Women/Converting

I am a young american  woman who is married to an amazing Arabic man (not leagally but by his religion- Islam) I have done a lot of research into it because I dont have a religion of my own, however I want to make sure if I change that its for the right reasons. I DO belive everything I know of Islam such as the Prophet but I just wouldnt know the first thing about converting. . . Such as prayer, how to dress , ect.. I try to ask questions but there is only so much he can tell me , There is no mosque nearby so I'm looking for ANY TIPS OR ANSWERS. I do know its preferred that women cover their hair, for some reason that almost makes me uncomfortable, is it required? 

I was just afraid that if I converted and didnt know prayer and didnt cover my hair that maybe to Allah that would be worse than just not converting. 

Thank you both for your answers, We live in a very small community with no female Muslims, With how seperate Islam keeps the men and women I try to tread lightly with the questions I ask (for GREAT fear of offending someone) Other than the internet -I feel like many things online regaurding this religion are misleading-what are some ways to learn of the practices involed ?

Lovely Soul wrote: Thank you both for your answers, We live in a very small community with no female Muslims, With how seperate Islam keeps the men and women I try to tread lightly with the questions I ask (for GREAT fear of offending someone) Other than the internet -I feel like many things online regaurding this religion are misleading-what are some ways to learn of the practices involed ?

Salaam Sister!

Regarding your first question - about your worrying if Allah would dislike you converting simply because you don't pray or cover your hair:

Sis, in Islam - we are told & we believe that Allah is ALL MERCIFUL & ALL WISE. He knows you better than yourself or even the person closest to you. We don't believe that Allah is out to get us, and is nauzubillah scrutinizing us under a microscope to smite is if we sin...

Islam teaches us the concept of a MERCIFUL & JUST God. We believe Allah loves us 70times more than our mother, and is closer to us than our Jugular Vien. Rest assured He knows and understands your struggles better than you yourself. And He shall Judge you according to your circumstances.

Allah the Almighty has said : "O Son of Adam, as long as you invoke Me and ask of Me, I shall forgive you for what you have done, and I shall not mind...O Son of Aadam, were you to come to Me with sins nearly as great as the Earth, and were you then to face Me, ascribing no partner to Me, I would bring you forgiveness nearly as great as it [too]." [Tirmidhee]

Islam is not simply a formal utterance or a bunch of rituals Sis. It is a firm belief that stems from the heart. A Muslim is one who believes in Allah and His message. The day belief in Allah entered your heart - you were Muslim in Allah's eyes.

It is natural to progress slowly and unrealistic to expect that you can pull a switch and be Super-Muslim in one day after uttering Shahadah. For a person who has not been born into Islam, it is like you have been born and will grow as a Muslim. (free of sins btw. Once a person converts, they start with a fresh slate, free of all past sins. Praise be to God)

So before you start anything else - have firm belief that Allah is by your side and will only help you this. Allah says that once His creation takes an initiative/step towards Him - it His responsibility to come towards His creation. 

Strengthen your relationship with Allah - it is a very intimate & personal feeling. Undescribable. Make 'dua' to him (i.e. ask Him for things, talk to Him).

"And your Lord says: Pray unto me: and I will hear your prayer" (Quran 40:60)


While Hijab & Prayer are essential parts of being a Muslim - Faith in Allah (Tauheed) is the criteria for being Muslim. Like they say, Hijab is a part of Islam, Islam is not a part of Hijab.





Edited by Chrysalis - 07 December 2010 at 2:08am