As a recent convert to Islam my life has just became very interesting. One of the first things I found out, is Americans are really ignorant to anything but America. I think it is sad really. The vast majority of Americans lack the ability to think for themselves. If Fox or CNN says it, well it has to be true right? Yes, it is. Well if you are the average American anyways. I also found out that most of your friends and even your best friends forget about you when you make a choice like this. However this is largely do to their ignorance on the subject. Hopefully in this blog I can clear some things up.
I guess you might want to know how exactly I became a Muslim. Well it is a story I enjoy telling. I was raised Southern Baptist, and attended a christian school most of my life. I was quite devout in my religion at the beginning of this year, 2009. I was struggling in life and praying everyday, for God to show me the path I should take. After a few weeks I became united with a Muslim friend I haven't talked to in a few years. We never talked about religion, it was off limits. Oddly our first conversation in 2 years was about religion. After an hour or so of talking, I decided to look at a few pages in the Qur'an. I prayed to God, to show me the signs, the truth. As I read the first 2 or 3 pages I was not really impressed. However I continued to read anyways. About half way into the first surra(book) I was blown away. This was the message I have been looking for. The very next day, I contacted another Muslim I knew, to help teach me about Islam. The things I learned over the next few weeks, blew my mind. I had no idea that Islam was this way. I was ignorant, close minded and uneducated. I couldn't get enough of the Qur'an. I knew it was time to convert. This shocked a lot of people.
My friends and family were shocked at my revelation. They were confused, and confused. I can't really blame them. I mean, I didn't even expect this to happen. Sadly some of them have yet to accept this. Its not about accepting Islam, but I would like to think that they would still accept me. I understand to a point I used to be just as ignorant as them, but I have always tried to keep an open mind. Islam is not all about crazy, mad fanatics. At its roots its the most peaceful understanding religion on the planet. But as Americans we have been programed by the media to believe all Muslims are terrorists. Another mistake is Americans think all Arabs are Muslims and all Muslims are Arabs.
I have also found that many people don't take me seriously as a Muslim. Sure the majority of those at my mosque have welcomed me with open arms. Most have been very kind and helpful. As the only Caucasian at my mosque I do tend to get a few stares. Although the majority of stares come from other white people. I know this is mostly due to ignorance. I have even had a few Americans tell me, "they were sick of Muslims coming to this country and acting like we owned the place." Surprisingly I was not too offended by this. I mean it was just a prime example of ignorance. I don't even look anything like an Arab. I think it is sad that many Americans are this uneducated. Sure there is racism everywhere you go, but if you are going to be racist, know your races. I rarely dress in the traditional dress, but I take pride in wearing my kufi. I want the first thing people to know about me is, I am a Muslim.
There are a few open minded people left out there. You can tell them right away, because of the stupid remarks. They at least ask questions to the subjects they don't know much about. I love answering questions about Islam. I pray everyday that I get a chance to tell someone new about Islam. I am the type of person to ask questions and educate my self, at least a little before I speak on a subject. Honestly I think this is the worlds largest problem. We as humans are programed to fear that which we don't know. So why not educate yourself, so you can get past the fear. Well because your favorite actor, singer and news source don't tell you to do that. If Dr.Phil and P. Diddy didn't tell you to do it, then well its just wrong.
To be continued....
