Why arabic instead of English

[merijan 0]

I decided to post here on the Mena forum because there are many Muslims here and I wanted to post a subject that reflects on us, on those who have been Muslim or Reverted to Islam.

Many times people say that we Reverts to Islam converted only because of our husbands. Well perhaps there is some truth to that. Because of them many of us began searching the religion they believe to better understand them. And in that process found what we choose as our faith. No one can change their religious faith if they are not searching already. And most of us choose it because we wanted to find the truth. But still there are many who feel almost angry and like to say we only did it for our husband. I have been Muslim for over 13 years, divorced my first husband (muslim) and now married yet another Muslim. I think its a for sure thing for me. And yet some will still scorn us. Its ok we know what we bleive.

Another thing that we do when we become Muslim , I think all of us have the desire to learn Arabic so we can read the Quran in its true form. But even if we dont we do use many supplications, and phrases that invoke the name of Allah and our Islamic faith. Some think that we should only use "English " words. However Muslims all over the world use these same words, even in NON Arabic speaking coutnries. If you go to Malaysia, Indonesia, Spain, Pakistan, India, China, South America, on and on.. you will hear Muslims greeting each other with Assalamu Alaikum, Inshallah, Mashallah, and so on. We refer to God as Allah because Allah is the one true God. And the word God in English can mean anything from gods people worship, idols, etc. But Allah is the one true creater. We invoke his name many times daily. We say Inshallah , if Allah wills, Humdulllah praises to Allah, and so on.

Useing these words, saying duas and Surahs and prayers in Arabic bring the true meaning forth. And as well we can say it in English its not the same sometimes. And as I say these to words to my fellow Muslim friends, and to my children and my husband every day I remember I am a Muslim and all things are because of Allah and all praises and all sorrows and all tragedys I will will Invoke Allahs name. And every day when I pray , or recite any dua, any Surah I can say it as Allah gave it, with its full meaning, and beauty. So even as an American who speaks English, even as a Malaysian, or Indonesian or European, or Pakistani, or Indian.. we all say the same words daily. Inshallah.

salam

Raelynn Aziz

[S and S 12]

I get asked all the time if "had to convert to Islam" for my husband. It is so silly. I tell them no I did not. I was already muslim when we got married. As for arabic, I was studying that years before I studied Islam seriously or met my husband. I know it is annoying. Now I have run accross some people who are not serious about Islam when they convert and it does annoy me. It gives us a bad name. Like most Christian men that convert to Islam for their wife, those men rarely take it seriously beyond saying the words. It is so easy to see as they never talk about God or act in any way like a muslim. Not only that, but their wives tend to slack off on Islam and you see them wearing totally western styles. Of course the minute these wives go home to visit family back in the ME, magically the hijab appears and conservative clothing. Why is no one talking about these guys?

Then there are the women who converted, but it isn't in their hearts. They may give a serious attempt at Islam for maybe 6 months and then it all falls apart. Why? Because the didn't think and research properly before converting. I have seen where these women end up getting divorced and suddenly they are writing about how awful Islam is and how thankful they are for getting away from it. They messed up. They married their husband under the wrong assumptions. This is why I always say, study Islam very carefully before converting. Make sure you know what you are getting into because it is not easy. Islam is not for everyone and no one should bow to pressure.

Before I found Islam, I was barely a Christian. I believed in God and I prayed to him and only him. I didn't make calls to anyone else as some others do in Christianity. I never understood why anyone did. God is the one who answers prayers. Why would you talk to anyone else? This is my opinion and even before becoming muslim so don't attack me people. I'm just telling you how I thought. I did believe in Jesus. I had been saved and even babtised twice. I never believed Jesus was some form of a God, though I did believe he was a son (authu biAllah). I almost never went to church as an adult. I constantly disagreed with the preachers so I finally said I would worship God in my own way. Then I found Islam and started reading and finding myself agreeing with so much. This is what convinced me. I hope others will search their hearts and minds before making such a big decision as changing religions. Its not a trifling matter.

[merijan 0]

I get asked all the time if "had to convert to Islam" for my husband. It is so silly. I tell them no I did not. I was already muslim when we got married. As for arabic, I was studying that years before I studied Islam seriously or met my husband. I know it is annoying. Now I have run accross some people who are not serious about Islam when they convert and it does annoy me. It gives us a bad name. Like most Christian men that convert to Islam for their wife, those men rarely take it seriously beyond saying the words. It is so easy to see as they never talk about God or act in any way like a muslim. Not only that, but their wives tend to slack off on Islam and you see them wearing totally western styles. Of course the minute these wives go home to visit family back in the ME, magically the hijab appears and conservative clothing. Why is no one talking about these guys?

Then there are the women who converted, but it isn't in their hearts. They may give a serious attempt at Islam for maybe 6 months and then it all falls apart. Why? Because the didn't think and research properly before converting. I have seen where these women end up getting divorced and suddenly they are writing about how awful Islam is and how thankful they are for getting away from it. They messed up. They married their husband under the wrong assumptions. This is why I always say, study Islam very carefully before converting. Make sure you know what you are getting into because it is not easy. Islam is not for everyone and no one should bow to pressure.

Before I found Islam, I was barely a Christian. I believed in God and I prayed to him and only him. I didn't make calls to anyone else as some others do in Christianity. I never understood why anyone did. God is the one who answers prayers. Why would you talk to anyone else? This is my opinion and even before becoming muslim so don't attack me people. I'm just telling you how I thought. I did believe in Jesus. I had been saved and even babtised twice. I never believed Jesus was some form of a God, though I did believe he was a son (authu biAllah). I almost never went to church as an adult. I constantly disagreed with the preachers so I finally said I would worship God in my own way. Then I found Islam and started reading and finding myself agreeing with so much. This is what convinced me. I hope others will search their hearts and minds before making such a big decision as changing religions. Its not a trifling matter.

Thanks for shareing that.

I do agree it is a big decision, and I tell anyone who is thinking of it to take their time and know why they are making that decision. It does need to be from their hearts.

I was rasied in a very strong Christian family and I even taught Bible classes to children, and was so involved in the church. So when I did begin to question my faith , I never thought of Islam. When I did study it , and learn it it made sense to me.

[Aymsgirl 0]

I get asked all the time if "had to convert to Islam" for my husband. It is so silly. I tell them no I did not. I was already muslim when we got married. As for arabic, I was studying that years before I studied Islam seriously or met my husband. I know it is annoying. Now I have run accross some people who are not serious about Islam when they convert and it does annoy me. It gives us a bad name. Like most Christian men that convert to Islam for their wife, those men rarely take it seriously beyond saying the words. It is so easy to see as they never talk about God or act in any way like a muslim. Not only that, but their wives tend to slack off on Islam and you see them wearing totally western styles. Of course the minute these wives go home to visit family back in the ME, magically the hijab appears and conservative clothing. Why is no one talking about these guys?

Then there are the women who converted, but it isn't in their hearts. They may give a serious attempt at Islam for maybe 6 months and then it all falls apart. Why? Because the didn't think and research properly before converting. I have seen where these women end up getting divorced and suddenly they are writing about how awful Islam is and how thankful they are for getting away from it. They messed up. They married their husband under the wrong assumptions. This is why I always say, study Islam very carefully before converting. Make sure you know what you are getting into because it is not easy. Islam is not for everyone and no one should bow to pressure.

Before I found Islam, I was barely a Christian. I believed in God and I prayed to him and only him. I didn't make calls to anyone else as some others do in Christianity. I never understood why anyone did. God is the one who answers prayers. Why would you talk to anyone else? This is my opinion and even before becoming muslim so don't attack me people. I'm just telling you how I thought. I did believe in Jesus. I had been saved and even babtised twice. I never believed Jesus was some form of a God, though I did believe he was a son (authu biAllah). I almost never went to church as an adult. I constantly disagreed with the preachers so I finally said I would worship God in my own way. Then I found Islam and started reading and finding myself agreeing with so much. This is what convinced me. I hope others will search their hearts and minds before making such a big decision as changing religions. Its not a trifling matter.

Thanks for shareing that.

I do agree it is a big decision, and I tell anyone who is thinking of it to take their time and know why they are making that decision. It does need to be from their hearts.

I was rasied in a very strong Christian family and I even taught Bible classes to children, and was so involved in the church. So when I did begin to question my faith , I never thought of Islam. When I did study it , and learn it it made sense to me.

I agree it is a huge decision that only you can truely make. I also worked in the church as a Sunday School teacher and was actively involved in the ladies group. I also questioned my faith and didn't think of Islam until I met fellow muslims and my husband. Yes, I knew Islam through my husband but he isn't the reason for converting. I guess you could see he led by example and it struck a curiousity to learn more. He stayed out of the whole Islam thing while I was walking my valley of decision. He wanted no part in it until I had made my mind up on my own.

[~Jackie~ 30]

Thank you merijan for your informative post.

Jackie

Edited September 22, 2008 by just_Jackie

[Tunisia216 2]

.

Useing these words, saying duas and Surahs and prayers in Arabic bring the true meaning forth. And as well we can say it in English its not the same sometimes. And as I say these to words to my fellow Muslim friends, and to my children and my husband every day I remember I am a Muslim and all things are because of Allah and all praises and all sorrows and all tragedys I will will Invoke Allahs name.

ITA

[aya*abouelnasr 0]

May I ask any and all of you what the defining factor was in your choice to revert to Islam? What about the religion that spoke to you to make you decide to revert? What was the hardest thing for you to change about yourself to come to Allah?

I commend you all for going against social norms, to walk the path you choose to follow.

Thanks for any input or advice you have to offer, my eyes and ears are open.

[~Jackie~ 30]

Since your ears are open, my fingers are typing!

I had never heard of Islam until 9/11. I was raised Methodist, played the organ in church and had both my children baptised. Several things happened in the years to turn me away from my 'church home'. None of them do I care to share here, just know I was feeling empty, religiously.

Around 1998, I found myself studying Catholicism. I needed structure. I needed something. I was visiting old Catholic churches and Mary held a special place in my heart. But,,,being Catholic was not what I was looking for.

Fast forward to 9/11. The next day on the front page of the paper was bin Ladens picture and the words 'Muslim Terrorist' well... I read and studied about this religion that I had never knew of. That was in the fall of '01 and I kept wanting to know more. The more I learned, about prayer and the Quran, I was 'feeling' muslim. When I heard the call to prayer, I felt it. It moved me.

Soon, I connected with muslims in yahoo chat. There, I met alot of good sisters that took me under their wing and answered my questions. It took me 6 month to get things into perspective. May 5, 2002, I said shahada. With the help of my online sisters, I memorized al fatiha, as I help others to this day.

Now, I look to my more learned sisters for advice and guidance. I have so much to learn as I took a 3 year break in my studies. I am back on track now and looking forward to learning much about Islam from my husband, who encourages me to pray with him.

I have no desire to learn Arabic. My arabic is limited to prayer and food. So if I throw out a few 'inshAllahs' and 'alhamdulillahs', it is just like someone said before, it is to serve reminder of Allah.

My defining factor: After the 6 months of studying, I took the quiz on beliefs on beliefnet.com and it said '100% Islam'....that is the day I said shahada. Why wait? We don't know our last day.

Jackie

[aya*abouelnasr 0]

That is so awesome Jackie, thanks for sharing that with me. I agree that there is something that speaks to me when I hear the athan, I have been studying Islam for some time now, I agree with the teachings to the point that I feel it is the right religion for me to follow. I must say though, that the thought of reverting scares me. Not that I don't think it's right for me to do so, but because I want to know in my heart that I will be the best muslimah that I can be. I know, religion is a long learning process. So I am open to any pointers that I can get!

[Y's_habibitk 2]

I am just curious how many of you guys who have reverted, cover and wear hijab? And Please share what made you decide either way.

[~Jackie~ 30]

I hope you find the answers you are looking for.

[Aymsgirl 0]

That is so awesome Jackie, thanks for sharing that with me. I agree that there is something that speaks to me when I hear the athan, I have been studying Islam for some time now, I agree with the teachings to the point that I feel it is the right religion for me to follow. I must say though, that the thought of reverting scares me. Not that I don't think it's right for me to do so, but because I want to know in my heart that I will be the best muslimah that I can be. I know, religion is a long learning process. So I am open to any pointers that I can get!

Tammy...my story is kind of long but if you want take a look at our muslim thread you can learn about some of the decisions that a lot of us faced.

Also, to the question regarding covering....I have always dressed modestly and do not wear hijab right now, only to pray. If I decide to it will be a decision that I make for Allah but right now I am still new and learning and do not cover all of the time.

[Y's_habibitk 2]

That is so awesome Jackie, thanks for sharing that with me. I agree that there is something that speaks to me when I hear the athan, I have been studying Islam for some time now, I agree with the teachings to the point that I feel it is the right religion for me to follow. I must say though, that the thought of reverting scares me. Not that I don't think it's right for me to do so, but because I want to know in my heart that I will be the best muslimah that I can be. I know, religion is a long learning process. So I am open to any pointers that I can get!

Tammy...my story is kind of long but if you want take a look at our muslim thread you can learn about some of the decisions that a lot of us faced.

Also, to the question regarding covering....I have always dressed modestly and do not wear hijab right now, only to pray. If I decide to it will be a decision that I make for Allah but right now I am still new and learning and do not cover all of the time.

Thanks for sharing.

I just want to say on dressing modestly. When I went to Jordan I was SHOCKED that the younger girls (20 somethings) idea of "modest" dress was simply covering their skin. However, there was nothing left to the imagination. Some chicks looked like they painted on their clothes.

Edited September 23, 2008 by Y_habibitk

[Ahmed N Tina 2]

My defining factor: After the 6 months of studying, I took the quiz on beliefs on beliefnet.com and it said '100% Islam'....that is the day I said shahada. Why wait? We don't know our last day.

Jackie

Jackie,

Thanks for putting that up. I went to the site and took the test out of curiosity.....very enlightening, and a little freaky. I've been researching the religion too and am conflicted, but I'm trying to work through it.

[Sofiyya 1,687]

Just a friendly reminder. While Arabic is the common language of Islam, it is allowed to pray in a language you understand. The Message of the Quran was spread all over the world and Messengers of Allah spoke, taught and paryed in many languages, and their prayers were accepted. There was only one Arabic speaking Messenger. The Quran says it is delivered to the Arabs in a language they understand, but Jesus prayed in Aramaic, Moses in Hebrew, etc. Allah knows all languages, so while prayer in Arabic is a unifying factor in the ummah, non-Arabic speakers may pray in their own lanuage until they can speak and feel the prayer in Arabic. Otherwise, they may feel forced and artificial to you.