Confessions of a New Muslim

This is a topic that is becoming increasingly common. You know, the ones who make it their life mission to point their finger at others and yell out haram !!! Every time I witness this, I wonder what the heck they are trying to divert from? I mean, those who are quick to judge and call actions of others haram usually are those trying to hide their own misdeeds and shortcomings. This post is prompted by a reminder of how much haram police irritate the crap out of me after an incident that happened to me last night. In my neighborhood there is a large public park. It has large field perfect for soccer, frisbee, picnics along with tennis courts, volleyball courts, baseball fields, basketball court, skateboarding park, walking trail, and so much more. Sometimes I go to the park to watch my teenage son skateboard, play basketball, etc. Sometimes I go to walk around the massive track. Even still, I have recently discovered taking a blanket and sitting under a tree reading and reflecti...

But they who believe and do righteous deeds - those are the companions of Paradise; they will abide therein eternally. [ Surat Al-Baqarah 2:82 ] This has to be one of the topics that has always been on my pet peeves list. Being a kindhearted person is at my very core. Sometimes I consider it my biggest fault. Why? Because people use this to manipulate me and take advantage of me. Each time, I always say I am going to try to be more hardhearted and stop helping others but that doesn't ever happen. As soon as someone needs something, I help whenever I can. Heck, I tend to make sacrifices to help out someone who needs help. But why do I do this? It's because I perceive things on a larger level...a global consciousness level....a universe level. It the concept of seeing the bigger picture. Also, I try to put myself in their shoes and ask, 'What if it was me?' What if no one helped me when I needed it the most? How would that make me feel? Most people in this dun...

Allah did not create us in vain. Remember that what ever you have received in this life was meant for you and what ever you have not received was not intended for you. Let Allah take care of the worries of dunyah (earthly concerns and possessions) so that you may focus on worshiping Allah. Allah encourages us to remember Him, to thank Him, and advises us to have taqwa (the state of being consciously aware of Allah). Taqwa is... the fastest way to be considered by Allah as one of His most beloved. the door to repentance. the highest level of wisdom the pride of every deed you do the way to receive the highest prize of Allah how Allah will reward you and provide for all your needs  The Prophet Mohammed (pbuh) said there would come a time when the ummah (Muslim community) would remember five things and forget five things. Love                      ...

It wasn't long after my shahada that something unexpected happened. Apparently, now that I am Muslim, increasing my spiritual knowledge wasn't a high priority to the community. Heck, I couldn't get anyone to teach me how to pray. I had to learn via YouTube. Aside from being asked if I married a Muslim as to how I came to Islam, apparently finding me a husband was a major issue. After the initial shock wore off of me coming to Islam on my own without the influence of being married to a Muslim, everyone, both men and women, lectured me on the fact that I need to be married. Let me make something quite clear: "I DID NOT COME TO ISLAM TO FIND A HUSBAND!" Okay, well with that being said, let me also mention that it isn't that I am against getting married. It just wasn't a top priority in my life any more. My spirituality and closeness with Allah was what was more important to me. Then they say, "being married completes the other half of your Deen....