One of the hardest things I found out about converting was the reaction of my loved ones. People have many preconceived notions of Islam. Unfortunately for us most of them are untrue. I know that my family is miserable with me. I have tried in vain to make them understand. You can not remove the veil that is upon their eyes. I always felt that my family were rational good hearted people. It does not appear so when I speak of Islam. My mother does not
even seem to want to look at me when I wear hijabb. One of my older sisters, that I had been so close to growing up has not spoken to me in
nearly three years.
Harder for me was my best friend. We had been friends for almost thirteen years now. She did not react well. None of my friends did. We shared the same opinion in so many things for so long and suddenly we have nothing in common. They only knew about nine-eleven. That one action and the multitude of negative news media that fallowed, have imprinted a picture of Islam that we as new Muslims will be tortured with. Muslims we're effected harder then most. Not only did good Muslim brothers and sisters loose their lives, but now most of the country places the blame on us all.
You can see it in the eyes of passers by. They seem to be in shock that we shop, and have families just like
everyone else. I will admit sometimes it takes a great deal of strength to keep your chin up in such circumstances. It is different for converts and reverts because we are not used to this type of reaction from our "own country" you could say. The only thing that we can do is remain to be positive. Keep in mind the stories from the Quran of those who fallowed the Prophet
(peace be upon him). Not all of their families accepted these ideas from the start. In time, it was the actions of the Prophet (pbuh), and those who fallowed him that convinced the others to except Allah. It is the same for us my brothers and sisters, be strong, keep the light of Allah in your hearts and only speak the words that will please him. I pray that this page my have helped you.
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