Looking for Perspectives on Embracing Islam in a Relationship
As-salamu alaykum - I’m in a relationship with a Muslim man who has been clear that marriage would require his partner to accept Islam. I’ve told him I’m open to exploring conversion, but not rushed - I want to take time and decide thoughtfully. Some friends worry that converting would mean changing myself just for a man. I get that concern, but I don’t feel that embracing Islam would erase who I am or my core values. I’ve already spent time learning about the faith, and a lot of it genuinely speaks to me rather than feeling forced. For example, I really like salah and have begun doing private du’a. I don’t mind halal food or abstaining from alcohol. I’m pretty relaxed about trace ingredients (like wine used in cooking or certain sauces) and don’t see them as a major barrier right now. What worries me most are two things: - Ramadan: I’m unsure I can fast full days. Skipping a meal is okay, but going without food all day feels very hard physically and hormonally for me. - Spiritual identity: I’m a feminist and have connected with goddess imagery symbolically - as metaphors for compassion, protection, and the sacred feminine, not literal worship. I’m not sure how that symbolic language would fit within Islam. I’m trying to figure out whether moving toward Islam would broaden who I am, or whether I’d be giving up important parts of myself to belong. I’m open and sincere, but I don’t want to lose my integrity. Has anyone gone through something similar - exploring conversion while in a relationship? Any honest perspectives, practical advice, or personal experiences would be really helpful.