I don't think my story of reverting is that much different than anyone else's. At first I thought I would never cover, wear hijab or fast! It took about 3 months for me to even go to the Masjid. I would cover to pray but that was it... I still wore mini skirts, and tight shirts. As time passed and I learned more and more, I began to understand what my Lord wanted from me... and who was I to question it? There were stages, I didn't just jump into an abaya and niqab... it took time. But I did for the sake of Allah.
My husband was pretty much the same. He didn't suddenly grow a grizzly adams beard... but eventually he did... as he saw it as a requirement sent down by Allah to our messenger.From Abu Sa'id al-Khudri ra : Rasulullah s.a.w said : "If one of you sees (something) bad, he should change it with his his hand ; and if he is not capable of that, then with his tongue; and if he is not capable of that, then (he should detest) it with his heart; and that is the weakest faith". ( Muslim )
As a Muslim we are supposed to fix things that are wrong. First with our hands, then if we can't with our tongue, and if we can't do that we are to dislike it in our hearts. As I've mentioned in other posts, I participate on a lot of forums. If a question is asked about Islam, I will do the best I can to answer it according to the Quran and Sunnah. This usually means going to scholarly sources for answers, I don't just make it up myself! If I see someone else answering and it might not be right, I will try to correct that error. This seems to cause issues with some of my more liberal brothers and sisters. I think what I need to learn is to state what I know, and leave it alone. Some people see these mild corrections or advice as shoving it down their throat. When all it is, is the duty of the Muslim to protect the Ummah from misguidance. Perhaps they even feel threatened by it. Knowing in their hearts that its right, but they are not ready yet to give up the temptations of the dunya. I would have to admit this happened to me. I remember being so mad with someone for pointing out that I would have to cover my hair... I was just not ready to hear it. But in my heart I knew they were right.
There are many view points in Islam. Some are taking a more liberal approach to being Muslim. I don't follow that point of view. I believe that Islam is pure and beautiful now, as it was 1400 years ago. Its hard sometimes when people take your devotion to following the Quran and Sunnah as being 'extreme'. Its sad that when you are trying to help and inform people that you are accused of showing off or boasting of your knowledge. Its sad when a brother with a miswak in his pocket, or a sister wearing abaya is mocked... by other Muslims. I have a lot to learn. I can admit when I'm wrong, and I have been wrong. Reverting to Islam was the best thing I have ever done. I only want to honor Allah by being the best Muslim I can be. I constantly ask him for forgiveness for my failings, and guidance to keep me on the straight path. May Allah guide us all.
4 comments:
asalam alaikum
this is a good subject because there always seems to be such hositlity or anger aimed at muslims who wish to follow the ways of not only the Qur'an, but the sunna. For reverts from the west, in my opinion, the idea of freedom is such a strong one that alot of people seem to have troubles with 'submission'(an important state of mind in Islam) and coming to terms with the fact that they will never be totally in control of everything nor get everything they want in life. Allah is in control, the All-powerful. As muslims we have to accept this and submit to His authority and His rules.
Even before I accepted Islam I had trouble automatically accepting the authority of others. But after reverting to Islam I came to learn my place in this world and it's not a place where we as people have ultimate power nor can we do whatever we feel like without consquences. So my whole point is, is that I think some muslims have difficulties submitting and accepting rules which have been given to them...and they will pick and choose the rules that they prefer, they will disregard the ones they don't like, and they will 'personalize' the ones they think need adjusting.
Now, being a muslim and following all the quran and sunna properly takes dedication, strong iman, and faith in Allah and authority. Many muslims, including myself, need improvement in many ways. But we all take time to grow, learn, and incorporate all of Islam in our lives...but the problem seems to be when some muslims don't recognize that they need improving, and not only do they deny their imperfections, they interpret things to their own benefit to make things easier for themselves and encourage others to not follow Islam so closely lest they be labelled 'extremists' or 'salafis'. Since many call themselves 'average muslims' or 'moderate muslims' they must already recognize that they do not follow Islam as closely as they could. to be in the middle is not to be complete, but to make things easier or more comfortable and avoid the things that are not desired.
Like I said, I have so much to improve with myself in regards to Islam, but I will never deny things in the quran or sunna, nor tell others to ignore them, nor encourage others to think its no big deal, nor sugar coat things to make Islam more attractive to them (since Islam does not need improvement, nor apologies for any rules which some dislike). And since all of us could improve in some way, for some to criticize brothers or sisters for practicing Islam wholeheartedly, or spend their time showing anger, jealously, or fear for those who love Islam and sunna.....well this is just not acceptable.
One saying that we hear often is: "Its my human right to do this" , or "its my God-given right to do this". in fact, i just heard on the news today someone saying 'It my God-given right to eat fast food and have enough fast food joints in my neigborhood". People assume they have a right to everything, well we are very small on this earth and we are under the authority of God. The Quran and sunna tell us our rights and we, being humble as we should be, should accept this. Not everything in life is fair, equal etc...thats life. but in the end it all balances out just as our deeds are balanced on Judgement day, and we should all hope that the scale balances towards Janna inshallah.
sorry for the long essay :)
may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon you
ameen.
hannah
As salaam alaikum.
I came across your link on the Jannah site and thought I say a quick hello as I surf through.
Beautiful blog!
Ma'as salaama,
nuh
Assalamu alaikum
The thing about correcting people is that it's best if done in private. If it's done in public then people might react negatively to it, even though they might know that what you're saying is the truth, since it would cause them to feel embarrassed. So send a PM or an email to correct people's mistakes. If it is just a mistake that is.
But if they are promoting the wrong things and other people might be influenced by their views, then maybe in such cases it would be better to rectify them openly.
Assalamu alaykum,
Nice blog, well thought out and structured.
Did you and your husband revert together?
Alhamdulillah ;)
iMuslimah
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