Salaam Y’all and Howdy Fam!
Converts…everyone loves us when its time for Shahada. Heck, all of the Sahaba minus the few young ones born in Madinah were all converts. Nevertheless, I really wanted to discuss a topic that is close to my heart: the challenges faced by converts when coming into Islam. While embracing Islam is a beautiful and transformative experience, it is not without its difficulties. One major hurdle that converts often encounter is the clash between their cultural background and the teachings of Islam. Today, we will explore this issue and provide advice for both converts and born Muslims on how to navigate this delicate balance.
Understanding the Priority of Islam:
- As a convert, it is essential to understand that Islam takes precedence over cultural practices or traditions. The Quran reminds us in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13), “O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you.” Our diversity should be celebrated, but when cultural norms contradict Islamic principles, it is crucial to prioritize Islam.
Seek Knowledge:
- For converts, seeking knowledge is the key to overcoming the challenges they may face. Invest time in studying the Quran, the life of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), and the authentic Hadith. Seek guidance from knowledgeable scholars who can provide clarity on matters where cultural influences might blur the lines of Islamic practice.
Be Patient and Steadfast:
- Converts should remain patient and steadfast in their faith, even when facing criticism or misunderstanding from family, friends, or their wider community. Remember the words of Allah in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:286): “Allah does not burden a soul beyond that it can bear.” Allah is aware of your struggles and will reward your perseverance.
Now, let’s address the responsibility of born Muslims in welcoming and supporting converts:
Show Compassion and Understanding:
- Born Muslims should strive to be empathetic towards converts, recognizing the difficulties they face in adjusting to a new way of life. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should not harm his neighbor, and he who believes in Allah and the Last Day should show hospitality to his guest” (Sahih Muslim). Embracing converts with compassion and kindness is a way to uphold this noble teaching.
Educate Ourselves:
- Born Muslims must educate themselves about the struggles and challenges faced by converts. By seeking knowledge about their experiences, we can better empathize with their journey and provide the necessary support. The more we understand, the more we can bridge the gap between cultures and strengthen the unity of the Ummah.
Foster Inclusive Communities:
- It is essential to create inclusive environments where converts feel comfortable, appreciated, and able to practice Islam without feeling the pressure to conform to cultural expectations. We must embrace diversity within our communities and celebrate the unique backgrounds that each convert brings.
To conclude, dear readers, embracing Islam is a remarkable journey, but it can also be a challenging one. As converts strive to align their lives with Islamic teachings, it is crucial for both converts and born Muslims to be understanding, patient, and supportive. By prioritizing Islam over culture and fostering inclusive communities, we can strengthen the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood in Islam, fulfilling the true spirit of our religion.
May Allah grant ease and guidance to all those embracing Islam, and may He bless our Ummah with unity and compassion.
Stay tuned for more!
Salaam Y’all
-The Muslim Cowboy
12 Responses
salaamoalaikom brother,
I for one acknowledge the difficulties of the converting. But Allah swt is all knowing.
Each year with ramadan my hearts goes out to the ones going thru fasting alone with no loved ones besides work to share the experience with.
Big respect for what you’re doing my cowboy brother.
Salaamoalaikom
As long as you are a sincere revert the greater your struggle the greater will be your reward in the Hereafter. Shaytaan will try his best to make you apostate, munafiq, Mushrik and a Kaafir again and he will be in hot pursuit of you. You are never alone as Allaah is with you at all times as long as you worship him alone, have Taqwa of him and make Du’a to him stay humble in front of Allaah, remove all pride, arrogance, haughtiness, self conceited, showing off from your heart. Always consider other Muslims better than yourself. If you feel lonely then know that Ebraheem (Alayhi salam) was a nation in one man. Read the book Ibrahim: A nation in one man by Shaykh Muhammad Al-Jibaly available in the English language from all good Islamic bookstores and probably Amazon. Ya Allaah guide all the sincere reverts, provide for them, forgive them and have mercy upon them. Ameen.
Assalamu alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuhu,
Jazaka Allahu khairan brother for this beautiful article, as born Muslims living in a Muslim country we really couldn’t fathom the struggles of converts. We would always wonder why these ex non-Muslims are stressed and desperate to learn more and more about Islam, because we born Muslims would take most things low and slow and didn’t care much.
My only experience with one of the converts is a lady from my Qur’an class who started crying when she couldn’t read the Qur’an properly, and she was so humble that she was apologising again and again for her outburst. My heart goes out to all the converts
May Allah Guide you through the difficulties of this life and grant you all Jannah.
If you need any help with writing articles I’ll try best to assist you sir.
Ssalamu alaikum.
Wa alaykum as salaam wa rahmatullaahi wa barakaatuh
Thank you so much for reaching out. This is very important and may Allah reward you for your love for the deen. Born Muslims or Reverts, we all have the chance to attain the friendship and love of our Lord. May Allah ﷻ grant you success and us all آمــــــــــــــــــين
I absolutely love this post. Personally I admire reverts. Most if not all of them are really into the deen. Culture plays a huge role where I am from and there are many things in my culture that’s related to paganism. But we must follow the Quran and the Sunnah. May Allah guide those who were born into Islam and those that reverted.
آمــــــــــــــــــين. Thank you so much for the kind words. Allah guide us all closer to Him آمــــــــــــــــــين
I enjoyed reading the article and the website looks really nice and professional Masha Allah. You’re doing amazing work. Salam brother and Yeehaw! LOL ❤️❤️
Allah bless you and elevate you. I really appreciate it. Salaam partner!
❤️
Amazing ✨
Brother assalumu aleykum. I wanna encourage you and congratulate you for this amazing work. May Allah flourish your works. Just wanted to say hi.
Tabarakallah
Wa alaykum as salaam wa rahmatullaahi wa barakaatuh
It is a pleasure hearing from my beloved family. May Allah increase you in all goodness and elevate you like you never imagined. آمــــــــــــــــــين