Curious About Embracing Islam and Seeking Guidance
As-salamu alaykum everyone, I hope you are all well. I am currently a practicing Methodist Christian, but recently I've felt a strong pull towards Islam. I've sensed Allah's guidance and after praying, I believe this is the path He has chosen for me to honor Him. However, I live in an area where Christianity is the main faith, and I’m not very familiar with many Muslim cultural practices. I would be grateful for any advice or help. 1. What are the main differences between Christianity and Islam? I want to reflect and pray on these to understand better and find the most righteous perspective. 2. I'm really looking forward to experiencing Islamic worship, especially the physical acts like Salah, Ramadan fasting, and generosity. Could someone please share resources or explain the basic principles of worship in Islam? I’ve tried looking online but haven’t found anything that really helps. 3. About haram things – I appreciate the idea of avoiding alcohol and certain foods like pork, which I understand are prohibited. Since I’m a sober vegan, it seems like some Islamic teachings already match my values. Does the Quran clearly define what is haram, or is it open to interpretation like some parts of the Bible? 4. I’d love to connect with the local Muslim community, maybe visit a mosque or speak with an imam. Is it okay to just call or email the nearest mosque I find on Google, or is there a more proper way to reach out? 5. Lastly, I wonder about how welcoming Muslim communities are. I know Christian groups can have mixed feelings about polytheism. Also, as a gay man, I’m concerned about whether I would be accepted in mosques or when participating in customs. Is this something I should be worried about? Thank you all for any support you can give me on this journey to love Allah sincerely. Jazakum Allahu khairan!