The Journey of A Revert Muslim

By Pag-yel Taglan Rutherford

In the recent world of Islam, trying to establish and walk on a path to building a better faith as a Muslim can be more frustrating, especially for those who are new to Islam (The Reverts). 

 

"THE JOURNEY OF A REVERTED MUSLIM" serves as a comprehensive companion for individuals accepting Islam as their way of life. This book offers a thoughtful roadmap through the complexes of Islamic practice, culture, and spirituality.

 

From the basics of belief and prayer to shaping social interactions and community engagement, this guide addresses the practicalities and nuances of living as a Muslim in today's world. With clarity and compassion, it explores fundamental concepts such as the five pillars of Islam, the importance of character development, and the significance of community support.

 

In addition to covering essential topics like Islamic ethics, family life, and the Quranic teachings, "THE JOURNEY OF REVERTED MUSLIM" delves into the rich history and diverse traditions of Islam, providing context and depth to the reader's path of discovery. Through personal anecdotes, practical advice, and spiritual insights, this book empowers new Muslims to navigate their faith with confidence and grace.

 

Whether you are a recent convert, a curious seeker, or a supportive friend or family member, "THE JOURNEY OF REVERTED MUSLIM" offers invaluable guidance and inspiration for embracing Islam with sincerity, humility, and a steadfas

t heart.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Pag-yel Taglan Rutherford
• Release date: Mar 25, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224692958

Book preview

CHAPTER 9

FASTING

9.1. Ramadan

9.2. Knowing what can break your fast

9.3. Who is exempted from fasting?

9.4. Days not Compulsory for fasting

9.5. ‘Eid-ul-Fitr’

CHAPTER 10

SALAAT

10 .1. Your prayer

10.2. Conditions that must be met before performing the prayer

10.3. The five daily compulsory prayers and their times

10.4. How to pray

10.5. Acts that invalidate your prayer and are disliked before and during the prayer

10.6. At what times are supererogatory prayers not permissible to be offered?

9.7. The Adhan

10.8. Paying attention in prayer

10.9. Salat-ul-Jummah

CHAPTER 11

CLEANSING (PURIFICATION)

11 .1 Your understanding about Islamic purification

11.2. Hadath

11.3. wudu'

PREFACE

In a world often clouded by misunderstandings and misconceptions, the essence of guidance stands as a beacon of clarity. In Islam, faith is not merely a passive belief but a dynamic force that permeates every aspect of life, shaping beliefs, actions, and relationships.

It is this profound understanding of faith and guidance in Islam that serves as the cornerstone of this book.

Through a journey that traverses the depths of scripture, the annals of history, and the intricacies of contemporary life, this book seeks to illuminate the timeless principles that underpin the Islamic concept of faith.

From the foundational creedal affirmations encapsulated in the Shahada to the nuances of spiritual devotion expressed through prayer and supplication, each chapter endeavors to unravel the richness and depth of Islamic faith and guidance.

Drawing upon the wisdom of Quranic teachings, Prophetic traditions, and the insights of scholars past and present, this book offers a holistic perspective on the significance of faith and guidance in the life of a Muslim.

Moreover, Faith in Islam strives to bridge the gap between theory and practice, between belief and action. It acknowledges the challenges and complexities inherent in navigating faith in a rapidly changing world while reaffirming the enduring relevance of Islamic principles in guiding individuals towards righteousness, justice, and compassion.

As the author, my intention is not merely to impart knowledge but to ignite a spark of introspection and contemplation within the hearts of readers, especially newly reverted Muslims around the globe.

Whether you are a seeker of truth, a student of religion, or a practitioner of Islam, I invite you to move on this path of discovery, reflection, and renewal.

May this book serve as a source of inspiration, enlightenment, and empowerment for all who seek to deepen their understanding of faith, true guidance and its transformative potential in the Islamic tradition.

INTRODUCTION

Assalamualaikum to the reverted Muslims and congregation to you all on embracing the religion of peace, love and tranquility. May Allah Almighty bless you for the fact that you took a bold decision to leave the darkness into the light.

Joining a new group, club or a society requires from you the effort to learn more about your new environment. The manual of a new electrical appliance needs much attention to operate it perfectly.

It really takes some time to get acclimatized to new conditions in life but all you need now is patience.

Now that you are guided by Allah to Islam, you are really chosen and every Muslim brother and sister is proud of you. It is now your duty to learn more about the Islamic rules which are the basis of your worship to Allah. On the basis of sound knowledge of the religion, you can deal with every condition and every situation around you according to the teachings of Islam.

Taking a bold step to becoming a Muslim is really amazing and the most amazing life experience in Islam is learning about the teachings of Allah through His Prophet (SAW). This chosen path of faith certainly bestowed the peace, love and tranquility of Allah upon you and your family.

This guide  contained documented information from the Holy Qur’an and Sunnah of the Prophet Mohammed (SAW) which is your daily guide in all aspects of life.

Last but not least, I recommend you consult Islamic scholars and the Qur’an if you really cannot comprehend or figure out something in this book.

I pray that Allah Almighty blesses you and your family. May His guidance be upon you and His mercy, love, peace and tranquility be bestowed upon you. In Shaa Allah!

May Allah give you a better understanding of the religion to a great perfection. May He admit all of us into paradise!  Aamiiii... ..

Assalamualaikum!

CHAPTER 1

STARTING YOUR NEW LIFE

Everyone on earth here was born Muslim but it takes a long time for people who were not born into Muslim families to convert to Islam, the religion of man. Our ultimate purpose on earth is to worship the creator of creators, the cherisher, the giver of peace, love and tranquility and the master of the day of judgment, Allah. Accepting Islam is the beginning of a new Muslim realization of the main purpose of his or her existence on earth. It gives a vivid meaning to your life!

Come to think of it, what do you think is very important to do and to know as someone who does not have any knowledge about Islam but wants to convert to peace? Well, the answer is really simple and straightforward because Islam is really a religion of peace, love and tranquility. You need to pronounce the testimony of faith which is called "Shahaadah'' with a sincere heart. The Shahadah is the first pillar which can be split into two parts.

●  Part I: " أشهد ألا إله إلله" This may not be the perfect version of the Arabic so the transliteration is that " Ashhadu an laa ilaaha ". The translation means that, I bear witness that there is no god worthy of worship except Allah. Allah alone must be worshiped without associating other gods with Him in worship. Worshiping gods alongside with Allah is a very great sin called Shirk which every Muslim should shun upon.

●  Part II: " وأشهد أن محمد رسول الله" The transliteration for the second part of the Shahadah is, Wa Ashhadu anna Muhammadan rasoolallah. The general translation is that, I bear witness that Mohammed (SAW) is the messenger of Allah sent to all mankind; and I will obey the messenger’s commands and shun away everything that have been forbidden by Allah.

Additionally, the next thing to do is take a bath. This bath is a special spiritual bath in Islam which is very important to take as a new Muslim. This bath is called ghusl which involves the cleansing of the entire body to depart from those gods you were associating Allah with in worship. This bath washes your soul out of Shirk and you are now free with a sincere heart to worship Allah alone.

Needs for repentance

REPENTANCE HAS TO DO with the total awareness  of one's bad deeds or wholeheartedly giving up an act which is considered prohibited and acceptance of what is justified by Allah to be good. In Islam, all good acts have blessings on the believers’ life. A Muslim needs to repent and ask for Allah's forgiveness sincerely without been molested to do so.

For the repentance of every kind of sin ranging from Shirk which is the greatest sin to the day-to-day minor sins, you must have met some important conditions which are discussed below.

●  Admit bad act or sin and give up quickly: Mr. A committed a sin and after realizing his or her sin, repents immediately wholeheartedly. This is called sincere repentance. However, if Mr. A repented and continues to repeat his or her sin or commits different sins then, there is the need for a fresh repentance. Repeating the same sin after being repented from it can always invalidate the first repentance.

●  Show great remorse with sincerity for having committed a sin: True repentance can really take place after committing a sin, you feel very bad or great regret for having committed that sin.

●  Vow not to commit that sin again in your life: True repentance will always make you feel remorse and vows not to repeat such bad acts. You must pledge not to commit that sin again and importantly keep yourself away from anything that can cause you to repeat your sin. This will make you much aware of that sin. Making Dua is something which must not be left out. Make Dua to Allah and inshallah, you will be given true guidance.

Every Muslim knows that Allah deserves our praises and worships and we really need no one to remind us of that. We really owe Him a bowl full of gratitude and acknowledgement. Allah is our creator and deserves to be worshiped alone. There are so many ways a Muslim can show gratitude to his creator, the one and only. Here are some elucidated.

We must be willing to endure hard times with hope and patience in Allah. He knows everything and sees you from a point where you cannot even see Him. And He knows what is good and bad for you.

We can also show how grateful we are to Allah by always reading the Qur'an. You will receive true guidance from the book. Knowledge and wisdom will be bestowed upon you throughout your life by reading the Qur'an with a sincere heart, Inviting other people, friends and family members to Islam really pays a lot and shows how grateful you are to your creator. Letting others see the light is amazing!

Why should we call others to the religion of peace and perfection?

Islam is the only true religion for mankind and worshiping Allah is the ultimate purpose of our existence. Everyone who received deliverance from the darkness into the light of faith will want to help others. This is done by proclaiming the oneness of Allah and is called Da’wah. Remember calling others to Islam is one way of showing how grateful you are to God Almighty. However, here are some virtues of calling others towards Islam.

وَلْتَكُنْ مِنْكُمْ أُمَّةٌ يَدْعُونَ إِلَى الْخَيْرِ وَيَأْمُرُون

بِالْمَعْرُوفِ وَيَنْهَوْنَ عَنِ الْمُنْكَرِ ۚ وَأُولَٰئِكَ هُمُ الْمُفْلِحُونَ

So let there be a body among you who may call to the good, enjoin what is esteemed and forbid what is odious. They are those who will be successful

(Soorah