knowledge makes peace

A little about me...

In the fall of 2000 I converted to Islam. I had been raised in a religious Protestant family. We attended church regularly where I was extremely active in all things church; Sunday school, vacation bible school, bible quizzing, choir, drama team, and many, many other things. So how and why did I become a Muslim? There are those who thought, and some still do think, it's because my husband is a Muslim. But anyone who really, truly knows me would know that I would never, ever convert to a religion for a guy, not even my husband who I truly love. Religion has always been very important to me and it's no joking matter. It's not a label that someone wears, it is what's inside one's heart.

I kind of remember something about Islam in my World History book back in High School. But all I can remember is a very small paragraph and the fact that it was thrown into a Unit about various religions. So, to be quite honest, I thought Islam was "one of those religions that people in other countries practice". Little did I know how much Islam has in common with Christianity. After meeting my husband, I wanted to learn more about this religion. So I started doing my own little research and I was quite surprised at what I began to uncover...Muslims believe in God, they believe in only one God, they believe in Jesus, they pray, they strive to do good deeds, and the list went on. The more I read, the more I wanted to keep on learning. I was so fascinated. I also did some reading about other religions, but Islam kept grabbing my interest.

About two years after my little research began, I converted. As you can imagine things were not easy. I didn't care much about other people, but who I did care about was my family. I love my family and they are so very important to me. I didn't want to hurt them in anyway. But when it comes to your religious beliefs, what comes first is what's between you and God. This was something I needed to do, this was what I believed in. Over nine years later, my family and I still have an incredible relationship. And for that I'm so truly grateful. I've talked to many people who were not as fortunate. I know my family does not agree with all the things I believe in nor do they approve, but what I do know for 100% certainty is how much they really love me. Unconditional love. A love that tells me that they will always be there for me, despite our differences. I'm so very blessed to have that.

One of the greatest obstacles a new Muslim will face with those who are not Muslim is lack of knowledge. There are some many misconceptions and misunderstandings about Islam. And of course, there are a lot of idiots who make Islam look bad. This is very unfortunate and makes me so very sad. Shame on those who give false impressions about such a peaceful religion. I can tell you that I would have never, ever converted to a religion that teaches hate or violence. As a matter of fact one of the biggest factors in my conversion was the peacefulness of Islam, and the equality of people that Islam teaches.

I remember after 9/11 people were so confused about Islam. And they had every right to be. If someone commits horrible acts "in the name of their religion" and you have very little knowledge of that religion, what are you supposed to think? We all know, too well, the horrible acts that were committed that day. But what many non-Muslims may not realize is another horrible act from that tragedy, the misleading and false impressions that were given about Islam from people who called themselves Muslims.

I was so grateful when Oprah aired a show soon after 9/11 called "Islam 101". I was so happy that she got it. She understood that there are millions of Muslims living right with her in America who are good, peaceful people. She understood that in that time of confusion people needed to be educated about the real Islam, the peaceful Islam.

I've been blogging for months now. And as much as I love talking about my family, fashion, my house, and all the other girly things that pop into my head, I think it's my responsibility to educate. I'm in no way a preacher. I totally respect the right to religion. I know that what I believe may be very different from what you believe. And that's okay. The important thing is for us to learn more about each other, especially our differences so that we can all live together peacefully. Ignorance causes hate, knowledge makes peace.

So in my efforts of trying to make a little peace, I'd like to share with you from time to time a little about my religion. Today I will keep it light (since this post is so heavy). ;) I will share with you the five pillars of faith in Islam. These are the five things that Muslims must practice:

1. Declaration of faith (stating that there is no God but God {Allah, in Arabic}, and that Mohammed is his messenger)


2. Prayer (five times a day)


3. Zakat (a religious tax used to help the poor and needy)


4. Ramadan (fasting every year from sunrise to sunset during this holy month)


5. Hajj (pilgrimage to Mecca once in one's lifetime as long as they are physically and financially able to do so)

I hope you've learned a little something new today. And remember to love who you are, be confident in who you are, and share with others things about you, your religion, or your culture that they may not know. Share your knowledge with others, and create some peace. ;)