[margem63]

Hi all! It's great to see all the positve writings on this site! It took me 14 years to accept Islam! many people that I know who weren't Muslim and I introduced them to books and videos actually converted way before me. I'm not sure what took me so long, Well actually maybe I do. I did have a few issues with certain aspects of it. A lot of it is things that have been taught to us as Americans that are so ridiculous and wrong. I found myself worrying more about what other people would think of me instead of what I felt was right and wrong. I know many Muslim people and have found them to be nothing but welcoming and peaceful. I have visited Morocco and couldn't believe the generosity and love that came from all the people that I met there. (and I wasn't muslim at the time) . People who believe that Islam = terrorism will not understand that. All I can say is - study, learn , ask questions and get to know some muslims.
When I read the posts made here, comparing religion, it is amazing how we all really do have a lot in common. In fact Islam is a cumulation of all the main religions. I hope to be able to contribute the little that I know and hope to learn some more amazing things here!
I live in Delaware with my husband and 3 daughters. I am always putting off telling their friends parents that we are muslim. Thinking that they will look at me like I have 3 heads especially when I tell them that we don't do Christmas, and Halloween. But then I became very suprised at how understanding they are and how full of questions they are. I look forward to finding other muslim families on this site to share experiences with and gain some more understanding and knowledge from.

[WordsAplenty]

Originally Posted by margem63

I found myself worrying more about what other people would think of me instead of what I felt was right and wrong.
I have visited Morocco and couldn't believe the generosity and love that came from all the people that I met there.

Assalam Alaikoum. You know, I had the same problem-- worrying about what other people would think of me. Aside from my family, though, most people have been really accepting. I've found that a lot of people are curious about Islam. Many also have a lot of misconceptions about us-- that we worship Mohammed (PBUH), that Allah refers to a different deity. Many are surprised to find that we believe in all of the prophets.

When I decided to visit Egypt w/ my husband, my mom told me he would take me over there and cut off my head! (I have no idea where she got the idea) I was only 22 at the time and had never been out of Texas. I WAS SCARED TO DEATH!!! I just knew everyone would throw rocks at the American. Boy was I wrong! When I got off the plane, children were actually hugging me and yelling, "Welcome to Egypt!" Everywhere we went, people were hugging me and welcoming me. Some even sang! It was amazing. I've never felt such love and acceptance from complete strangers (heck, I don't feel that from my own family ). It was a very pleasant experience.

I'm glad to see another Muslim here. Insha Allah (God willing) others will be coming soon....

[margem63]

Asalam Alakum
I was just wondering-- Are you still living in Texas? For some reason I think that would be a hard place to be muslim! I just saw recently some where on live a video clip of Muslim reverts in Texas. It was really great! Also a bit funny I must say. When they were asking the average citizen if some one could be Texan and Muslim some were actually dumbfounded! Have you seen this?
We have friends from Egpyt. That is someplace that I would love to visit!

[WordsAplenty]

Originally Posted by margem63

Asalam Alakum
I was just wondering-- Are you still living in Texas? For some reason I think that would be a hard place to be muslim! I just saw recently some where on live a video clip of Muslim reverts in Texas. It was really great! Also a bit funny I must say. When they were asking the average citizen if some one could be Texan and Muslim some were actually dumbfounded! Have you seen this?

Yes, I'm still in Texas. I guess I never realized it's hard to be Muslim in Texas-- I kinda assumed it's hard to be Muslim in America. It's good to know people are a bit more open-minded outside the Lone Star State. Hmmmm... maybe we should move.

Seriously, I hate the close-mindedness we encounter. I hate feeling like we have to be on the defensive for our beliefs. I'd love for my kids to see tolerance and acceptance.

You know, though, I've found that people who are more educated are more accepting of differences, regardless of where they live. I have lifelong friends who barely scraped by in high school, who dislike anyone who isn't your average blue-eyed blonde. Then I have friends I've met in adulthood (also Texans), who have ventured out beyond their borders and gone to school, and they are fascinated by Islam.

Truthfully, though, my family is as rednecked as they come. They're a tough crowd...

[margem63]

Hi! Didn't mean any offense about the Muslim/Texan comment. I lived in Jersey most of my life and we have thought about moving South but were afraid that people would be less accepting. Unfortunately a stereotypical thought I suppose! Sorry.
I do agree with you though about the education thing. (sorry, I haven't quite figured out how to quote just certain items. bit computer challenged!) I too, have noticed that people who are educated and perhaps traveled a bit are a lot more understanding and interested in Islam.
My family isn't rednecks and they still have problems with all this!

[WordsAplenty]

Originally Posted by margem63

Hi! Didn't mean any offense about the Muslim/Texan comment.

No offense taken! I'm just glad to know that some places are even a little bit more tolerant.

[ashleylovessaim1]

Hello. I married my muslim husband in Jan. 2009. We have a daughter. She is muslim and he is muslim. I would like to convert but my family is totally against it. I try to tell them that it is my decision and I want what is best for me. I told them that I will still be me. It is hard to get them to understand because they are so judgemental and racist. My husband and I are basically home-bodies because none of my family accepts him. So when I go to events, I go alone. I am not saying that it is tearing us apart because it's not. I just want to know a way to come at peace and try and get them to understand. Please if you have any advice write me back or email me at ashleyrocks.2191@yahoo.com thank you.

[captaindon]

I see my comment is missing from here. Why? Funny when they are scared to show an honest feeling when it is not what they want to hear. Maybe the truth hurts.

[Samual]

I was raised in a muslim family when we would travel to different countries on holiday we would be very careful if it was the first time we were visiting, some countries after the first day you knew everything would be fine, where as in others, you had to be on your guard the whole time, which was never very nice, for example my mum was punched in the face for wearing a head scarf in NY, the kind of people to do this will be calling muslims all sorts, but my mum has never stooped so low as to judge an American.

When we were younger I think the best place to be within a muslim family was Ireland as thousands of people knew what it was like to be wrongly persecuted due to their religion. But it has taught us that the US government enjoy wars against religions.

It always shocks me how some people are so ignorant to Islam, I find that most of these people in the UK are either readers of the daily mail or white 'christians'

[mcmama]

Ashley I'd take my email off the public post if I were you. You may get some ugly things in your box, or at least some unwanted spam.

You cannot MAKE your family understand - you can only live your live and remain in contact with them.

Converting is a serious life choice, and needs to be given full consideration. He should not be pressuring you into it, you have to embrace this freely. Will the faith last if the marriage does not? I'd do some serious studying of it if you haven't already. Your family will need to accept your whole family - husband and daughter - and that might take time. If your daughter is being raised muslim, you need to really know what that means, and understand it. So you should be studying the faith whether or not you convert.

My father converted to Catholicism when I was born because my mom was Catholic and I was being raised Catholic - he became a much more devout Catholic than most. But I think that Islam is a bigger step to take.

Good luck to you, and may you find peace.