Reverted November 2024 - My Simple Advice for New Reverts

Assalamu Alaikum. I reverted to Islam in November 2024, alhamdulillah, after many conversations with a Muslim brother I’ve been friends with on PlayStation Network since 2018. I want to share some advice for people who are new to the deen. My experience: right after I reverted I felt overwhelmed. I was anxious about telling my parents and nervous to perform salat because I worried Allah wouldn’t accept it. I also made the mistake of diving into too much online research about Islam, which confused and stressed me out since I was still learning basics like prayer, fasting, and charity. In April 2025 I felt a gentle nudge to start praying. I took it slowly - I copied the step-by-step prayer instructions into a notebook from a video a brother shared with me. I began with one prayer a day, then attended Jummah for the first time. I’ll never forget the warmth and kindness the brothers showed me that day. Now I pray five times daily, alhamdulillah. My advice to new reverts: take things step by step and don’t rush. Avoid excessive online research that can lead you to confusing or questionable sources. If you have questions, ask an imam at your local masjid or email a knowledgeable scholar. Don’t give up. Remember Allah chose you for a reason - trust in His mercy and keep striving. May Allah guide and make steadfast every new revert. Ameen. Salam Alaikum and welcome.