path? I don't usually pray 5x a day, but that is honestly one of the most attractive things about Islam to me--the emphasis on prayer.

Even "old" muslim, some time forget. Forget is OK, just do it asap when you remember. However to reduce the forget this days, many prayer reminder tools and devices that can remind you.

 

christine123 wrote: How do I find the right masjid?

Go to any masjid that you comfortable with, if you don't comfortable with it try another one. The good masjids, usually will not give you a lot of "DO NOT DO LIST" at once.

christine123 wrote: What about family? I think my very elderly and very Christian grandmother would literally die of a heart attack if I told her. Any advice? Thank you!

We love our family, so we don't want to heart them. If your announcement will heart her, do it later. Let her see your change gradually too. Let she captures with her own eyes that you becoming a better and better person slowly. It might be good idea if she hear your conversion from somebody else first, not from you directly.

 

Congragulations ! Also, i welcome you to Islamicity. Do stay active. If you have any question or feel like to share your knowledge, kindly feel free to post them here.

 

Semar's post has answered all your questions. InshaAllah, you shall gradually, wear hijab. Anyways, we do have sisters here from US as well. They are trustworthy. You can contact then {Hayfa, shasta's aunt}. They shall help you find a masjid or any kind of help, inshaAllah.

 

Once again i congragulate you for being blessed and realising the truth.

 

May Allah swt guide us all.

 

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.