Conversion as related to visa approval...

[Myopia 93]

Salam Sofiyya, What about this one? Not authentic for you as well?

Sahih Al-Bukhari Volume 6, Book 60, Hadith # 282

Narrated Safiya bint Shaiba (Radhiallaahu Ánha) "Aisha (Radhiallaahu Ánha) used to say: "When (the Verse): "They should draw their veils over their necks and bosoms," was revealed, (the ladies) cut their waist sheets at the edges and covered their faces with the cut pieces.

To you the word "khimar" means a mere cloth, to me "khimar" means headcovering. During the time of the prophet (pbuh), it was well understood what hijab was, the sahabiyaaas (the best of our ummah) wore it around the prophet so there was no debate needed about what it meant back then.... To me the ayat is clear alhamdoulilah...this is a matter of faith, the little details do not matter to me. To each their own!!

Let's just be careful in making haram halal especially as we have new converts in this forum.

Betsy, I'd hope that you are not talking about me when it comes to hypocrisy, I never said anything about anyone entering hell as I am solely concerned with my own relationship with Allah(swt) however I will not sit quiet if I feel like someone's comments/views might mislead people. At the end of the day everybody is responsible for their own literacy when it comes to religious beliefs. Muslim men who do not live up to their own responsibilities are condemned in the Quran.If you need a copy of the Quran, I'll send you one.

Masalama!!!! (forgive the typos...didn't re-read as it is bed time)

Yup. Yup.

[kristen_maroc 126]

Just want to say thanks for this interesting conversation. I guess it is always like this when people discuss religion. I find it fascinating and informative, defensiveness/zealousness aside

And Sofiyya... I tried to send you a pm but it wouldn't go through!

Peace !

k

[Sofiyya 1,687]

Thanks for letting me know. My box has been filling up regularly lately. It's been hard to keep up. I'll go over and move some stuff out, so, please, try again.

Just want to say thanks for this interesting conversation. I guess it is always like this when people discuss religion. I find it fascinating and informative, defensiveness/zealousness aside

And Sofiyya... I tried to send you a pm but it wouldn't go through!

Peace !

k

[Ayman___ 92]

So I read something in a thread today and it raised a question in my mind... Another member mentioned that converting to Islam while knowing your SO is a red flag. I am just wondering, of those of you who have gotten both approvals and denials, how many of you ladies converted to Islam over the course of time you knew your MENA SO? If you don't mind sharing, that is. Thanks all, just very curious about this topic. I'd never have really viewed it as a red flag since I suppose I'm a little more liberal minded about the "freedom of religion" thing in our country.

** I just want to say that I realize this is a sensitive topic and I hope I won't ruffle too many feathers. I would really appreciate VJers biting their fingers and resisting flaming in this thread. I find this a valid topic for discussion in the regional forum since it seems to impact visa approvals for MENA filers. If you have negative feelings regarding any portion of what I'm asking about, please move along. Thank you.

My Husband Is Muslim And I'm Catholic.His Family Is Very Religious But They Accept Me Because Of Who I am And Not What Religion I Am. They Never Put Pressure On Me To Convert. I Love His Family Alot.Before I met My Husband I thought Of Converting But I haven't Yet And It's Not A Issue Between Us. We Believe In One GOD And We Love Is Each Other. I Believe In Freedom Of Choice.

[MrsAmera 41]

Wow that's a very brash and insulting comment to make. I was raised Christian and found a lot of unanswered questions and contradictions in Christianity through a lot of research, reading, and talking with clergy. I didn't convert because I "lacked a backbone" I converted because Islam made more sense for me. I think being so self-righteous about your personal decision is pretty unattractive. Would you like us all to give you a round of applause? Certainly there are some people who make choices based on the relationship their in but to just assume that you're better than anyone who has converted without even the inkling of knowledge about their decision is just rude.

We can argue points on this all day. When it's all said and done Muslims will want you to see it their way every time and convert convert convert. Luckily, some women like myself have a backbone and can tell their Muslim SO straight up that it's never going to happen.

See this is what I am talking about......Not a big deal to us....but when she's ready she will convert. If it's not a big deal then why does she need to convert??

[Aly174 9]

Wow that's a very brash and insulting comment to make. I was raised Christian and found a lot of unanswered questions and contradictions in Christianity through a lot of research, reading, and talking with clergy. I didn't convert because I "lacked a backbone" I converted because Islam made more sense for me. I think being so self-righteous about your personal decision is pretty unattractive. Would you like us all to give you a round of applause? Certainly there are some people who make choices based on the relationship their in but to just assume that you're better than anyone who has converted without even the inkling of knowledge about their decision is just rude.

My conversion was of a similar nature to yours...I too was raised Christian, and found myself questioning a lot of things within Christianity and not being satisfied with the answers I was finding...I began reading about, studying and researching Islam prior to meeting my husband...he had nothing to do with my seeking out Islam nor did I seek him out as a novelty bc of my interest in Islam...We met quite by chance and our relationship developed and grew based on deep connections and chemistry we have with one another, not because of religion..He and his family were very accepting and supportive of my Christian background and never once encouraged, pressured or even asked me to consider converting to Islam...They were always very respectful of my background...I continued my research and studying pretty much on my own throughout the course of our "dating" relationship and even after marriage, I would ask him questions or for explanation when I needed it..He was always very helpful but also always left me to make my own ideas, opinions and decisions...We had been married a little over a year and a half when I became ready and felt compelled from within myself to convert and accept Islam...It actually took him by surprise when I told him my wishes to convert, because it had never been an issue in our relationship...I truly converted for myself and my own reasons not for or because of anyone else...I realize there are probably lots of people who convert from one religion to another based solely on their current relationship and I find that sad because one's religious beliefs are such a personal thing you should not have to sacrifice them, change them or take on beliefs you know nothing about for the sake of being with someone...I don't think a relationship with those kind of pressures can withstand the test of time, nor is it a true loving relationship if you are being dictated or pressured into such things.