How Do You Get Through Airport Security? Muslim Airport Follies

I haven't flown in a few months so haven't had too many treacherous experiences lately, but there are definitely challenges when flying Muslim in America. The first challenge, is the prayers of people around you BEGGING God that you not be on the same plane as them.  Literally I've gotten out of my car and seen people doing the whole "forehead, chest, shoulder" cross thing. Chill out, people.  I may be on your flight independent of what you're asking God... pray for your safety in general, not your safety from me, please.

Next, comes the ticket line, when people automatically try to help me because clearly I cannot possibly speak English.

Them (Yelling, in caveman language): "YOU INSERT YOUR BOARDING PASS NUMBER HERE"

Me (quietly, in perfect English): "Yes, thank you. I know...."

Joy.

Then, we go through security - the FUN part.  Everyone is looking at me like I MUST have SOMETHING in my bags that ain't gonna make it. I stress about this for at least a month before I fly.

The first joy of security is the awkward "how you look and your name don't match up" look that I get from TSA.

Yes, I know, Hannah Nemec-Snider, and I'm wearing this on my head.... it may not add up to you, but this is Amurica, sir.  Look at my ID all you want, nothing's going to change.  And please, check the hologram on the ID 72 times. It won't change.  I'm still white.  It's a real ID. And yes, this is still on my head. Move along.

And THEN - the climax of the whole event - The conveyor belt of doom.

The entire time I am FRANTICALLY stressed that even though I know that I read the instructions on what can and can't come in my carry-on and how to label it and clear plastic baggies for my shampoo, it is SUCH a hassle to - within a 14 second period - take off my shoes, put my laptop in a container, take out my liquids from the plastic baggie, and smush my carry-on into a tiny little conveyor belt.

I was deathly scared when I looked like your average white girl before this process - and now I'm seven times more stressed.

This should literally be an event in the Olympics.  WHO THE HECK DOES THIS GRACEFULLY?

I look like a scared rat for these entire 14 seconds.

Then, I step through the scanner.  Without fail, I am asked to step to the side.

They ask if they can pat me down.  I say, yes, as long as it's a girl.  They touch every millimeter that is my body.  The girl is always super short, so I have to squat the entire time so all 5'9'' of me can be pat down.

They ALWAYS get extra thorough on my head - check my hijab, pat it down, touch my bun in the back of my head, pat every inch of me. Easiest one was Cleveland and LAX - not sure why.  Hardest, most annoying was Boston.  WOW. That's all I have to say.

Then, they always say "enjoy your flight!" as if they didn't just finish touching me more intimately than I expect my husband to on my wedding night.

Disgusted, I go to find my gate.  As I walk by, I continue to hear the prayers "Please, God, make sure she's not on my flight."

Then, I finally arrive at my gate. I take a seat. I always get there early so that I don't have to be the one that awkwardly sits next to others and freaks them out.

I'd rather they be "stuck" sitting next to me.

A couple times I've given up my comfy waiting seat to elderly women and people were VERY relieved that I was forced to stand.   I'm thrilled my comfort upsets you. You're welcome.

One of the MOST AMUSING parts to me of the entire experience, is the utterly TREMENDOUS effort that other Muslims and I make to ensure that we do not interact in ANY POSSIBLE WAY while waiting for the flight.  No eye contact. No salaams. No acknowledgement.  If I clearly have a question, no one is willing to help me.  We do not speak ANY Arabic to each other, even if they don't speak English. It is the most disconnected event in the entire Arab world, I feel.

I think that it derives from the fear that others may feel we are all connected and this may freak out the other passengers. Like maybe we have a secret plan or something? I promise, I have never met any of the other people on our flights EVER in my life.

An added bonus on my last trip was the fact that my athan went off on my phone - louder than normal - while waiting at my gate. "ALLAHU AKBAR" is not the last thing you want to hear before you board a plane, I guess.

And then, ah, we finally board.  I get more crazy looks at the disconnect between my name and my ticket gets the final check from the gatekeepers.

I start walking down the aisle on the plane - at this point people are praying SO HARD that I don't sit next to them, I get emotional about the spirituality in the room. More prayers are said in this few minutes than probably ever in entire lifetimes for some of them.

And then, I sit, in my seat. Next to someone that is eyeing me up and down the ENTIRE flight. No one next to me EVER sleeps even a WINK. 

When we arrive at our destination, safely, without any disturbance from me - besides maybe my horrible snoring the entire flight - I get a feeling of thankfulness when I get off the plane.  I feel like people want to shake my hand and thank me.  People nod at me and smile, with gratitude.  

SURPRISE! YOU'RE ALIVE!

You're welcome that I was a normal person, people. You are SO welcome.

And then, I forget about the whole thing until my trip is over and it's time to go back home, when I get to have the same exact experience all over again.

May Allah (swt) safely deliver all people in the world to their destinations, and may the stereotypes fade over time. And, please, Ya ALLAH, make the security process less stressful on me. The heart attack I experience every time I have to fly is not good for my health.

How Do You Swim? And 11 Of The Last Questions Asked to Hijabis

Here's the last batch of questions... Hope you enjoy :)

1. "Are you allowed to drive in your religion?"

Religiously, totes. The Prophet (saws)'s wives rode camels and the modern day equivalent would be driving.  Culturally, Saudi Arabia is the only country that women don't drive in.  It's a cultural thing, though, not a legal thing... And a lot is changing....

2. "Don’t you hate Jesus or something?"

Yep, and that's why I wear this thing on my head that his mother also wore. I love Jesus. More than when my family practiced Christianity.

3. "Are you allowed to get a job?"

Allowed to and have.

4. "Does your husband treat you okay and all?"

God willing, when I find one he will treat me with more respect, knowing that I preserved my modesty just for him.

5. "Why not just take it off for work?"

Why not just walk around naked in front of your parents?

6. "What’s that thing called?"

Finally, a non-ignorant question! It's called hijab (heh-jeb)

7. "Are you allowed to date?"

Got any raisins? How about a date? :D No, no dates.

8."You know what would be cool, if you let your hair down for at least a day."

You know what would be cool, if you wear this for a day!

9. "How do you swim?"

Not well to be honest, I just can doggie paddle to stay afloat... Oh, you mean in hijab? Hideous swim suits - I choose to just avoid swimming.

10. "Can you even exercise with that on?"

It's a little hotter as you may expect, but yep! And I do!

11. "Do you hand make you own scarves?"

Yep, on my golden loom at my house.... What is this 1706?

12. "Where do you get your hair done at?"

I make the lady stay late at the salon when everyone else has left for the day. God bless her soul.

Any more questions? Let me know in the comments!

Can I See Your Hair? And 11 MORE Questions People Ask Hijabis

1. ‘Can I see your hair?' Are you a girl? Then of course :)

2. ‘Do you find white guys attractive?’

I find good men attractive.  Although I don't see myself marrying a white guy, there are still many beautiful white guys - inside and out.

3. ‘I know this one guy who covers his hair to. Y’all should meet'

Oh my gosh, I know another brunette girl, you guys will be best friends! Actually, I know a guy - of the Sikh faith - that covers his hair too... And we have shared haircare tips and tricks.  He's awesome.

4. ‘So what is hummus really made out of?’

Chic peas, olive oil and garlic. And one or two tears of angels.

5. ‘I know (fill in the blank) hahaha sorry I thought you were her! You all just look so much alike.’

Yep, all black people, Asians, and Jews probably look the same to you too, right?

6. ‘Were you born in America?’

Indeed.

7. ‘Do you know any good hookah lounges?’

Nope.  Not a hookah fan.

8. ‘I feel bad you don’t know how it feels to have the wind in your hair.’

For this one, I must admit, I feel bad about it too.  It almost defeats the purpose of me having a convertible.  Once, my girlfriends and I went to the Hollywood sign at 3 AM and driving up the long road to get there (knowing absolutely NO ONE was on the road) I took off my hijab and felt it for myself. Pretty life changing. Definitely an amazing feeling.

I must say,vthough, I feel bad that you don't get to have the same feeling I get in hijab though, the ultimate feeling of protection.

9. ‘Whats that thing in the back of your head?'

A hamster.

It's my hair....

10. 'Are you bald?'

Sure if that would give you additional questions about number 9....

11. 'Ya know, I was just nervous to approach you because I didn't know if you spoke English”

How ironic! I was scared to approach you because you look like an ignorant fool!

12. "Do you miss showing off your hair?"

Gotta be honest, my hair is pretty fabulous... But I get to show it off to my girlfriends and they're the only ones I care about seeing my hair anyways.

Last post to come tomorrow!

Did You Drop Something? Is There Something on the Ground? How I Have Experienced Public Prayer....

Prayer in Islam happens at least five times a day for every Muslim at each of the times that the prayer is called. I could write a million words on how beautiful it is, the process, how I feel when I'm done, but a reader had requested I write specifically regarding my more "interesting" experiences of trying to pray in America - WHEREEVER I may be.

First, you must understand that there are time periods that we have to pray. So, if it's getting close to the next prayer and you haven't prayed the last one, you have to bust out your prayer rug and complete the prayer before the next prayer call.

A quick note on awkward times that involve the athan, or call to prayer, specifically.  I have my phone set up to go off with the athan when it's time to pray.  The athan starts with "ALLAHU AKBAR," which has become synonymous in the media with terrorist activity.

In reality, it just means "God is the Greatest" in Arabic. And He is.

Other people don't know the meaning of the words, however, so I have enjoyed having my athan go off - LOUDLY - in the following places. SubhanAllah - I feel that whenever I am in a situation that I need to be discreet it goes off more loudly than even the loudest settings on my phone.

Anyways, here are some goodies when my athan has gone off:

1) When getting into an elevator with a large bookbag on my back.

2) When in line at the post office with a huge package

and, best of all...

3) Sitting in the terminal about to board a plane from Ohio to Boston.

Needless to say, all three times were a bit awkward.  The last one causing people to physically move away from me.

On to awkward prayer situations:

Experience #1: During my first Ramadan, I wanted to try to spread the idea of fasting to my friends.  My best friend, a strict Christian girl, said that she would be happy to give it a shot to be in solidarity with me.  I told her we can meet at sunset at Chipotle to break our fasts.  So, we got to talking and one thing lead to another and long story short, I had 2 minutes to pray.

Now, I was in Chipotle. There is no place to go and pray in Chipotle.  I can't hide behind any booths, it's a wide open space.  So, I asked her to come with me to the parking lot. I had her protect me as I prayed so that no one would come up to me or say anything to me.

She was happy to do it. I prayed in the parking lot, on the hard, harsh ground, and then halfway through she said something to me.  It is supposed to be a time of reflection and complete focus during the prayer and she said "you know what just hit me? you look like a wizard! I bet a lot of people think you're a wizard in your little cape.  You just need a pointy hat."  It's pretty hard to keep focus in this situation.

Experience #2: Just a few days after that  first experience, I had the pleasure of being invited to iftar, or the breaking of the fast during Ramadan, every night by my dear convert friend Michelle and her husband and his family.

Her father-in-law is the sweetest Egyptian man I could ever imagine and he would spend his entire day cooking for us.  When we got to talking, time slipped away from us and we had to pray quickly before heading to the mosque for taraweeh.  One of these nights, her husband told us to hurry so he could start the prayer - he was the leader at the time.  We were ready, standing behind him, just she and I.  Her father-in-law rushed to clean himself - another requirement of the prayer - and came to pray with us immediately afterward.

His shorts that he was wearing were a little short and so he thought it would be appropriate to cover himself in a NEON YELLOW towel and walk into the room with us.  He looked like a wannabe playboy when he entered the room.  We had already began the prayer and, may God forgive me, we couldn't stop laughing when we saw him. We had to physically separate from the prayer, go pray in DIFFERENT rooms, in order to finish it. Her husband yelled at us the entire way to the mosque, but it was not fair because he didn't have the same view of his dad walking in that we had the pleasure of experiencing.  An awkward car ride.

Experience #3: Praying at work.  I had been praying in my large cubicle for a while and hadn't had any problems.  The prayers we do during the hours of work are mostly quiet so there is little that would lead to anyone's concern.  The way I had to face in my cubicle - so as to point towards Mecca - was an awkward position should someone pass by my cubicle's opening.

So, while praying, I was in a position during the prayer where I was bent over and the woman across from me happened to pass by.  She asked me, "Did you drop something?! What are you looking for? Can I help you to find it?!?"

Because we are supposed to be in a time of complete concentration, I couldn't answer her.  She thought I was being rude and she proceeded to explain how rude this is, while I finished my prayer.  I bought her a Starbucks giftcard and brought it to her to explain after lunch :)

Experience #4: After Thanksgiving Dinner, it is traditional here in America to go to the stores and wait in line for the best deals on Black Friday.  My friends and I had decided to go from eleven o'clock at night on Thanksgiving and we drove to a far away mall in Michigan that had the most luxurious stores and the best deals.  We were there from midnight to 8 in the morning.

We nearly passed out.

While we were there, the morning prayer athan went off.  I was distracted and busy and didn't hear it.  Then, I looked at the time and realized I only had 3 minutes to pray.

I RAN (literally) to a bathroom to wash up - and RAN back to my friends across the mall.  I asked them to block me so that no one would be concerned or ask me questions during the prayer.

And, in the middle of Somerset Mall, I prayed my little heart out.  

Keep in mind other shoppers are still totally around - and concerned - about what I'm doing.  The entire time I was praying, my friends had to apologize for my awkwardness while a family of Japanese tourists were EXTREMELY frightened by what I was doing - hey, they have Fox News in Japan I'm sure - and started nervously huddling together.

Then, my friends explained to them it's okay, I'm just praying and that I'm not about to hurt them.

So they thought they could photoBOMB me.  After they felt okay that I wouldn't hurt them, my prayer became a photoshoot opportunity for them.  Peace signs, ducklips and all.

There are other stories that are similar and I'm sure more to come, but I ask for nonMuslims to do one thing: If you see a Muslim and they look like they MAY be praying, then chances are they're praying.

Don't distract them, don't photobomb them, just let them do their thing. They'll be done in a few minutes and you can ask questions.  I wouldn't see you with a bowed head and folded hands and say "WHATCHA DOIN?" so please have the same respect for us, even if our prayers are a little longer. We need to focus and concentrate, please & thank you!

Also, may God forgive me for the times that I have failed in self restraint and control during these prayers.  They are truly so important and close to my heart that I would never purposely disrespect them.  

May God grant us all the sincerity needed to please Him during our prayers - in every language, in every religion, and at every place and time. May He unite us in our love for Him <3

What Do You Do To Help Islam? I Need Your Help!

Asalaam aleykum everyone!!! I know I haven't posted for a while, I've been incredibly busy.  But right now, I need your help!

I never ask for donations for anything, but this is a cause I believe in and participate in, too! And, I've realized that if I am able to help through my blog in any way, Alhamdulilah it is a good thing for me to start doing.

Please consider making a donation this Ramadan, when our reward is multiplied, to Mercy for Mankind...

I'm a part of this group and we pass out free Qurans, talk to people about Islam, and change the negative perceptions of Muslims in America.

Also, we have a goal to help people to convert as well if they're interested - and follow up with them. Any little bit helps, so please, if you are able to donate, I would really appreciate for you to do so.

Wallah, it's so important to me, and we can really use any help possible!

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Whoever directs (somebody) towards a good deed will receive the like of the reward granted to that person for practicing that deed.” (Sahih Muslim.)

You may  use this link to make your donation online and gain the rewards from Allah, Inshallah. Please use the link to the Paypal account on the top right corner. Jazek Allah kheir: CLICK HERE

You may also submit your donation by calling toll free at (855) 99-MERCY.

Please take a few moments of your time to view the videos to see where exactly your donation is going, or feel free to stop by Third Street in Santa Monica on Friday or Saturdays - I'll be there too!:

Commercial 1

Commercial 2

Here's a link to the facebook as well: Mercy 4 Mankind Facebook

Jazak Allah khair!

If you cannot donate, I ask that you keep us in your du'aa or try to join us some time!  There is dawah going on all over the country, and I can help to find you one near you if you're interested!

Feel free to email me directly if you have any questions: convertconfessions@gmail.com.

May Allah (swt) reward all of those who donate, or participate in any way, and help guide everyone to understand the beauty of Islam.

Do You Really Think In Two Years She's Going to Still Be Muslim? Yah Right!

On May 27, 2011 I took my shahada. I remember overhearing someone who was skeptical about my faith say something on that day that really broke my heart.

This person said, "I guarantee you in two years she will completely forget about Islam and go back to her old life. You know how these converts are."

Well, today is May 27, 2013, and look at me.

I am far from a perfect Muslim.  I make so many mistakes.  But, I will never forget Islam.

Two years ago today, I was blessed that Allah (swt) chose me to say:

لا إله إلا الله محمد رسول الله

There is no god but God and Muhammad is the messenger of God.

And this was the best day of my life.

Today is better to me than my birthday, because on my birthday I didn't do anything except be born.

On this anniversary, this marks another year of dedication to my religion and my God.

So, I will be happy to send you my P.O. Box to forward gifts to ;)

Sincerely, in the past two years I have tried to be a better person and a better Muslim every day - although on many days I'm a failure that is lucky only by the grace of God. This day really was an immense blessing.  The best one that Allah (swt) has ever bestowed on me.

Today, two years after I took my shahada, I pray that everyone in the world is able to taste these words on their lips before they die. I can only wish you experience one millionth of the appreciation I have for my religion. It really is such an honor to be Muslim.

To the person who doubted me:

It's the 2 year Muslim mark, what have you done in the past two years?

I can only speak for what Allah (swt) has decreed that I do for His sake, and I am not trying to brag, but I've helped three people to come to Islam. I've helped change the hearts of hundreds of people to see how beautiful our religion is.  I started this blog on Islam.  I have spent hours studying.  I have fasted two Ramadans.  I have recently started to do dawah on a weekly basis. I have taught classes at the masjid.  I have answered countless ridiculous questions about my religion with patience and tact.  I have chosen to wear hijab.  I've memorized several surahs.  And, I have forgiven you for this hurtful comment.

I'm not saying I'm a better Muslim than you because I swear I don't think I'm God's gift to Islam, but I would like you to know:

Every day that passes I only love Allah (swt) more than all the previous days combined.  

From the bottom of my heart, however, thank you so much.  Your comment has continued to push me to want to strive in the way of Allah more and more. You have helped me to question the things I do and want to do better to prove you wrong.  And, you have taught me a wonderful example of how not to treat new Muslims.  I only pray that you will see how far I've come in 20 years. I don't know where I'll live, if I will have a family, who I will spend my life with, but I put my trust in Allah (swt) that He will choose what is best for me as he has in the past two years.

To all my readers:

Please make du'aa for this person that they are able to benefit Islam.  Make du'aa for me as well inshaAllah.

May Allah (swt) reward all of the people who helped me convert with Jannah and may He bless me to continue to assist others in converting as well. May the day I took my shahada be one that pleases God and may it be the best memory in my heart for the rest of my life.

For Allah (swt) found me an orphan and He gave me refuge.

He found me ignorant and He guided me.

He found me poor and He gave me the gift of riches in Islam...Alhamdulilah.

Where Do You Get Muslimy Stuff?!

First, I LOVE the word "Muslimy." Second, People ask me a lot where I shop.  I shop online.

Not because I can't find clothes in other stores, but because I am CHEAPPPP. So cheap.

Grossly cheap.

And, it's like an addiction.  I can save you 30% on probably... anything...

It's like a game for me.  Have you ever seen those coupon people on TLC? They're living my dream life.

But I thought I should give people good ideas about where to shop.  I'm in no way making a profit off of these people, I just like their stuff.

Let me know if you have any questions... I'll add to this list as I think of other places I use.

Here you go:

East Essence

I've bought three abayas from here: this being one of them.  They're GORGEOUS! And very very cheap.

I own the one below and people always compliment me on it ;)

Boutique Al Khaleejia

Okay I've never actually bought something from here, but looking at the stuff on here is like my crack.

 Anyone want to throw down $350 on this "abaya" for me?

Muslim Wall Decor

I have these all over my walls... and even a "Bismillah" on my car

Muslim Art 

Tina Shahmohammadi :) She has amazing art (most of which is featured on my blog here) and she sells it too.  Literally gorgeous.

And she happens to be a beautiful person as well ;)

Wudu Cling

My friend Kristina thought of this idea to have a wudu cling for kids.  I love it! Although I don't need to use it anymore now that everything is memorized in my nogin, but still totally an amazing idea for new converts and/or children.  Go buy it.

TJ Maxx

No, they don't let you shop online :( but they have awesome scarves at the stores. Cheap. Check out the store locator to find a store near you!

Halal Nail Polish

Haven't tried it yet, but I hear it's amazing. And halal.

Other Ebay Finds:

My phone is Muslimy blinged out.  Plus I buy everything from eBay pretty much.  You can find awesome stuff!

What Did You Have To Do To Join This Cult Anyways?

"And when they finally ended the secret African chant, I came into a room with three shadowy figures dressed in nothing but sunglasses and covered in feathers.  Then, I gave the pledge.  They put me in a plastic bag and I sat in the closet for 45 minutes listening to Linkin Park's Greatest Hits.  They lit a candle of solitude and I took 4 passes around the table of knowledge - counterclockwise - while drinking 7.2 ounces of lamb's blood".......

NOTTTTT!

Becoming Muslim is not entering a fraternity in college.  It's not a cult.  I didn't have to do a naked run or chug 49320490 beers.  It was simple.

When I decided that I felt like I was just about ready to convert, I actually found some girl on Facebook that I had seen around quite a lot at school.  I felt like every where I went, this one hijabi kept popping up on campus. She was my hijabi soulmate.

So, one day, I randomly stumbled onto her Facebook and sent her a message saying that I was interested in converting and that I would like to talk more with her.

I met with her and she was amazing.  She's still one of my dearest friends now - (love you Foof).  She talked to me about a lot of things, she introduced me to another convert - another dear friend of mine (love you too Michelle LoL) - that she felt would understand me well.  She took me to the masjid for halaqa (our version of Bible study), she took me to a woman's house for lessons in the meaning of Qur'an. She introduced me to her friends. She was so helpful.

And, she introduced me to the sweetest woman, Fadia, who held a weekly halaqa for converts.  I contacted Fadia, who was a local doctor, and spoke with her about how I was interested in converting.  She said she wanted to meet with me. She was like the gatekeeper for converts.  She helped to organize people taking their "shahada" or declaration of faith in Islam.

So, I met her at a Wendy's one afternoon and we talked.  I thought there would be steps to converting.  I thought she would want me to go very slowly. And she did.  We started talking and she asked me what I knew about Islam.

Now, I had been reading Quran and studying and going to halaqa from November to May for 3 or 4 hours a day.  I didn't just wake up one morning and say "I'd like an omelette, and I'd like to be Muslim!" 

So, I started talking about everything I knew. At first, she asked if I knew the pillars of the faith, and I listed them off.  She asked about certain things that Muslims would know, and I knew them.  Then, we went deeper.  I talked about differences in Shia and Sunni, I talked about hadith of the Prophet Muhammad (saws) - AND, I said "sallah Allahu alayhi wa salaam" after I talked about him. She could see that I REALLY know what I'm talking about.

Then we talked about WHY I want to convert.  How I felt like I was always Muslim.  How my mother passed away and what that taught me from a young age about life and religion, and all of the faith I had that I was making the right decision - and a decision that would be permanent.  We both cried.  Like babies.  In Wendy's.  Eating Frosties.  

At the start of the conversation, she was putting me on a plan to convert maybe in a month or two.

By the end of the conversation, she wanted me to convert that week.

She knew I knew what I was talking about.  I don't make brash decisions.

When I knew, I knew.

That's it.

So, I met her on that next Friday, May 27th, 2011, outside the masjid.  In a white hijab and white tunic. And we talked.  I got her a little gift, and all of my Muslim friends came. She asked if I was sure.  And I was.

People I knew from before I was Muslim even that wouldn't typically come to the masjid for Friday prayer, they came to see me. 

IT WAS THE BEST DAY OF MY LIFE, (and I sat front row of a Spice Girls concert when I was 7, so that's really saying something!).

And I sat there next to all the girls I knew from the mosque, nervous that I would have to speak in front of all of these people.

I've further described the day I took my shahada in another post, and the details of the day. Even the khutba (Muslim version of "sermon") applied to my life.

So, the Imam announced my intent to convert.  And, I went to the side of the masullah ("prayer hall") and took my shahada in front of the crowded masjid.

I didn't have to do some crazy ritual.  I didn't have to be baptized.  I didn't have to go through a 6 week training course, like when you convert to Judaism.  I just said, in Arabic and English, "There is no god but God and Muhammad is His Messenger." And that's it. That's all you have to do.

Yep, that's all.

The women were crying, people brought me gifts, and they really treated me amazing.  I was very thankful - and I still am thankful.  I'll never forget that treatment.  Whenever I hear of someone else taking their shahada I go out of my way to congratulate them.

In Islam, when you take your shahada, you are wiped clean of all your sins.  All of the things I did before that day vanished.  And, I started with a blank slate.  Alhamdulilah, what a blessing. 

I got a Get Out of Jail Free card! Jealous, much?

After taking your shahada, you go home, take a shower, and you're done. (By the way, this shower feels amazing.  Imagine a shower after you roll around in the mud and you're getting all the dirt off, this one actually felt like all my sins were washing off.  I know that's so damn cheesy, but I swear to you).

That's all the steps.  Shampoo, rinse, repeat.

Literally, all you have to do to becoming Muslim is this:

- Have a true intention in your heart

- Say (in ANY gathering of more than 2 people - doesn't even have to be the mosque): "There is no god but God, and Muhammad is His Messenger" 

- Shower

TA DAAAAA.

I've made casseroles that took longer.

One request I have of you - whoever you are: Please pray (make du'aa) for the three women who helped me most in taking my shahada: Afaf, Michelle, and Fadia.  May Allah protect them and reward them all with Jannah for being such a wonderful help, guidance, and role models for me (and in Fadia's case, a LARGE quantity of other women).

May Allah (swt) guide us all to His truth, May He reward all of the people who helped me in my conversion or were part of the process in ANY capacity, and may He make conversion easy on all of us as it is intended to be. Ameen.