By Laura El Alam
Islam is more than a religion; it is a complete way of life. It affects not only how and Whom we worship, but also the way we conduct ourselves in everyday situations, including how we dress, eat, work, interact with others, and much more.
A lifelong journey
Learning all the rules and regulations of Islam is not easy. As someone who embraced Islam as a young adult, I know that it takes a great deal of time, energy, and dedication. In fact, the process of learning about our religion and fine-tuning our worship and intentions is a lifelong journey.
But we don’t have to be perfect or know everything about Islam to take the Shahada (testimony of faith). In fact, the act of embracing Islam erases our sins, allows us to start on a clean slate, and is the beginning of a beautiful relationship with our Creator.
When they are new to the faith, converts often hear a great deal of advice and opinions from “born Muslims” – people who grew up in a Muslim family and possibly in a Muslim-majority land. Some of these individuals are knowledgeable about their faith and skilled at communicating and mentoring, but others are not.
Under pressure
Sadly, converts are sometimes told, both indirectly and directly, they aren’t good enough. For example, when a new Muslim finally learns all the movements and words of salat and finds the courage to worship at the masjid, he or she might be harshly corrected on their posture, movements, or clothing.
Or, if they are struggling (and sometimes failing) to overcome old habits, they might be scolded by “born Muslims” who seem to expect them to do a 180-degree turn overnight.
If issues like depression, chronic fatigue, executive function deficit, or learning disabilities make it extremely difficult for them to pray on time, in Arabic, five times a day, they might be accused of lacking sincerity and discipline.
Critical words can be very discouraging, especially if the new Muslim is trying to learn about the deen while also coping with mental health struggles, neurodivergence, disability, addiction, poverty, or other conditions that are extremely common in modern times.
As a result, some new Muslims – or even people considering Islam – might conclude that they aren’t good enough to practice the faith.
Islam is for everyone
Is that true? Does an individual need to be free of defects in order to practice Islam? Does Allah accept worship from only the most pure of heart, the most self-disciplined, the most mentally and physically robust?
No. Islam is for everyone. Allah’s vast love encompasses all of His creation, and His forgiveness is available to anyone who sincerely seeks it. Some of the greatest Muslims in history started out as very unrighteous people. For instance, a famous companion of the Prophet, Omar ibn al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him), was, at first, a violent man who persecuted the early Muslims and threatened to kill the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him).
After Omar embraced Islam, he focused his strength, eloquence, and intellect on supporting the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and his mission. In fact, he became the third caliph of Islam, known for his wisdom, piety, leadership, self-sacrifice, and commitment to justice. Undoubtedly, though, Omar had to break old habits and overcome some major character flaws before he became one of the greatest Muslims of all time.
Some have it easier, some harder
There are certainly some people who manage to transform their life quickly and efficiently after they accept Islam. Their commitment and determination are inspirational, but it is important to remember that, like anything else, their strength and the ease of their transition are gifts from Allah.
When I embraced Islam, I was young, healthy, recently married, childless, employed, and relatively stress-free. I realize now how much easier it was for me, twenty-five years ago, to immerse myself in learning about the deen and improving my habits. If, back then, I’d already had children, or perhaps health problems, or financial burdens, or disabilities, it would have been so much more challenging for me. In other words, some people’s circumstances make the transition to an Islamic lifestyle easier, while other converts face a number of difficult hurdles. Remember this: having difficulties, flaws, challenges, or imperfections does not make you ineligible to become a Muslim.
The good news, if you find yourself facing numerous hurdles, is that your sacrifice will be noticed and rewarded generously by Allah. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “The greater the tribulation, the greater the reward. When Allah loves people, He tests them.” (Tirmidhi)
Comfort for troubled minds
If you ever worry that you are not worthy of being a Muslim, please consider these points:
- Allah sees and understands everything. He knows when you are trying your best. As the One who created you and is closer to you than your jugular vein, He is well aware of your challenges and struggles. He appreciates all your efforts and every single step you take towards Him.
- Even if people misjudge you, Allah won’t. Try not to worry about what others say, particularly if they are severe or unkind. Ultimately, their opinion doesn’t matter; only Allah’s does. Maybe your critics saw you in one moment of weakness, but Allah saw your hundred moments of self-control. He is Most Appreciative and never forgets our acts of worship.
- Allah is also Most Forgiving. He promises to wipe away our sins if we repent sincerely. He knows we will make mistakes. Our job is to keep striving to improve, asking for His mercy, doing good deeds, and having faith in His unparalleled generosity and compassion.
- You might need professional help to overcome some struggles, and that’s ok. If you are coping with an addiction or mental health issues, for instance, therapy and/or medicine might provide the support your brain needs to heal. If your mind and body are strong, it will be much easier for you to make decisions that are pleasing to Allah. At the same time, an Islamic lifestyle automatically leans towards wholesome choices. So, embracing Islam might provide extra impetus to eliminate negative behaviors or habits.
- Start from wherever you are and take baby steps whenever necessary. Don’t wait until you think you are “pious enough” to embrace Islam. Don’t feel like you have to fix yourself in every way, immediately. If you are convinced of the faith, then take the shahada and proceed one step at a time. Eventually, small incremental change adds up to a huge transformation, and Allah will reward every single tiny step.
He tells us, “Whoever draws close to Me by the length of a hand, I will draw close to him by the length of an arm. Whoever draws close to Me by the length of an arm, I will draw close to him by the length of a fathom. Whoever comes to Me walking, I will come to him running. Whoever meets Me with enough sins to fill the earth, not associating any partners with Me, I will meet him with as much forgiveness.” (Sahih Muslim 2687)
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