My Path to Islam
I used to be called Amber Mae. I wasn't happy with being Amber Mae. It didn't feel right to me, my childhood years. I didn't want to be an agnostic child, I wanted to belong and believe with a community. The Ummah- where I now belong- is a worldwide community, that share the same beliefs. I found my way to Islam on a summer holiday to Egypt, the devotion of the people, made me find my path to Allah. One day in a field near my house I felt a presence, at once I became aware, that I had been with Allah. I had been enlightened!
How I Did It:
I went to meetings with other Muslims, and visited the Mosque, and researched Islam. After about a year or so, I decided to finally do the first Pillar of Islam- the Shahadah. I met up with some people, my friends, all Muslims and said with a whole heart: "There is no God but Allah, and Muhammed is his Prophet." After this I learnt some Arabic prayers, and changed my name to something more Arabic: Khadijah, the first wife of the Prophet Muhammed (pbuh).
I later got married to a Muslim.
Advice
- Go through your decision, make sure you are doing the right thing.
- Get to know Muslims, to find out what it means to be Muslim.
- Be ready to change customs.
- Be happy!
Reaction From Non-Muslim Friends and Family Members
My parents, family and friends weren't thrilled at the idea.
Changes I Had to Make in My Life
- Halal and Haram
- Modesty
- Praying five times a day
Holidays
Both Eids and Islamic new year are great family holidays.
Finding a Mosque or Muslim Community
Internet, talking to Muslims in your area, moving
