"I asked for strength..."

"...and Allah gave me struggles to make me stronger."

Asalaamu aleykum!

Juma'a mubarak! Al7amdullilah, we have made it through another week. School has started back up for most of us, which means endless nights of studying and a potentially unhealthy amount of caffeine.

We wanted to start off our weekly blogs by sharing our greatest struggle with you. Like everyone, we have struggles. Sometimes, we feel like they are magnified because we are reverts. We know that Allah would not give us anything we can't handle. We want you to know that you're not alone in your hard times, and we want to give you someone to relate to.

Zahra:

I have had my fair share of rough times since I reverted to Islam. One of my biggest battles is the fact that I cannot attend Juma'a salat. Unfortunately, my school schedule does not allow me to attend the one thing that would teach me the most Islam and give me reward by praying in congregation. Also, the closest masjid is about a 90 minute highway drive away from my college. There have been semesters where I had the time off to go, but the drive made it impossible to make it back to class on time.

I miss going to regular Friday prayers, and I certainly do appreciate it when I am actually able to attend. As the old adage goes, "you don't know what you have until it's gone." InshAllah I will be able to work in a place that will allow me to have Friday afternoons off so I am able to go to a masjid for Friday prayer.

If you are able to attend the masjid, please do. The masjid is a valuable resource and there are great rewards in praying in congregation. Take advantage of what Allah has provided for you. You don't know who would readily take your place and appreciate the value!

Nikita:

In today's world, religion isn't a big deal. I've noticed many people casually claiming to be Christian, Hindu, Sikh, Jewish...but it seems to be more of a title than guidelines for their actions. That's why when you hear people convert, you're surprised. In this day and age, where everyone is busy and the dunya controls our thoughts and actions, really, who gives theology much thought?

I have lost friends as a result of my conversion, and having to "come out" about converting is by biggest struggle thus far. Many are surprised to hear I converted, but when they hear "I converted to Islam:" cue shocked expressions.

Alhamdulillah, with time and patience I was able to save most of those relationships, but there were definitely points where I felt completely alone and abandoned. Some friends never came around, it wasn't a huge fight that ensued "coming out" about my faith, but slowly...
"Hey, want to hang out this weekend?"
"Um no, sorry. I'm busy"
became a more frequent answer. Those things happened about a month or two ago, and at this point, unfortunately, those I considered practically family no longer acknowledge me or have any form of communication with me.

Being a born Muslim, you have the advantage of people initially accepting you for all of you. When you change part of yourself (in this case, converting to an often misunderstood faith), you can't always accurately gauge the reaction of peers, family and friends. I feel as though being a Muslim almost clears your slate, it pushes negative impacting influences away, and draws close those who remind you of Allah (swt). Ultimately I say Alhamdulillah, because though I have lost close friends, I have gained new valuable friends who remind me of my faith. Honestly, I'm much happier because of it.

Until next time,

-N&Z