Although many of the people that meet me and know me often forget I was not born Muslim and that I came to Islam almost a decade ago, converting was the best thing that has ever happened to me. (Yes, I know some people use the word “reverting,” but it’s not about semantics).
Converting to Islam has been the theme of my last few weeks of life - which is the most beautiful way I can think to start off my Ramadan.
First, I was the guest on the Salam Girl Podcast (Click the link and make sure to listen & subscribe!) which is a podcast that is hosted by two Muslim converts, one of which was instrumental in my conversion, Nicole Queen.
Then, I was able to organize a shahada for a girl that I had become acquaintances with. Now she’s our newest sister! Thanks to COVID, did it on Zoom. It was my first time giving someone his or her shahada personally (usually I take them to someone who is like… way… more Muslimy….). I was nervous. Maybe more nervous than when I did my own shahada. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house - or on the Zoom call?
And then in the last few days, after feedback from the podcast listeners and random followers, a lot of people have asked me this critcal question: When should I convert?
May 27, 2011 was the day I took my shahada and it was the. best. day. of my life.
The problem with it? I waited much too long. I thought that converting was such a monumental event that all of the stars had to align and I had to know how to pray, how to fast, how to do every single detail before I could finally say the words “there is no god but Allah, and Prophet Muhammad is His messenger.”
I was wrong.
I will never be doing Islam right. None of us will. No one among us is worshipping Him perfectly. In my perfectionism, I lost sight of the bigger picture. I waited EIGHT months, studying, questioning, memorizing… and yet, to be honest, I was Muslim that entire eight months in my heart.
If you’re reading this and you’re asking yourself ‘is it the right time for me to take my shahada?’ the answer is probably “YES!” Here’s your sign, y’all.
Ask yourself two questions:
Question 1: Do you believe that there is no god but Allah (which literally means “The God”)?
Question 2: Do you believe that the Prophet Muhammad is His Messenger?
Did you answer yes?
Then there’s nothing to wait for.
If you want, I can facilitate support for you in your town, or I can facilitate support for you amongst women online, or I can help you in any way that you feel comfortable to take your shahada. We can Zoom. We can Facetime. We can Skype. We can invent a different form of communication if you’re more comfortable.
Did you answer no?
That’s PERFECTLY okay as well. Maybe you’re still learning. Maybe you have questions. That’s all just fine. Just promise me that you look into these questions and find what you do believe in over time. I’m still happy to be a resource.
I just want to say: do not take me as an example. Instead, when you feel it, go for it. If you need me, I’m here. No judgement. No pressure. No matter what.
