Sharing the Beauty of Islam with International Friends
As-salamu alaykum everyone, I'm a university student studying abroad in a non-Muslim country and I've been blessed to have made some amazing international friends. They've noticed my commitment to praying, eating halal food, and other Islamic practices, and now they're curious about Islam. They're asking me questions like, 'What's the purpose of religion?' or 'Can't you be a good person without Islam?' and 'Is the Islamic lifestyle too restrictive?' I want to answer them in a way that's sincere and intelligent, but I don't want to overwhelm them or come across as too pushy. I'm trying to share the beauty of Islam through my actions and words, but I want to make sure I'm representing our faith accurately. I'd love to hear from you: How do you explain the importance of religion to someone who wasn't raised with it? What's the best way to introduce someone to the basics of Islam? Are there any key topics I should make sure to mention so they can understand the true essence of Islam, beyond what the media portrays? Any personal experiences, book recommendations, or YouTube channels you think would be helpful for beginners would be really appreciated. JazakAllah khairan for your help and guidance!