The Reply to the Best Friend

I'll always love you hun. No matter what.

This may have changed me spiritually, but as a character I haven't changed one bit. A lot of people have been telling me that I would- but to be quite honest with everyone, nothings changed and I doubt I ever will.

I won't start being obedient to my parents because I always have been. In fact, turning muslim is being anything but obedient to them.

Similarly with a lot of other principles, they are still pretty much the same. The best thing about being a revert is that you carry the most amazing values you were taught in your previous religion. I guess its different than being born into a religion, and ending up with comfort beliefs, as its not like you can admit that you've never questioned your religion, because who wants to?

The hardest thing ever is to question why you prefer to live in your comfort zone.

 Its the same with people who are addicted to drugs, and who've always found solace in them. One day they find themselves brave enough to overcome that addiction to enquire about their true purpose and develop a desire to find out about something new, different and undeniably risky-in being able to experience pain and sadness as well as real happiness, its the new thing called Life. And when they finally experience life, only then would they realise how much the drugs had limited them. Of course for the first time, they wouldn't enjoy experiencing pain and sadness, though after looking back in 20 years or so they would see the whole beauty in the whole experience and conclude it worthwhile.

It was really hard breaking from my comfort zone, even when I truly felt that something wasn't right somewhere. Even after months of losing debates after defending my religion, even when I saw the straightforwardness in Islam, and had agreed thoroughly with its origins, I would always fish for a reason to disbelieve, to remain in my comfort zone.

Above all else, I avoided questioning my own religion. The love in it was so embedded in me that it physically hurt to question it. I wondered why us Christians deem it okay to eat pork and claim to rely that St. Peter had been told to not deem unclean what God has made clean when God himself had instructed us clearly not to not only one, but several places. If we had followed Paul's strict instructions from the Bible, we should be wearing headscarves whilst praying (1 Corinthians 11), but most people just don't.

My mother had always taught me that it was okay to disregard teachings from the Old Testament, but shouldn't it be impossible to break free from something you're previously bound to?

Hence, I still don't disregard biblical teachings (not misinterpreted ones at least) now I'm Muslim and I don't condone the way Muslims insult it. Some fanatics even insult Jesus back where I come from. I've always loved Jesus, and I always will. The Bible may not be taken word for word as accurate, but they are still revelations that God has sent down. If you feel like insulting the bible then please do so for all the daif hadiths you've ever heard of.

I haven't felt much of a change in restriction now I'm Muslim. I've never been able to eat pork, I've always had to dressed modestly, and well yes. its pretty similar =)

But the best thing about being a revert, is that you see so much love and hope in something you know you've chosen. And you're grateful for the living belief that Allah had saved you-which most born-muslims forget, and it works as a reinforcement as you try not to dishonour him for fear you'll hurt and disappoint him when he so kindly placed his trust in you.

So whether you're a revert, or whether you were born Muslim, remember that Allah (SWT) has saved you and that he has placed his hope in you.

And for all of you still seeking, my prayers are with you- may Allah guide you, and you have my admiration for even seeking, for most prefer to remain lost.

Allahuakbar!