Questions from a new Muslimah (seeking advice)
As-salamu alaykum, everyone. I’m a woman exploring Islam. I’ve always been drawn to it, and recently I met a Muslim man who’s interested in marriage. His encouragement pushed me to study both Christianity and Islam more deeply. I read the whole Qur’an (I’m not a scholar, just learning). I feel close to Islam, but I’m wrestling with some issues and would appreciate honest thoughts. 1) I worry people will say I converted for a man. It’s not true - I would never put anyone before Allah - but I know how others judge. I don’t want my faith to look like it’s because of a relationship. 2) As I learn more, I see how much misinformation and hostility there is in the West toward Islam. When I try to correct people about the real teachings, I sometimes feel attacked. 3) That makes me frustrated and angry. I wonder if I should convert when I’m upset with how people lie about the religion, and I fear adding to stereotypes if I speak out in anger. 4) For anyone who reverted from Christianity: how did you deal with guilt? I’m grateful that I grew up with Jesus and I cherish his example, but I’ve been told by some Christians to be careful about rejecting the divinity of Jesus, and that salvation only comes through him. I know a Muslim man can marry a Christian woman, but I want to be equally yoked with my spouse, and I want our future children to see both parents devoted to Allah and understand what it means to live for Him. God must be the center of a marriage. That’s where I get conflicted: am I placing this man before Allah, or did he simply help lead me toward the faith I’ve been praying for? JazakAllahu khair for any advice or personal experiences you can share.