Assalamu alaikum - Introduction

Bismillah...

Assalamu alaikum!

Call me Nora.

I converted/reverted to Islam in 2006 from baptist Christianity. Before, I wasn't especially practicing, not consciously anyhow. I didn't drink alcohol, go to clubs, wear skimpy clothing, or sleep around. I was quiet. Still am. In 2005, four of my coworkers were muslims and we had a good amount of muslim students as well. This was the first time I had contact with any muslims. Yes, I made it through 9/11 and college without really noticing. Maybe I noticed some people looked different or dressed differently, maybe I was even a little uncomfortable being near them. Anyway, I didn't know anything about Islam. I didn't hear enough about it to form any real negative opinions. All I knew was they had different beliefs than what I grew up with, and I wanted to avoid stepping on any toes, make them more comfortable. That's why I started researching Islam.

I was religiously rather ignorant. I didn't put much thought in it, but it was like there was only many forms of the same religion. I just didn't have enough exposure to enough people to know much beyond what I was directly exposed to. I had a Mormon friend in high school, but that sounded like just another type of Christianity. I had a classmate that I realize now was muslim, but she didn't cover her hair and I didn't know her well enough to learn about any differences between us at the time. Her family was from Pakistan, but she didn't have an accent. My college was affiliated with Christianity, I have no idea if anyone there had any other religion. I was part of the Christian student organization there for a while. I did a little light research about religions at one point, but the others that I looked at didn't resonate. Didn't seem right, or better. I never considered there not being a God.

I didn't research other faiths in depth. I wasn't that kind of religious seeker. I hadn't felt any doubt about Christianity. I didn't read the whole qur'an before I converted. I didn't know about youtube at first, either. I found a side-by-site comparison of Islam and Christianity and I did some research about some things. There are many similarities. I read from books in the library and I took a college Intro to Islam classes. I didn't talk to anyone about it because I was too shy. Even now I am not a very outgoing person. I did enough research to be convinced. One night I just decided it was time.

I took a shower and said my shahada with no one to hear me but my cat.

I haven't been a stellar Muslimah. Each year I am better than the one before and insha'allah I will continue to get better and my efforts will be excepted.

In this blog I will track my learning. Some is review, some is new learning. This is my 6th year as a muslimah, but there is still a lot to know. Ramadan isn't far away, either.

:)