Habeeba Husain Bronx-born James Delgado was working his nighttime security shift as a sergeant when he witnessed his coworker do something odd on the cameras. “I just kept seeing him going on the floor, so I knew he was awake,” Delgado said, remembering the event from a decade [...]
Habeeba Husain At the height of the coronavirus pandemic, then high schooler Melanie Perez would cry every time she looked in the mirror. Her mind would not stop pestering her. “What am I doing? What am I here for? What is my purpose? I had to really sit [...]
Laura El Alam When people first embrace Islam, they are often filled with energy, optimism, and positivity. The joy of connecting with their Creator and discovering His plan for humanity makes them feel like they have a new lease on life. When they share their new mindset and lifestyle with [...]
Laura El Alam Over the years. I’ve talked with dozens of fellow female converts to Islam, and a surprising number of them share a common narrative: they had met their husbands when they were young, often as university students. Back then, the men weren’t practicing their faith [...]
Habeeba Husain A young Christian man never thought the Muslim friend he played basketball with in his twenties would re-enter his life nearly fifteen years later as his brother in Islam. “I was praying for him, and I felt like at the same time, he was praying for [...]
Laura El Alam For those new to Islam, observing Ramadan for the first time can inspire a host of different emotions. Many converts are well-informed and supported and feel excited to dive right into the holiest month. Others find themselves alone and uncertain and might feel apprehensive or [...]
By Laura El Alam Islam greatly stresses the importance of maintaining family ties, and converts with non-Muslim relatives are no exception to this rule. We are encouraged to have a positive relationship with our family members even if our beliefs differ. For those whose loved ones try to support [...]
By Laura El Alam One of the most confusing and challenging topics for converts to Islam (as well as more established Muslims) is music. Many of us grew up considering music a major, positive part of our life. We may have played instruments, sung in a choir or band, [...]
By Laura El Alam For those of us who are converts to Islam, the death of a non-Muslim loved one can be a multi-layered trauma. We experience the typical grief of losing someone who is dear to us, but we also grapple with additional emotions, worries, and questions. In [...]
By Shaylene Haswarey Recently, I was at a restaurant with my Muslim friends when a convert remarked, "That smells so good! I remember drinking that drink at gatherings, and I miss it." A waiter had walked by carrying alcoholic drinks. My convert friend added, "There's simply no replacement for [...]
