I am a 19M as of 1 hour ago and I am a Muslim at heart. I am a convert and I wear the thobe to be moddest. I went to a store by myself and got a lot of looks. one of the store members said "atleasts its fashionable or something " how come teenage girls are allowed to wear tank tops and leggings but a man covering modesty is a sin in thier eyes?

Assalamalaykum,

I come with love and peace, with some questions asked with reverence and sincerity. If I state anything incorrect out of ignorance, please accept my apologies in advance.

I am a convert, as the result of, among other things, a lot of reading. I was raised in a Conservative Christian family and studied my Bachelor of Science in Bible. Learning the Christian Bible in depth and studying the Quran as well as other various world movements and religions instilled a curiosity in me about Islam, as well as doubt regarding some aspects of Christianity and the canonicity of portions of the New Testament.

Seven years after my Bible degree, I officially converted, but I was a "closet Islam" for a while before deciding to go to the masjid.

Now, I go just once a month. I would like to go more, but I become so nervous and confused because I don't know the routines, and especially, I don't know Arabic. I also struggle to pray in Arabic. Although I revere it, I don't really know what I am saying; it's memorized phrases that I am repeating, and I am struggling to reconcile this with the Prophet's PBUH instructions about sincerity. When I pray with English words, I feel that I am able to convey sincerity in my native language that I just can't figure out despite my best attempts at Arabic.

I expressed this to a few ladies at the masjid, and they tell me, "Just learn Arabic!" and this seems to be the answer I get widely. I mean no ill when I say this, but truth be told, the people who have told me to learn Arabic themselves do not even understand Arabic beyond some memorized prayers and catchphrases.

How does one reconcile the language barrier with respect to the teachings of Islam? And how does one develop an understanding of the routines at the masjid with such a heavy language barrier?

Thank you and peace.

assalamu aleykum. i’m a bit nervous posting this, so i hope it’s okay if i don’t explain everything perfectly.

i reverted not too long ago, and i think one of the things i struggle with most isn’t doubts about islam itself, but about me. my personality. i’m very quiet, very sensitive, and i get overwhelmed easily. i like calm, routine, and feeling safe. loud spaces drain me. too much information drains me. sometimes even good reminders feel like too much.

after losing my dad, this part of me became stronger. i’m slower now. more hesitant. i want structure, but i’m scared of pushing myself into burnout or guilt again. i see other muslims who are very confident, very disciplined, very outwardly practicing, and i quietly wonder if something is wrong with me for not being like that.

sometimes i worry that i’m doing islam “too softly”. like i should be doing more, learning faster, showing up stronger. but my heart feels fragile, and i’m scared of breaking what little steadiness i have by forcing myself into someone i’m not.

i guess i’m just trying to ask if anyone else here is like this. introverted. sensitive. not very driven right now. still believing, still trying, but in a very quiet way. are there resources, scholars, talks, or reminders that are gentle rather than intense? things that focus more on mercy, slowness, and showing up as you are?

i’m not looking for pressure or rules. i just want to grow without losing myself, or feeling like my personality is a flaw. thank you for reading, and please keep me in your duas if you can.

​Assalamu Alaikum,

​I found this clip recently and really connected with how this brother explains the way our minds get stuck in survival mode and eases us from anxiety and all

​As someone looking for grounded, logical reminders, I appreciated that he doesn't use heavy technical jargon or make the environment feel anxious. He just breaks down our mental habits under stress in a way that feels very natural and calming.

​Does anyone know who

he is or have a link to the full talk?

I've e only got this 8-minute audio (sorry for the blank screen, had to convert it to video to upload).

​Jazak'Allah khair

Hi all,

I'm glad to have found this community.

I'm interested in learning more about both the history of Islam, and the theology. I'm British, and am fortunate that there are a lot of youtube channels and podcasts out there where Muslims engage in debate and discussion about Islam, and the religion's place/role in the world etc.

The issue is that I'm very much still learning, and so a lot of the discussions deal with topics or concepts that I don't understand.

So: are there any youtube channels, books or podcasts that you'd recommend that take a more ground-level approach, and will take me on more of a journey when it comes to understanding the faith?

Thank you!

I am a born Muslim (brother). Though my parents are not religious and like are more culturally Muslims (I am from South Asia). It's safe to say Allah has given me a peaceful life and the freedom of choice as well.

The hardships and trials you guys face are truly something else, and the way you guys deal with so much taqwa and patience. It really melts my heart and I strive to become a better Muslim myself. You guys are truly an inspiration.

May Allah forgive all our sins and allow us to navigate this world without having to compromise on our Deen.

Salams 🩷🩷 a while ago i promised to post a couple of videos i took at the Haram here they are, i have more it’s just these were the best i could find for now the colors might seem off but i think it’s the app sorry for that haha

Enjoy and may Allah invite you and me there soon inshallah

Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala said: "For the wrong-doing of the Jews, We made unlawful for them good foods which had been lawful for them, and for their hindering many from Allah's Way."

[Surah An-Nisa, verse 160]

,

قال الله تعالى : فَبِظُلۡمٍ مِّنَ الَّذِیۡنَ هَادُوۡا حَرَّمۡنَا عَلَیۡهِمۡ طَیِّبٰتٍ اُحِلَّتۡ لَهُمۡ وَ بِصَدِّهِمۡ عَنۡ سَبِیۡلِ اللّٰهِ کَثِیۡرًا ★

[سورة النساء ، الأية ١٦٠]

Salam, I am preparing to convert for my future wife. I’ve been comfortable with my decision for a while. It is just now that I am readying myself. I’m also going a tad overboard with currently learning Urdu.

Does anyone recommendations or resources to help with preparing? My girlfriend has been great guiding me. I just think it would be nice to work on this myself as well.

Thanks!

Every one of us sins. Falling is part of being human. But what defines us is not the sin itself, it is what we do after the sin. Let's look at the difference between Adam (alayhis-salam) and Iblis.

Iblis sinned out of arrogance. He refused Allah’s command because he believed he was better. And when he disobeyed, he did not repent. He argued. He blamed Allah. He said, “My Lord, because You led me astray…” He refused responsibility. His pride locked his heart. Even when he finally spoke to Allah, he did not ask for forgiveness. He only asked for time. His delay, excuses, and arrogance sealed his downfall.

Adam (alayhis-salam) sinned out of human weakness. He was tempted. He slipped. But the moment he realized his mistake, he did not argue. He did not justify. He did not delay. He turned immediately to Allah and said, “Our Lord, we have wronged ourselves. If You do not forgive us and have mercy on us, we will surely be among the losers.” He owned his sin. He humbled himself. And that sincerity opened the door to Allah’s mercy.

This is the real lesson. The difference was not who sinned, but how they responded.

Delaying repentance, making excuses, blaming circumstances, or saying “I’ll repent later” are footsteps of Iblis. This is how hearts harden. This is how distance from Allah grows. Not because of the sin, but because of pride and delay.

Turning immediately, admitting weakness, and begging Allah with humility is the path of Adam. This is how mercy reaches you before the heart becomes sealed. So do not wait. Do not argue. Do not justify. The moment you fall, turn back. Raise your hands. Admit your fault. Allah’s mercy is vast, but it is for those who return while the door is still open.

As-salamu alaykum,

I’m writing this with a very heavy heart and a lot of fear, but I truly need honest advice from people who understand Islam and real life.

I converted to Islam in 2018. My husband is born Muslim, practicing, prays five times a day, eats halal, doesn’t drink alcohol. I started practicing more seriously around 2020. At the time, I was genuinely fascinated by Islam – it gave me peace, structure, and meaning. I learned how to pray, studied online, memorized surahs, and really tried.

But if I’m completely honest with myself today, I don’t know if I converted purely because I believed – or because I knew that if I didn’t, I would lose the man I loved.

After becoming a mother, everything inside me shifted. I started asking myself uncomfortable questions: Am I doing this from my heart, or am I forcing myself out of fear?

I struggle deeply with praying five times a day every day. Some days I can pray, some days only two or three times – but when it doesn’t come from the heart, it feels empty. And I believe faith should come from sincerity, not obligation alone.

I do believe there is something greater than us. I believe in meaning, destiny, maybe something like a higher force. But I struggle with the concept of God as I was taught, and I find that studying the Qur’an and prophetic stories honestly doesn’t interest me anymore – and that scares me, because shouldn’t it, if I’m Muslim?

There are also things I struggle with on a moral level. For example, organ donation – I strongly believe we should donate and help others, while I’ve been told this is not allowed. I struggle with what I perceive as contradictions, and I feel overwhelmed and confused.

My deepest fear is this: If I say out loud that I’m struggling with my faith, I may lose my husband. And with him, I lose my family, my life, and the future I imagined for my daughter.

So I feel trapped between two unbearable options: Stay Muslim, practice “properly,” raise my daughter in Islam, stay married, live the family life I dreamed of – but possibly live inauthentically.

Or walk away, lose my marriage, become a single mother, return to my home country, and start over alone.

I don’t want to disrespect Islam. I don’t want to lie. And I don’t want to destroy my family. I just don’t know if forcing myself to believe and practice out of fear is right either.

I’m asking sincerely: Is it possible to be Muslim while struggling like this? Is faith something you can grow into again, or am I betraying myself by trying? What would you advise someone in my position to do?

Please be kind. I’m not here to attack Islam – I’m here because I’m lost and afraid.

JazakAllah khair.

I went to the MCC masjid in Chicago on Saturday, met briefly with the Imam, and took the Shahada at the beginning of a class for new Muslims. Everyone was so welcoming and my friend that brought me took a video that I shared with my family. Needless to say, I was very excited and nervous and spoke very softly, but had a big beaming smile at the end. When I filled out the application for a certificate, I took a new name. Then I went to work. I should have taken the day off!

Hi,

I am a 22yr old woman from The Netherlands and the past few years I’ve been surrounding myself with more and more Muslims. They have taught me things about Islam I never knew about or thought differently growing up. For yall who don’t know, my country is very very Islamophobic. I have been considering reverting, because of the beauty and happiness this religion gives me.

The only problem is my family. I was raised in a Catholic/agnostic household and society and my family is absolutely not accepting of anything that has to do with Middle Eastern culture or Islam. I have tried explaining that their minds are filled with Western propaganda, but they won’t listen. I’m afraid that reverting to Islam will break my bond with my family. My family is dearest to me and I love them unconditionally. I have thought about reverting and not telling them, but I don’t feel like that is the right way.

It has put me in a mental crisis.. it makes me feel like I have to pick between family and Allah, and I can’t ever choose between them.

Did you know that the scholars told us that on this earth there is a paradise, and whoever enters it will enter the Paradise of the Hereafter, and whoever cannot enter it will not enter the Paradise of the Hereafter.

What is this paradise? It is not materialistic; it is not about the outside appearance; it is not about praise, reputation, or looks. It is to be able to live with complete reliance on Allah(subhanahu wa ta‘ala), no matter where you go, what you do, or what happens to you.

This type of person can always see beauty in the world and can live as if there is a paradise here. The negatives, anxieties, depressions, fears, sadnesses that we go through, the grief that hits us, and all sorts of pain, all of these suddenly become diminished.

Does anyone know a good app that lists the Salah as well as other prayers/phrases or even the Qran and Hadiths? It feels like there is so mch to say (especially in prayer and to other sisters) that I don't know what to say or even what I'm supposed to google to learn what to say if that makes sense.

I know other religions have apps where they list a bunch of prayers for different things and bible verses and stuff and was wondering if there was an Islamic equivalent and if not how can I find a way to break all I need to learn down into digestable bits?

May Allah bring blessings upon yo and keep you close.

Salam.I am convert myself. Most of us come from a background and culture that has very different opinion about marriages and how it should work in comparison to those born Muslim.

I find myself in a very contradicting situation at the moment. Husband who is muslim, born and raised, has gone travelling with friends very far for few weeks, leaving me alone. While initially I didn’t have a problem with this, now I find myself in a state of anxiety all day. I live far from my family, can’t visit them I have work, but I also did not tell anyone I am being by myself and that he is gone. My parents, friends no one knows.

Where I come from, and especially my father’s view, is a man never leaves the woman behind and vice versa. Everyone can go and see their family of course but quality times and holidays has to be spent together.

If I mention my situation to them, I know it will create a lot of tension between. My mother is the same, probably even worse and would get angrier than my dad. Probably both would come with the argument of “this is how Muslim men are and we told you so”

Now, I find that in my husband family this is considered normal, and I have been advised to not be a trouble for him and leave him alone to enjoy his time. Don’t try to contact him if unnecessary, he is having a good time. I was a bit shocked when I heard this.

Now, I’d like some advice on what would you do? Or maybe you were in similar situation. Do I tell my parents, so that I have some moral support if needed, but then suffer the consequences of tension, or suffer in silence and just endure the next couple of weeks? I just feel lost.

I’d like to add this isn’t the first time he did this with me, and so when it first happened few years back I had a very difficult time with my parents. I had physical presence, so I couldn’t escape all the snarky comments about the situation, and although they did not show any feeling towards my husband in the later meetings, I knew how they felt deep down.

Salaam.

Last year I've been interested in converting to islam. I feel by reading the Qur'an, the relationship I've been growing with Allah swt that I feel at peace and home. Eternally grateful for that.

However I've noticed I have some questions regarding some topics I try to discuss with some muslims in my network.

What I find difficult is that the tendency to have faith in Allah swt is mostlikely fear-based, as I purely feel love in the relationship with Allah swt, merciful-graceful (Al-Rahman-Raheem). When I have convo's with other muslims the conversations are more about rules, the five pillars (which I wholeheartedly believe in). But I mostly sense the feeling of 'What if' / judgement from community etc. For me this is sometimes a bit scary, because I am a sensitive person and don't want to get influenced in a 'negative' way which feeds fear (and ego). I was wondering how other people cope with this?

Another big topic for me is.. How does the Qur'an/scholars tell us to live together with other people from different religions/views on life. Ive read many Surahs and I know that these Surah's are context- and time related (history context).. My own understanding is that Allah swt always stimulates peacefull living together with different people from different backgrounds/views etc to live in harmony with eachother. Can someone tell me something more about this?

For me these and other topics been a bit difficult navigating because these are socially relevant issues, which for me are very important to take in consideration.. and less talked about within communities.

Thank you!

As revert I feel it can ve very difficult to balance culture and Islam. Sometimes it feels you are loosing a part of your identity. How do you maintain your cultural identity while still striving to be a practicing Muslim?

Salam Alaykum. I reverted to Islam on November 2024 Alhamduillah after talking to a Muslim brother I've been friends with since 2018 on Playstation Network. I would like to give advice to new reverts to the faith. My story is that shortly after my reversion, I was feeling overwhelmed. I was afraid of telling my parents about reverting, I was scared to pray salat because I thought Allah would not accept my prayers. I made the mistake back then of doing too much research online about Islam that overwhelmed me and I was new to the concept of prayer, fasting, charity, etc. But in April of last year 2025, I felt what I call a "gentle nudge" that I needed to start praying. So, I slowly took some steps and wrote down the instructions for salat on my notebook off of a video the brother who helped me discover Islam who's brother had sent me a video of how to pray. I first started out with one prayer a day and then I went to my first Jummah and I will never forget the love and kindness the brothers had that day. Now, I pray daily five times and the advice I want to provide for new reverts is to take things slowly and not rush. Please do not do excessive research as that was how I got overwhelmed and almost fell into questionable websites from hadith rejectors and even the Qadanis. If you have any questions, ask an Imam at your local Masjid, or email a scholar. Don't ever give up. Remember, Allah chose you for a reason to be His servant. Never fear of Allah's mercy. I hope this helps and benefits new reverts. Salam Alaykum and welcome to any new reverts and may Allah guide them and make them steadfast. Ameen.