Keeping it real: some thoughts on the struggles of the Islamic 'convert'.

Islam is the fastest growing religion in the world . This is something acknowledged by friend and foe alike, despite the fact that there are actually very limited [if any] organized efforts at missionary work, of the kind that Christian missionaries engage in. There are many reasons behind this growth, far beyond the scope of this article, but nonetheless there are certain commonalities in terms of the struggles the new Muslim may find themselves in, especially in Western countries. Below are some guidelines, important for both the 'convert' and the Muslim community activists, Imams, employees and teachers.

[1] Muslim: first and foremost

Within the Islamic community as well as the media, titles such as 'convert' or 'revert'[ft.#1] are commonly used. It is our view that such titles, to be used even for people who have been Muslims for over 20 years, are artificial, and, most dangerously, makes an implication that Muslims born into the faith or whose origins are from Islamic nations are more authentic and superior to the newcomer. These sort of assumptions are incorrect and are contrary to the teachings of the Qur'an and Prophetic Sunnah. It should be sufficient to cite the following Quranic assertion:

" Verily, in Allah's sight the most honorable are those with the highest amount of Taqwaa in your midst." [Q 49:13]

[2] Intra community relations

It is often the case that the new Muslim feels alone in the mosque. In  the United States, most of the mosques are filled with a mixture of ethnic groups, sectarian tendencies and even generational differences.The new Muslim may feel disheartened, lonely. It is incumbent on the community to not only be welcoming, but to be accommodating, have classes on the necessities of practice, to build real social relations, but also to have respect for the new Muslim. Know that the new Muslim is not, NOT, required to adopt the attitudes, food and clothing of a different culture. Corrections of each other should never be done in arrogance or spite.
There is suppose to exist a relation of respect and equality between Muslims, regardless of racial backround or history.

"The believing men and women are protecting allies of one another, commanding what is right [by universal standards ] [ft.#2], forbid what is disgusting [Munkar], establishing prayers, pay Zakaat, obey Allah and his messenger, it is they whom Allah bestows mercy, verily Allah is powerful, wise." [Q 9:71]

[3] In the wider society: family and friends

There are a number of trends, both healthy and otherwise, that are found in the enthusiastic brother or sister who has accepted Islam. Indeed, the  struggle to do right and resist the influences of  the pre-Islamic lifestyle are in a tug-of war, being most visible during holidays and in social interactions. Below is a summary of issues and an Islamic response.

[A] Name change

Very often Muslims change their names. While this is acceptable, let it be known that the only names that have to be changed are names that have a bad meaning or names that imply worship of something other than God. In Sunan Abu Dawood, the blessed Prophet Muhammad [sall Allahu 'alayhi wa sallam] is said to have changed a person named shaytaan [satan] to another name, or of a person named Harb [war] to Salm [calmness], and the like. In the Prophet's days, and even today among Bedouins, a rough or ugly name was seen as toughening up the child to survive in a harsh world. But it is the messengers of God who teach that a goodly name is among the best things parents give to their children.

[B] Religious differences creating family tensions

From our side, we are to keep to our religion, but strive to keep good relations with family. The Qur'an itself asserts

[Revere thy parents;] yet should they endeavour to make thee ascribe divinity, side by side with Me, to something which thy mind cannot accept [as divine],  obey them not; but [even then] bear them company in this world’s life with kindness, and follow the path of those who turn towards Me. In the end, unto Me you all must return; and thereupon I shall make you [truly] understand all that you were doing [in life].’'[ Q 31:15, Muhammad Asad translation]

[C] Holidays [Christmas, Thanksgiving, Easter etc]

This is probably the most sensitive of issues, because it is during the holiday seasons that serve as the bonding periods among families. Our advice is to not participate in the religious aspects of these activities. After all, Christmas [to highlight an example] celebrates the birth of Jesus, whom Christians believe to be God and the son of God. As Muslims we obviously don't accept these doctrines, so it would make no sense to celebrate it. But we see no harm in dining with the family in this time. Family relations are very important in Islam. So, in the dinners, if pork and alcohol are served, simply don't eat those items. Similarly, if the family observes Non Islamic religious rituals, such as going to Christmas services, don't go to that, but catch up with them later.[ft.#3]

Footnotes

[1] The term "revert" stems from an understanding that Islam is something innate in human beings, therefore, when we accept Islam, we are not changing, rather, we are "reverting" back to our original nature. This understanding itself is based on the hadeeth:  " Every child is born upon the natural disposition [Al-Fitrah], his parents make him Jewish, Christian or Zoroastrian." [Bayhaqi]

[2] Al-Ma'roof: Those healthy, recognized and accepted universal values that are needed for every society.

[3] It is well known that many of the holidays, including the religious holidays such as Christmas and Easter, have origins in pagan culture and belief. Be that as it may, in the West these occasions are observed and families take advantage of them by having family gatherings. It is the family gatherings that we are emphasizing here. It is often argued that even to do this is to engage in compromising one's Islam and pollute the faith with innovations [Bid'ah]. But we find this reasoning to be flawed for a number of reasons. [1] We accept to be paid extra  to work at these times. [2] We shop on 'black friday'[the day after thanksgiving], looking for deals. [3] Most of us are off work on Saturdays and Sundays, which are the sabbath periods for Jews and Christians respectively, and even the mosques, taking advantage of the day of rest and worship in the West, have major activities on both days.

It is for each person to make their own decisions based on their own conscious when it comes to issues of this kind. For a discussion on Thanksgiving, see Shaykh Luqman Ahmad's article [2http://imamluqman.wordpress.com/2013/11/20/the-islamic-ruling-regarding-celebrating-thanksgiving-day-by-shaykh-abu-laith-luqman-ahmad-2//[/url] . For an opposing view, as well as an interesting analysis of popular television programs, music and even Biblical texts, see the book Symbolism, Holidays, Myths and Signs by Imam Alauddin Shabazz [ 1993, New Mind Publications, Jersey City, New Jersey]

Advise for Muslim Prisoners

Introduction

Working for the better part of three years inside various correctional institutions as "the Muslim Chaplain", one thing we can say is that the Muslim community therein can be just as diverse and complex as any Masjid in the United States! Moreover, in doing this job, working with the brothers, as well as through consulting with others in the country who are likewise working in this field, it seems necessary to address certain issues in a way that will prove to be a benefit for our brothers. We have kept in mind the Prophetic maxim "Religion is sincere advise" [ Saheeh Muslim].

I'm a Muslim, so now what??

The faith is spreading rapidly in the prison system. The two main reasons are [a] the availability of Islamic literature, allowing readers to make educated decisions. [b] positive interactions with Muslim inmates, i.e. being impressed with the prayer regimentation, etc..

You, my dear brother in Islam, will notice that there is a great deal of diversity in the Muslim population inside, finding everything from the orthodox sects to groups such as the Moorish Science followers [who even have a 'different Qur'an'][ft.1], all of whom are claiming to be on the straight path. Confusion and perhaps a bit of disappointment is natural in these circumstances. Our advise is as follows:

[1] Be firm in the theological conviction that God is alone in worship, and that Muhammad was indeed his messenger!

[2] Make sure to structure your life, while serving your time, in accord with the spiritual necessities prescribed within the religion, such as daily prayers [Salaah], the fasting in Ramadan [Siyaam], and avoiding all together pork products.

[3] Evaluate all religious and theological claims with the Qur'an. To do that, you must be a consistent reader of the sacred text! This is especially important, as you will encounter many opinions written in books, tracts and by word of mouth. This function of the Qur'an, as a filter for religious truth and keeping out unsubstantiated assertions, is given within the Qur'an itself [see Q 25:1]

[4] Keep away from individuals and groups who clearly are out to create trouble by engaging in endless arguments, madh-hab disputations, and the like. Indeed, the Qur'an itself warns "Fitnah[ft.2] is worse than killing [ft.3]" [Q 2:191]


Released: know that Islam on the outside is different than that which was learned on the inside

There is an abundance of literature floating around the prison system, with attractive Arabic titles and seemingly giving all the right references to the Qur'an and Sunnah, yet many of these books are written for another time, place and context. Reading these books for years, upon release some of the brothers feel disappointed at the local Muslims ["On the streets"], seeking to argue down the Imams as those who are committing Bid'aah, "watering down" the faith, etc..[ft.4].

What happens next is sad, either the brothers stay away from Mosques, embracing an Un-Islamic life, or end up abandoning Islam all together! Of course, this is also in a worldly context, which we shall briefly touch upon.

Some more advise

[A] Before release, work hard to improve your condition. Get a GED, any training available that increases one's skills and abilities to get a job. Improve one's academic situation as well. Remember Malcolm X [Al Hajj Malik Al Shabazz], who copied the whole dictionary to improve his vocabulary, grammar and knowledge. Extend this advise to religion as well. Regularly read the Qur'an, and in particular a good biography of God's model for us, Muhammad [Peace be upon him]. We highly recommend The Life of Muhammad by Muhammad Husayn Haykal. The Sunnah is best exemplified in looking at the Prophet's life in context, rather than isolated quotes here and there!

[B] Upon release, stick to your local Masjid and all activities therein.

[C] Set worldly goals, such as job, housing, marriage.

[D] Do not associate with any people who engage in the activities leading to your imprisonment in the first place. In any way, shape or form, stay away from such. This means the alcohol, the drugs, the gangs, and we will go so far as to even add things such as cigarettes, the music and the style of dressing. Have the desire to be pure.

Wa Billaahit Tawfeeq

Footnotes

[1] The Moorish Science Temple of America have what they call The Holy Koran of the Moorish Science Temple. It's not the Qur'an, rather it is, mostly, material from the work The Acquarian Gospel of Jesus the Christ by Levi Dowling.

[2] Fitnah has different meanings and usages, both in Arabic and within the Qur'an. This writer has done extensive research into the term, published in essay form in The Language of Revelation: Classical Arabic language instruction and exercises with Qur'aan commentary [pp.221-226], available from Arifin Imports, PO Box 70617, Toledo, Oh 43607, www.arifinimports.com. Here, in this verse, the meaning is that of anarchy. Ibn Katheer [Tafseer Al Qur'aan al 'Adheem, volume 2 pg 105 Aleppo edition] suggests that Al Fitnah here means idolatry. Allah knows best!!

[3] Indeed, this is a wise Qur'anic assertion, for we all will die, but the greater death is that of a society in which chaos and hatred abound.

[4] This writer recalls an incident in which, while delivering a lecture at the Mosque, a visitor comes, challenges whether we are really in fact Muslims and our Mosque is really an authentic Mosque because women were present. This stems from the questioner's reading of materials printed in an area of the world where, by local custom, women are not allowed to attend the Mosques. The questioner admitted that it was, in fact, his first time in a Mosque, since he had "just been released". The irony in this is that women fully participated in both communal prayers and public life, centered at the Mosque, in the time of the Prophet Muhammad in Madinah, and that neither the Qur'an or hadeeth literature outlaw women's participation therein!