There is something about being a convert that forces you to take sides; to choose between choice A and B; say goodbye to Switzerland.
Most of us have tread the water between being non-Muslim and Muslim for an estimable period of time of time, until we finally give in to the fatigue and decide. Or perhaps more accurately, a divine tide compels us so far we can no longer swim back to the other side. Eventually, we choose Islam.
Except, no matter how much we’ve traveled, we never fully land on the other side.
Even after we’ve made what is arguably the biggest decision of our life, there are still more decisions to be made. Where do we stand on this spectrum of religiosity? How do we claim Islam without succumbing to the cultural mutations? How do we love our non-Muslim family and our Creator at the same time? The path of the convert is not clear-cut.
We make changes– sometimes go too fast–get confused, frustrated, feel lost. The Islam that had once seemed so simple and clear, is made foggy by well-intentioned Muslims and an onslaught of facts.
So once again we are thrown into the tumultuous water, swimming in all directions, trying to stay afloat amongst the waves of Muslims and even greater tides of information.
But, fear not. If ever we find ourselves drowning, we must only remember the reason we became Muslim in the first place. We must rekindle that beautiful feeling deep in the depths of our soul, that feeling of being Muslim–whether or not it was apparent to others. We can breath freely knowing that regardless of the myriad questions that remain, one thing is certain: La ilaha illallah. We can exhale.
And Allah Knows Best.
By: Bint al-Nas , a member of our community in Chicago.
(You can read more pieces from our community members @ the Our Voices page)