By: Laura El Alam Marriage in Islam: Why You Shouldn't Rush Into It “Marriage is half the deen (religion).” Muslims will often say this to emphasize the importance of finding a life partner. The actual hadith (saying of the Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him) is: “When a [...]
By: Laura El Alam The Challenges of Converting to Islam in The US For converts in the United States, one of the most challenging aspects of embracing Islam is that people sometimes accuse us of being “less American” when we adopt an Islamic lifestyle. Over [...]
By: Laura El Alam Ramadan Starter Guide Ramadan is right around the corner. If you’re new to Islam, and this will be your first time observing the holy month, you might have some questions. Here is a Ramadan Cheat Sheet to get you started. Fasting Basics Able-bodied adult Muslims [...]
By: Meena Malik The Importance of Understanding the Quran for All Muslims One of the most important spiritual practices for Muslims is continuously reading the Quran for guidance. The Quran is God’s words directed specifically to people and it contains the recipe for success in this life and [...]
By: Laura El Alam Guidance for New Muslim Converts New Muslims often have many questions about how to practice Islam properly. At the same time, they are often bombarded with unsolicited opinions, information, and advice. Whether it’s an unknown brother or sister in the mosque approaching them with a [...]
By: Laura El Alam Navigating the Challenges of Explaining Your Decision to Loved Ones When I embraced Islam nearly 23 years ago, I remember making shahada by testifying that there is one God, and that Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) is His prophet. My heart and mind [...]
By: Melissa Barreto New Converts to Islam: Avoid These 3 Common Mistakes Recently, I was talking with a friend who was reflecting on her journey coming into Islam. She said, “...converts can make a lot of mistakes. People who are novices at anything make a lot of mistakes.” This simple [...]
By: Laura El Alam I’m Considering Becoming a Muslim, but I’m Hesitant About Wearing Hijab. What Should I do? For women in the West who decide to embrace Islam, wearing a headscarf (also called hijab or khimar) can be the most difficult step. There may be various reasons why a [...]
By: Laura El Alam Rethinking Labels in Islam People who embrace Islam are often called “converts,” and some members of the Muslim community insist that the correct label is “reverts.” Ustadh Wm. Halim Breinnis believes that both “convert” and “revert” are insufficient terms. In this interview, Usdadh Halim explains [...]
Interview By: Melissa Barreto Candice Elam's Journey to Islam Candice Elam, DNP, FNP-C, accepted Islam 19 years ago. Like many converts, her choice meant practicing a new religion, navigating changing family dynamics, and learning how to maintain her own identity in the wider, and often ethnocentric, Muslim communities. This [...]
