My colleague is about to accept Islam

[Ace Base]

Well, actually in principle she already has although she has yet to utter the testimony of faith, the shahadah.

I spoke to her once again this afternoon and she confirmed to me that she still wants to go ahead with reverting/converting to Islam. We have made arrangements to go down to Regent Park Masjid (or London Central Mosque as it is formally known) after Asr where she will formally declare her reversion.

I shall, however, prior to that invite her to utter the declaration of faith in my office, InshaAllah.

If any forum members, Muslim or non-Muslim would like to witness the shahadah ceremony please try and attend the masjid after Asr prayers tomorrow. I am sure our sister will be pleased to see so many supporters on her first day as a Muslim.

Now a bit of background about her:

She has been Deputy Head of Applied Biochemistry for the last four years and prior to that was Senior Lecturer at Imperial College, London. Her work has been cited in several academic journals and she is quite a prolific writer (despite being barely 40; which means there is hope for me, yet!).

She is widely read and has always been well-informed about religions in general and Islam in particular. Her own position has been that of ''active agnosticism''.

Around 13 months ago, around the same time as I joined as lecturer, we started a series of discussions on Islamic History and her interest in the religion developed a more academic bent. To this end, she enrolled in some Arabic courses 6 months ago in an attempt to, in her words, ''taste a little bit of the inimitability of the Qur'an, something no translation can ever capture''.

Her sexual orientation posed less of a problem in her decision than I anticipated. Whilst she is currently single (whatever that means) her preference is for members of the same sex.

We have discussed at length the Islamic literature condemning homosexuality and the punishments connected with it. She said to me a few months ago that she sees no difference in abstaining from a particular sexual lifestyle and abstaining from alcohol or tobacco or drugs. In other words, she understands that following Islam means following what Allah has commanded and abstaining from the prohibitions.

She does not dwell too deeply on the dos and don'ts of Islam as she feels the focus should be on the central and immediate message of Islam: Submitting to the One True Creator and Upholding the Oneness of the Creator. As the readers of this post might know this is the common message preached by all the Prophets from Adam to David to Moses to Jesus to Muhammed, upon them all be peace.

I am sharing these facts about her here with her permission.

Please try and visit the mosque tomorrow after Asr if you want to ask her more about what prompted her to accept Islam and please make dua for her that Allah makes it easy for her to live her life as a Muslim. Aameen.

[James]

Congratulations to your colleague my friend, I hope she has a good day tomorrow.

[chaiwala]

It will be interesting to see how she will be received, due to her homosexuality. Keep us updated, please.

[Ace Base]

Originally Posted by James Congratulations to your colleague my friend, I hope she has a good day tomorrow.

Thank you and you as always are a gentleman.

James, I really, really wish I could somehow get you to meet her. You know from our correspondence here and your posts on this forum, you are so like her. Or she like you.

The only difference is the academic disciplines you are both involved in. Otherwise, from the impression I get from your posts, your ideas, thought-processes etc are very much alike!

Are you sure she is not an older sister?

Ha!

[SAPakFan]

Subhanallah,after she does accept islam please ask her to make dua for us as well as the entire ummat as she will be like a newborn baby,free from sins and pure and her dua is required. Welcome her on our behalf as many aren't able to attend but inform her that she will be our duas too,insha'allah.

[James]

Originally Posted by Ace Base Thank you and you as always are a gentleman. James, I really, really wish I could somehow get you to meet her. You know from our correspondence here and your posts on this forum, you are so like her. Or she like you. The only difference is the academic disciplines you are both involved in. Otherwise, from the impression I get from your posts, your ideas, thought-processes etc are very much alike! Are you sure she is not an older sister? Ha!

Haha, I don't have a sister, only a younger brother. But she sounds very intelligent and nice. Like I said you and your friends are on my to-visit list, when I have finished writing my thesis and next visit London

[KingKhanWC]

Please try and visit the mosque tomorrow after Asr if you want to ask her more about what prompted her to accept Islam and please make dua for her that Allah makes it easy for her to live her life as a Muslim. Aameen.

God willing will do. Best wishes to her.

Ace, is there a support mechanism in place for new converts? I've heard of some who have been left on their own after they embrace Islam making it difficult for them.

[Tapori]

Cool. Especially this:

She does not dwell too deeply on the dos and don'ts of Islam as she feels the focus should be on the central and immediate message of Islam: Submitting to the One True Creator and Upholding the Oneness of the Creator. As the readers of this post might know this is the common message preached by all the Prophets from Adam to David to Moses to Jesus to Muhammed, upon them all be peace.

Academics, tend to be drawn to the Philosophical arguments. Islam is deep in that regard. Most Muslims are obsessed with other aspects.

Good Luck to her.

[Tapori]

I thought for a moment there, that Ace Base might have been inadvertently implying that James "Batted" for the other team...

[Ace Base]

Originally Posted by chaiwala It will be interesting to see how she will be received, due to her homosexuality. Keep us updated, please.

As you might know, my friend, in Islam people's sexuality is not a focal point nor do we obsess about it.

The punishments ordained by Allah for various sexual misdemeanours are horrific enough and are what they are and we acknowledge them and move on. We as Muslims don't get hung up over it, as our sexual preferences or indiscretions don't define our lives, our duties towards Allah and His creation do.

What people do behind closed doors, whether they have orgies or sex with animals or with themselves is none of our business and Islam prohibits us from making it our business as per the worse of the Qur'an, ''la tajassasu, in ba'ad adhun, ithm''.

As Muslim's we don't introduce ourselves as ''hello, my name's Ahmed and I'm a fornicator'', or ''hello, I'm Fatima, a swinger'', or ''Hi, I'm Ahmed a homosexual''.

We don't care what you do. Just don't do anything that Allah prohibits in public, if you live under an Islamic state otherwise there are punishments prescribed for it.

Whether or not you and I agree with the prohibitions is not the point and a different discussion altogether one that I shall keep out of this thread.

[James]

Not had a girlfriend for a few months now Tapori, but certainly not reached that stage

[irfan]

On a related note I knew 3 gay men who converted to Islam despite knowing the stance on homosexuality; all had a torturous time trying to suppress their natural sexuality and last I heard all 3 left Islam.

[Ace Base]

Originally Posted by KingKhanWC God willing will do. Best wishes to her. Ace, is there a support mechanism in place for new converts? I've heard of some who have been left on their own after they embrace Islam making it difficult for them.

My wife is also a revert/convert to Islam, being born into Anglicism so she has already been speaking to Dr I (if you wish to know her full name you'll have to meet her at the masjid tomorrow) about her experiences.

But yes, there are too many stories of people entering Islam and then being abandoned by the so called ''ummah''.

Alhumdulillah, there is now a support group for New Muslims called Muslim Now run by IERA.

Dr I has been in contact with Naimah Roberts and Yvonne Ridley (although I am personally a critic of Ridley's politics) as well so their perspectives are available as well.

As an aside, for every two Muslims who enter Islam I can show you one who has left it so really this is a matter of guidance from Allah.

[LethalSami]

(despite being barely 40; which means there is hope for me, yet!).

Her sexual orientation posed less of a problem in her decision than I anticipated. Whilst she is currently single (whatever that means) her preference is for members of the same sex.

Ace base, methinks u have stated a problem and a possible solution in the OP

[Ace Base]

Originally Posted by LethalSami Ace base, methinks u have stated a problem and a possible solution in the OP

I appreciate the humour akhi but I was referring to my lack of academic output.

In any case, I'm done with marrying western women. They are too independent-minded. I think I must marry someone I can ''control''...

[DeadlyVenom]

Asslamualikum Brother Ace,

Great news, obviously we are pleased that somebody has accepted Islam, however what makes it more pleasing is that an educated women has found fulfillment in Islam at a time when religion is seen as something that the educated keep away from.

I do dua that she is successful in this world and the hereafter.

[Disco_Lemonade]

Originally Posted by Ace Base I appreciate the humour akhi but I was referring to my lack of academic output. In any case, I'm done with marrying western women. They are too independent-minded. I think I must marry someone I can ''control''...

Is it your choice or are we told in Islam that we should be marrying someone we can control?

No need to answer if you believe its too personal a question.

[Ace Base]

Originally Posted by DeadlyVenom Asslamualikum Brother Ace, Great news, obviously we are pleased that somebody has accepted Islam, however what makes it more pleasing is that an educated women has found fulfillment in Islam at a time when religion is seen as something that the educated keep away from. I do dua that she is successful in this world and the hereafter.

Wa'alaikum Assalaam Akhil kareem

Aameen to your supplications.

People from all walks of life, all levels of intellect accept Islam because there is something for everyone in there.

[KingKhanWC]

Originally Posted by Ace Base My wife is also a revert/convert to Islam, being born into Anglicism so she has already been speaking to Dr I (if you wish to know her full name you'll have to meet her at the masjid tomorrow) about her experiences. But yes, there are too many stories of people entering Islam and then being abandoned by the so called ''ummah''. Alhumdulillah, there is now a support group for New Muslims called Muslim Now run by IERA. Dr I has been in contact with Naimah Roberts and Yvonne Ridley (although I am personally a critic of Ridley's politics) as well so their perspectives are available as well. As an aside, for every two Muslims who enter Islam I can show you one who has left it so really this is a matter of guidance from Allah.

Brother, I live in the Midlands otherwise would have joined you. Thank your for the information, I will make a note of it and pass it on to any new converts who I meet. If Dr I has a blog please post a link, it would nice to read of her experiences.

If you could offer some advice it would be appreciated. If someone is interested in learning about Islam how is it best to explain to them? Have you developed a technique or do you just interact act with them as you go along? I've been watching video's of this guy for a while and although he has a good way of interacting I'm not sure how he would deal with someone who asked him tougher questions?

[Ace Base]

Originally Posted by Disco_Lemonade Is it your choice or are we told in Islam that we should be marrying someone we should control? No need to answer if you believe its too personal a question.

Well, you see I would like to dominate and control her and accept what I say blindly...

Someone who takes a slap or three without raising ruckus and someone who knows that a man is better than a woman...

[Disco_Lemonade]

Originally Posted by Ace Base Well, you see I would like to dominate and control her and accept what I say blindly... Someone who takes a slap or three without raising ruckus and someone who knows that a man is better than a woman...

but it was a serious question with no hidden agenda's..

[Ace Base]

Originally Posted by Ace Base Well, you see I would like to dominate and control her and accept what I say blindly... Someone who takes a slap or three without raising ruckus and someone who knows that a man is better than a woman...

Forgive me, brother, I took my sarcasm and joking a bit too far perhaps......

I was joking obviously, when I said I wanted to marry someone I could ''control''...

The reason for my joke was to of course play on the stereo-type that Muslims like to control women, that Muslim women have no independent voice, et cetera when anyone who has lived amongst and interacted with practicing Muslims (note, I am excluding cultural Muslims) knows that this is nothing but a laughable, ignorant caricature.

[NJamal]

Brother Ace Base I am so happy to hear this news. What a lucky lady she is. Indeed Allah honors whoever he wills and humiliate whoever he wills. Brother I am residing in your home country if I was in London I would have definitely come there to meet you and the lucky lady. May Allah help her and give her strength to stay firm on the path of Islam.

[Disco_Lemonade]

Originally Posted by Ace Base Forgive me, brother, I took my sarcasm and joking a bit too far perhaps...... I was joking obviously, when I said I wanted to marry someone I could ''control''... The reason for my joke was to of course play on the stereo-type that Muslims like to control women, that Muslim women have no independent voice, et cetera when anyone who has lived amongst and interacted with practicing Muslims (note, I am excluding cultural Muslims) knows that this is nothing but a laughable, ignorant caricature.

understood.

Best of luck to the lady who is reverting tomorrow and hope someone tells her that all authority is with Allah and Allah is the most merciful.

[MR__KHAN__JI]

Masha-Allah!

[Eagle_Eye]

Great news for your friend.

What prompted her to lean towards Islam?

Will she marry a man? I get the feeling from the OP, she has not reconciled that aspect yet.

[Robert]

I am always baffled to learn of highly educated people who become religious. Education led me away from that, not to it.

[kkmix]

Originally Posted by Robert I am always baffled to learn of highly educated people who become religious. Education led me away from that, not to it.

I always doubt people who call themselves educated.

[kkmix]

Also great news OP, hopefully she becomes a good Muslim and is kept away from the wrong preachers of Islam.

[MR__KHAN__JI]

Originally Posted by Robert I am always baffled to learn of highly educated people who become religious. Education led me away from that, not to it.

perhaps your education led you away for from a certain perception of what religion is?

Everyone is an individual and I guess they think in different ways.

[Ace Base]

Originally Posted by MR__KHAN__JI perhaps your education led you away for from a certain perception of what religion is? Everyone is an individual and I guess they think in different ways.

Great point and one that readers will do well to reflect upon.

[Ace Base]

Originally Posted by NJamal Brother Ace Base I am so happy to hear this news. What a lucky lady she is. Indeed Allah honors whoever he wills and humiliate whoever he wills. Brother I am residing in your home country if I was in London I would have definitely come there to meet you and the lucky lady. May Allah help her and give her strength to stay firm on the path of Islam.

Aameen.

JazakAllah Kahirun.

I would like to meet you when I am in the UAE next, InshaAllah. We are planning to visit in September.

Akhi, if there is anything I can help with in the UAE then please let me know. I shall send you my email address privately.

[Robert]

Originally Posted by MR__KHAN__JI perhaps your education led you away for from a certain perception of what religion is?

Well, it certainly led me away from a literal interpretation of The Bible.

After a Christian friend tried to convert me for two years, and we debated and debated, she lost her faith.

Which, curiously, I felt guilty about.

[MR__KHAN__JI]

Originally Posted by Robert Well, it certainly led me away from a literal interpretation of The Bible. After a Christian friend tried to convert me for two years, and we debated and debated, she lost her faith. Which, curiously, I felt guilty about.

That does not surprise me...

Anecdotally speaking the more people get educated the more they move away from the bible... And in particular Catholicism.

I can't say this is fact... It's just the experience I have had.

[MR__KHAN__JI]

Perhaps feeling guilty had something to do with the fact that deep inside you were not comfortable with the conclusion you hade came to... Just a thought...

[Bilal7]

^
You learn a bit of science, you become an atheist
You learn a lot of science, you become religious.

To OP: Mashallah, may you show many more the truth, good to see how she understands that as Muslims, it is important to follow Allah's rule.

[Ace Base]

Originally Posted by KingKhanWC Brother, I live in the Midlands otherwise would have joined you. Thank your for the information, I will make a note of it and pass it on to any new converts who I meet. If Dr I has a blog please post a link, it would nice to read of her experiences. If you could offer some advice it would be appreciated. If someone is interested in learning about Islam how is it best to explain to them? Have you developed a technique or do you just interact act with them as you go along? I've been watching video's of this guy for a while and although he has a good way of interacting I'm not sure how he would deal with someone who asked him tougher questions?

Akhi, May Allah reward you and your family with the best in this world and the Hereafter. Aameen.

Who am I to give advice when Allah has given us the best advice possible and He says in His book, ''Fa jadil hum bi mou'izati hasanah'', ''...and engage them with the most beautiful of manners...''?

So our duty is to present ourselves to mankind, Muslim or non Muslim as Allah has commanded us; with beautiful, wise conduct and speech.

The Prophet of Allah sallahualahi wassallam said in a hadith that can be found in Sahih Muslim and Ibn Hazm declared it authentic, ''wa ma ursilni illa le yalum al akhlaaq''; ''I have not been sent except to teach good manners..''

So the way of the Pious Predecessors, the way of the Salaf as Salih is to present themselves and therefore Islam using the finest manners and etiquette possible.

In my limited experience, people are not affected by words or rhetoric or semantics; they are affected by relationships.

There is no point showing people how the Quraan is a scientifuc miracle, that Muslims fight for justice, that the Quraan cannot be imitated because these those who have their minds made up will not care about this and the ones who are open to understanding Islam will have read some or all of this anyway.

No, people will be affected by your behaviour towards them. They may forget what you have said to them but they will never forget how you dealt with them.

Look at the example of our Prophet. His enemies said he was a magician, that he was mad, that he was possessed. However, not ONE of them, not one, and the historical references from non-Muslim sources will confirm this, not one called him a liar or fraudster or cruel or inhumane or unjust! Not one!

So this alone should make us ponder, what was it about the Prophet's character that made people sit up and take notice when he spoke? He was after all an illiterate man, not a Phd in Nuclear Physics or an accomplished writer. So what made people take notice of his speech?

When people ask me about Islam, I tell them what I know.

I personally never initiate a conversation about Islam in real life and this is in keeping with the actions of the Salaf As Salih, the Sahabah and those who came after them.

So how do you get them to ask you about Islam and more importantly to trust that what you are saying is closer to the truth?

Through your actions, your actions, your actions.

Imagine if I sat in the pubs with them, drinking, smoking, swearing talking about this that or the other, they'd think I'm a ''pretty cool guy'', ''just like them'', ''fun to hang out with'' and that would be the end of the matter.

Now imagine if they saw a man with a beard (as is the way, the Sunnah of ALL the Prophets) who didn't drink or smoke but was always very keen to buy lunch for everyone at the cafeteria, who performed these prayers at certain times of the day, who never swore, always smiled, was always ready to help people even if it meant going out his way, yet never spoke about his beliefs but was always more interested in you, on how you've been getting along in life, on whether you've had a good day or a terrible one.

Wouldn't you want to know about this man and what he believes in and why he believes in it?

You may not necessarily agree with the views of this person but wouldn't his actions and his faith leave a favourable impression upon you?

And next time someone comes up with sensationalist rubbish like ''Muslims are so hate-filled and think they are better than everyone else'', wouldn't you be the first one to jump up and defend them saying, ''actually, they are not because I've met and interacted with a practicing Muslim and Islam is not what you say it is...?''

By the way, I am nothing like the ideal Muslim man I have described in my example, I am far, far away from it, May Allah forgive me my sins and make me like the example I have just used. Aameen.

What did Umar radiAllahu anhu say? '' Do not do good deeds because it makes you feel good or expecting a reward because that is merely feeding your ego. Do a good deed because your are a human being and it is a duty of Allah's creation to do what they have been created for''.

So many times we don't have our intentions right, we must try and correct our intentions.

In closing akhi, first try and learn as much as you can about Islam and the fundamentals of Tawheed, what it is that we must call people towards.

Then if a non Muslim approaches you about Islam try and answer what you can concerning his queries and if there is something you don't know direct him to someone who does know.

Remember, it is not our job to get people to accept Islam. That is upto Allah. As Allah says in the Quraan, ''Fa Basshir..''

So just explain and move on.

Throughout this, worry about yourself first and then your families. Have I been a good slave of Allah? Have I carried out my duties towards my parents, my family and my fellow-creation?

Akhi, I live in Notting Hill in London and we are the only Muslim family in our street. When we first moved in, our neighbours were quite cool towards us (cool as in, not warm) due to our appearances, I think. As far as they were concerned some ''foreigners'' belonging to ''that religion'' had moved in. My wife wears a niqaab in public (by the way entirely against my wishes; a point of contention in our marriage. This is why there is some truth in my joke when I said western women were to independent-minded)so that obviously feeds the stereotype.

I never really had much time to build any sort of rapport with my neighbours as I was starting a new job plus I was dealing with the upheaval of uprooting from Dubai and moving to London.

On our third day in our new neighbourhood, my wife and I went out for a walk together with our daughter and our neighbour said to my wife, ''that's disgusting'', pointing to her face-covering!

No issues, we have dealt with such reactions before and we didn't say anything.

Later during the week, my wife baked some cakes and made some Moroccan food she has learned to cook in Dubai and took it over to our neighbours house.

My neighbour was surprised to learn that my wife was white English and that she was born in Penzance not far from where my neighbour's husband was born!

So you see, my wife established a common ground with them because we as human beings have more in common than we have differences.

Allah says in the Qura'an, ''...ta'alu ila kalimati baynana wa bayna kum''. ''Call them to what is common between you and them...''

From that day onwards, the relationship grew so much so that my neighbour who is a journalist with the Guardian wrote an article condemning Sarkozy for banning the niqaab and urging politicians in the UK not to give in to right-wing Islamophobia!

See how perceptions change! From calling the niqaab ''disgusting'' to now championing the right of women to wear it!

How did this come about? By building relationships, by establishing commonality by engaging with people.

That is the message of Islam. Do not be insular. Build bridges. Communicate. See what they have to say and try and understand why they feel the way they do.

Perhaps they will one day also see what you have to say.

[James]

people are not affected by words or rhetoric or semantics; they are affected by relationships.

I completely agree with this. This was my favourite part of a brilliant post

Praise be to you sir.

[Bilal7]

Amazing post, overhead. I always try to present a good image of Islam through actions, but boy is it hard!

[KingKhanWC]

Jazakallah Khair brother for some excellent advice. May the Almighty reward you and your wife for your efforts. I think I have a long way to go in improving my developing my etiquette but I have been trying. Please remember me in your duas.

[azhar329]

Brother acebase, mashaAllah excellent news!

May Allah make it easy for the sister and keep her firm inshaAllah, ameen. And may Allah forgive us all of our sins and grant us Jannah, ameen.

[Tapori]

Originally Posted by Ace Base As you might know, my friend, in Islam people's sexuality is not a focal point nor do we obsess about it. The punishments ordained by Allah for various sexual misdemeanours are horrific enough and are what they are and we acknowledge them and move on. We as Muslims don't get hung up over it, as our sexual preferences or indiscretions don't define our lives, our duties towards Allah and His creation do. What people do behind closed doors, whether they have orgies or sex with animals or with themselves is none of our business and Islam prohibits us from making it our business as per the worse of the Qur'an, ''la tajassasu, in ba'ad adhun, ithm''. We don't care what you do. Just don't do anything that Allah prohibits in public, if you live under an Islamic state otherwise there are punishments prescribed for it. Whether or not you and I agree with the prohibitions is not the point and a different discussion altogether one that I shall keep out of this thread.

Top Top Post, and should be sent to all the wannabe Mullahs.

We are in real danger of becoming the Catholic Church MKII.

As Muslim's we don't introduce ourselves as ''hello, my name's Ahmed and I'm a fornicator'', or ''hello, I'm Fatima, a swinger'', or ''Hi, I'm Ahmed a homosexual''.

Genius.

[Tapori]

Originally Posted by Ace Base Forgive me, brother, I took my sarcasm and joking a bit too far perhaps...... I was joking obviously, when I said I wanted to marry someone I could ''control''... The reason for my joke was to of course play on the stereo-type that Muslims like to control women, that Muslim women have no independent voice, et cetera when anyone who has lived amongst and interacted with practicing Muslims (note, I am excluding cultural Muslims) knows that this is nothing but a laughable, ignorant caricature.

I thought it was rather appropriate Ace Bhai.

You say it's a caricature, but I've seen too many cases where your satire is all too close to the truth for many women, especially in Pakistan and from the sub-continent both there and in the UK.

Difference is, here to some degree, there are options to remove onself from such an environment. Back in the Motherlands, all too often the women have to literally put up with it.

That too in very educated and well-to-do circles too.

[Tapori]

Originally Posted by James Not had a girlfriend for a few months now Tapori, but certainly not reached that stage

,

The Sacrifices, one makes for a Thesis, eh?

[Tapori]

Originally Posted by Ace Base Akhi, May Allah reward you and your family with the best in this world and the Hereafter. Aameen. Who am I to give advice when Allah has given us the best advice possible and He says in His book, ''Fa jadil hum bi mou'izati hasanah'', ''...and engage them with the most beautiful of manners...''? So our duty is to present ourselves to mankind, Muslim or non Muslim as Allah has commanded us; with beautiful, wise conduct and speech. The Prophet of Allah sallahualahi wassallam said in a hadith that can be found in Sahih Muslim and Ibn Hazm declared it authentic, ''wa ma ursilni illa le yalum al akhlaaq''; ''I have not been sent except to teach good manners..'' So the way of the Pious Predecessors, the way of the Salaf as Salih is to present themselves and therefore Islam using the finest manners and etiquette possible. In my limited experience, people are not affected by words or rhetoric or semantics; they are affected by relationships. There is no point showing people how the Quraan is a scientifuc miracle, that Muslims fight for justice, that the Quraan cannot be imitated because these those who have their minds made up will not care about this and the ones who are open to understanding Islam will have read some or all of this anyway. No, people will be affected by your behaviour towards them. They may forget what you have said to them but they will never forget how you dealt with them. Look at the example of our Prophet. His enemies said he was a magician, that he was mad, that he was possessed. However, not ONE of them, not one, and the historical references from non-Muslim sources will confirm this, not one called him a liar or fraudster or cruel or inhumane or unjust! Not one! So this alone should make us ponder, what was it about the Prophet's character that made people sit up and take notice when he spoke? He was after all an illiterate man, not a Phd in Nuclear Physics or an accomplished writer. So what made people take notice of his speech? When people ask me about Islam, I tell them what I know. I personally never initiate a conversation about Islam in real life and this is in keeping with the actions of the Salaf As Salih, the Sahabah and those who came after them. So how do you get them to ask you about Islam and more importantly to trust that what you are saying is closer to the truth? Through your actions, your actions, your actions. Imagine if I sat in the pubs with them, drinking, smoking, swearing talking about this that or the other, they'd think I'm a ''pretty cool guy'', ''just like them'', ''fun to hang out with'' and that would be the end of the matter. Now imagine if they saw a man with a beard (as is the way, the Sunnah of ALL the Prophets) who didn't drink or smoke but was always very keen to buy lunch for everyone at the cafeteria, who performed these prayers at certain times of the day, who never swore, always smiled, was always ready to help people even if it meant going out his way, yet never spoke about his beliefs but was always more interested in you, on how you've been getting along in life, on whether you've had a good day or a terrible one. Wouldn't you want to know about this man and what he believes in and why he believes in it? You may not necessarily agree with the views of this person but wouldn't his actions and his faith leave a favourable impression upon you? And next time someone comes up with sensationalist rubbish like ''Muslims are so hate-filled and think they are better than everyone else'', wouldn't you be the first one to jump up and defend them saying, ''actually, they are not because I've met and interacted with a practicing Muslim and Islam is not what you say it is...?'' By the way, I am nothing like the ideal Muslim man I have described in my example, I am far, far away from it, May Allah forgive me my sins and make me like the example I have just used. Aameen. What did Umar radiAllahu anhu say? '' Do not do good deeds because it makes you feel good or expecting a reward because that is merely feeding your ego. Do a good deed because your are a human being and it is a duty of Allah's creation to do what they have been created for''. So many times we don't have our intentions right, we must try and correct our intentions. In closing akhi, first try and learn as much as you can about Islam and the fundamentals of Tawheed, what it is that we must call people towards. Then if a non Muslim approaches you about Islam try and answer what you can concerning his queries and if there is something you don't know direct him to someone who does know. Remember, it is not our job to get people to accept Islam. That is upto Allah. As Allah says in the Quraan, ''Fa Basshir..'' So just explain and move on. Throughout this, worry about yourself first and then your families. Have I been a good slave of Allah? Have I carried out my duties towards my parents, my family and my fellow-creation? Akhi, I live in Notting Hill in London and we are the only Muslim family in our street. When we first moved in, our neighbours were quite cool towards us (cool as in, not warm) due to our appearances, I think. As far as they were concerned some ''foreigners'' belonging to ''that religion'' had moved in. My wife wears a niqaab in public (by the way entirely against my wishes; a point of contention in our marriage. This is why there is some truth in my joke when I said western women were to independent-minded)so that obviously feeds the stereotype. I never really had much time to build any sort of rapport with my neighbours as I was starting a new job plus I was dealing with the upheaval of uprooting from Dubai and moving to London. On our third day in our new neighbourhood, my wife and I went out for a walk together with our daughter and our neighbour said to my wife, ''that's disgusting'', pointing to her face-covering! No issues, we have dealt with such reactions before and we didn't say anything. Later during the week, my wife baked some cakes and made some Moroccan food she has learned to cook in Dubai and took it over to our neighbours house. My neighbour was surprised to learn that my wife was white English and that she was born in Penzance not far from where my neighbour's husband was born! So you see, my wife established a common ground with them because we as human beings have more in common than we have differences. Allah says in the Qura'an, ''...ta'alu ila kalimati baynana wa bayna kum''. ''Call them to what is common between you and them...'' From that day onwards, the relationship grew so much so that my neighbour who is a journalist with the Guardian wrote an article condemning Sarkozy for banning the niqaab and urging politicians in the UK not to give in to right-wing Islamophobia! See how perceptions change! From calling the niqaab ''disgusting'' to now championing the right of women to wear it! How did this come about? By building relationships, by establishing commonality by engaging with people. That is the message of Islam. Do not be insular. Build bridges. Communicate. See what they have to say and try and understand why they feel the way they do. Perhaps they will one day also see what you have to say.

This.

I tried to explain this to many "Brotherrrrsss" who do "Dawah" by knocking Jehova Witness style on doors or do the street preaching with the flyers and incendiary rhetoric.

Know, that just by being a top human being, esp. if you live in the West, does more good than any preaching.

You want someone to say:

"That person is a brilliant human being, I wonder what makes them so pleasant?"

[ArmanKhan]

Originally Posted by Ace Base Akhi, May Allah reward you and your family with the best in this world and the Hereafter. Aameen. Who am I to give advice when Allah has given us the best advice possible and He says in His book, ''Fa jadil hum bi mou'izati hasanah'', ''...and engage them with the most beautiful of manners...''? So our duty is to present ourselves to mankind, Muslim or non Muslim as Allah has commanded us; with beautiful, wise conduct and speech. The Prophet of Allah sallahualahi wassallam said in a hadith that can be found in Sahih Muslim and Ibn Hazm declared it authentic, ''wa ma ursilni illa le yalum al akhlaaq''; ''I have not been sent except to teach good manners..'' So the way of the Pious Predecessors, the way of the Salaf as Salih is to present themselves and therefore Islam using the finest manners and etiquette possible. In my limited experience, people are not affected by words or rhetoric or semantics; they are affected by relationships. There is no point showing people how the Quraan is a scientifuc miracle, that Muslims fight for justice, that the Quraan cannot be imitated because these those who have their minds made up will not care about this and the ones who are open to understanding Islam will have read some or all of this anyway. No, people will be affected by your behaviour towards them. They may forget what you have said to them but they will never forget how you dealt with them. Look at the example of our Prophet. His enemies said he was a magician, that he was mad, that he was possessed. However, not ONE of them, not one, and the historical references from non-Muslim sources will confirm this, not one called him a liar or fraudster or cruel or inhumane or unjust! Not one! So this alone should make us ponder, what was it about the Prophet's character that made people sit up and take notice when he spoke? He was after all an illiterate man, not a Phd in Nuclear Physics or an accomplished writer. So what made people take notice of his speech? When people ask me about Islam, I tell them what I know. I personally never initiate a conversation about Islam in real life and this is in keeping with the actions of the Salaf As Salih, the Sahabah and those who came after them. So how do you get them to ask you about Islam and more importantly to trust that what you are saying is closer to the truth? Through your actions, your actions, your actions. Imagine if I sat in the pubs with them, drinking, smoking, swearing talking about this that or the other, they'd think I'm a ''pretty cool guy'', ''just like them'', ''fun to hang out with'' and that would be the end of the matter. Now imagine if they saw a man with a beard (as is the way, the Sunnah of ALL the Prophets) who didn't drink or smoke but was always very keen to buy lunch for everyone at the cafeteria, who performed these prayers at certain times of the day, who never swore, always smiled, was always ready to help people even if it meant going out his way, yet never spoke about his beliefs but was always more interested in you, on how you've been getting along in life, on whether you've had a good day or a terrible one. Wouldn't you want to know about this man and what he believes in and why he believes in it? You may not necessarily agree with the views of this person but wouldn't his actions and his faith leave a favourable impression upon you? And next time someone comes up with sensationalist rubbish like ''Muslims are so hate-filled and think they are better than everyone else'', wouldn't you be the first one to jump up and defend them saying, ''actually, they are not because I've met and interacted with a practicing Muslim and Islam is not what you say it is...?'' By the way, I am nothing like the ideal Muslim man I have described in my example, I am far, far away from it, May Allah forgive me my sins and make me like the example I have just used. Aameen. What did Umar radiAllahu anhu say? '' Do not do good deeds because it makes you feel good or expecting a reward because that is merely feeding your ego. Do a good deed because your are a human being and it is a duty of Allah's creation to do what they have been created for''. So many times we don't have our intentions right, we must try and correct our intentions. In closing akhi, first try and learn as much as you can about Islam and the fundamentals of Tawheed, what it is that we must call people towards. Then if a non Muslim approaches you about Islam try and answer what you can concerning his queries and if there is something you don't know direct him to someone who does know. Remember, it is not our job to get people to accept Islam. That is upto Allah. As Allah says in the Quraan, ''Fa Basshir..'' So just explain and move on. Throughout this, worry about yourself first and then your families. Have I been a good slave of Allah? Have I carried out my duties towards my parents, my family and my fellow-creation? Akhi, I live in Notting Hill in London and we are the only Muslim family in our street. When we first moved in, our neighbours were quite cool towards us (cool as in, not warm) due to our appearances, I think. As far as they were concerned some ''foreigners'' belonging to ''that religion'' had moved in. My wife wears a niqaab in public (by the way entirely against my wishes; a point of contention in our marriage. This is why there is some truth in my joke when I said western women were to independent-minded)so that obviously feeds the stereotype. I never really had much time to build any sort of rapport with my neighbours as I was starting a new job plus I was dealing with the upheaval of uprooting from Dubai and moving to London. On our third day in our new neighbourhood, my wife and I went out for a walk together with our daughter and our neighbour said to my wife, ''that's disgusting'', pointing to her face-covering! No issues, we have dealt with such reactions before and we didn't say anything. Later during the week, my wife baked some cakes and made some Moroccan food she has learned to cook in Dubai and took it over to our neighbours house. My neighbour was surprised to learn that my wife was white English and that she was born in Penzance not far from where my neighbour's husband was born! So you see, my wife established a common ground with them because we as human beings have more in common than we have differences. Allah says in the Qura'an, ''...ta'alu ila kalimati baynana wa bayna kum''. ''Call them to what is common between you and them...'' From that day onwards, the relationship grew so much so that my neighbour who is a journalist with the Guardian wrote an article condemning Sarkozy for banning the niqaab and urging politicians in the UK not to give in to right-wing Islamophobia! See how perceptions change! From calling the niqaab ''disgusting'' to now championing the right of women to wear it! How did this come about? By building relationships, by establishing commonality by engaging with people. That is the message of Islam. Do not be insular. Build bridges. Communicate. See what they have to say and try and understand why they feel the way they do. Perhaps they will one day also see what you have to say.

I don't post much in this forum but I have to say this is one of the best posts I have ever read on any forum.

[iZaman]

Top post Acebase.

For this sole reason, we have the Da'wah institute in Islam. This Da'wah is taken as an invitation to non-Muslims but infact Da'wah could also be given to brother Muslims.
Not also it works as a reminder for other but also forces you to act as you want others to act.

In Pakistan, I follow the Tableeghi Jama'at despite of all the hatred and stereotypes because I feel they talk the talk rather than walk the walk unlike other Islamic political organizations.
It would be wrong to call them a political organization since they do not acquire any attention, nor participate in any kind of protests/elections.
I have seen myself, people changing their lives completely, due to the good attitude, and behavior which is served by them.
One can surely be certain of 'appeal' in their work after Stars like Junaid Jamshed, Saeed Anwar and many others changed their life and now live peacefully. (JJ is excluded though)

[Tapori]

^ But surely the Tableeghi-Jamaat's approach, no matter how sincere (and my father was a member for near on 15 years) is contradictory to what Ace Base is saying no?

Surely his and others point, is that you don't need a massive Dawah team to raise Islamic profile amongst non-Muslims, but just by being the best damn Muslim you can be as a person, is Dawah in of itself.

If you are the most incredible neighbour to a non-Muslim family next door, that is what will IMO help them understand what it means to be a Muslim, rather than going on Dawah missions...

Dawah shouldn't define your relationships with Non-muslims IMO.

[iZaman]

They do Da'wah to Muslims not non-muslims which is why my post is not contradictory to ace-base post.

Edit: Oh and yes, Da'wah to Muslims to try to get Muslims to the standard that non-muslims get impressed themselves. Like the Sahaba who only used to say "Become like us" when someone approached.

[Tapori]

Originally Posted by Jeeway They do Da'wah to Muslims not non-muslims which is why my post is not contradictory to ace-base post.

Fair Enough; I disagree with their approach to that end too, but admire the sincerity. For another thread.

[usman7]

ArmanKhan ArmanKhan is offline Emerging Player Debut: Mar 2011 Runs: 57 Quote: Originally Posted by Ace Base Akhi, May Allah reward you and your family with the best in this world and the Hereafter. Aameen. Who am I to give advice when Allah has given us the best advice possible and He says in His book, ''Fa jadil hum bi mou'izati hasanah'', ''...and engage them with the most beautiful of manners...''? So our duty is to present ourselves to mankind, Muslim or non Muslim as Allah has commanded us; with beautiful, wise conduct and speech. The Prophet of Allah sallahualahi wassallam said in a hadith that can be found in Sahih Muslim and Ibn Hazm declared it authentic, ''wa ma ursilni illa le yalum al akhlaaq''; ''I have not been sent except to teach good manners..'' So the way of the Pious Predecessors, the way of the Salaf as Salih is to present themselves and therefore Islam using the finest manners and etiquette possible. In my limited experience, people are not affected by words or rhetoric or semantics; they are affected by relationships. There is no point showing people how the Quraan is a scientifuc miracle, that Muslims fight for justice, that the Quraan cannot be imitated because these those who have their minds made up will not care about this and the ones who are open to understanding Islam will have read some or all of this anyway. No, people will be affected by your behaviour towards them. They may forget what you have said to them but they will never forget how you dealt with them. Look at the example of our Prophet. His enemies said he was a magician, that he was mad, that he was possessed. However, not ONE of them, not one, and the historical references from non-Muslim sources will confirm this, not one called him a liar or fraudster or cruel or inhumane or unjust! Not one! So this alone should make us ponder, what was it about the Prophet's character that made people sit up and take notice when he spoke? He was after all an illiterate man, not a Phd in Nuclear Physics or an accomplished writer. So what made people take notice of his speech? When people ask me about Islam, I tell them what I know. I personally never initiate a conversation about Islam in real life and this is in keeping with the actions of the Salaf As Salih, the Sahabah and those who came after them. So how do you get them to ask you about Islam and more importantly to trust that what you are saying is closer to the truth? Through your actions, your actions, your actions. Imagine if I sat in the pubs with them, drinking, smoking, swearing talking about this that or the other, they'd think I'm a ''pretty cool guy'', ''just like them'', ''fun to hang out with'' and that would be the end of the matter. Now imagine if they saw a man with a beard (as is the way, the Sunnah of ALL the Prophets) who didn't drink or smoke but was always very keen to buy lunch for everyone at the cafeteria, who performed these prayers at certain times of the day, who never swore, always smiled, was always ready to help people even if it meant going out his way, yet never spoke about his beliefs but was always more interested in you, on how you've been getting along in life, on whether you've had a good day or a terrible one. Wouldn't you want to know about this man and what he believes in and why he believes in it? You may not necessarily agree with the views of this person but wouldn't his actions and his faith leave a favourable impression upon you? And next time someone comes up with sensationalist rubbish like ''Muslims are so hate-filled and think they are better than everyone else'', wouldn't you be the first one to jump up and defend them saying, ''actually, they are not because I've met and interacted with a practicing Muslim and Islam is not what you say it is...?'' By the way, I am nothing like the ideal Muslim man I have described in my example, I am far, far away from it, May Allah forgive me my sins and make me like the example I have just used. Aameen. What did Umar radiAllahu anhu say? '' Do not do good deeds because it makes you feel good or expecting a reward because that is merely feeding your ego. Do a good deed because your are a human being and it is a duty of Allah's creation to do what they have been created for''. So many times we don't have our intentions right, we must try and correct our intentions. In closing akhi, first try and learn as much as you can about Islam and the fundamentals of Tawheed, what it is that we must call people towards. Then if a non Muslim approaches you about Islam try and answer what you can concerning his queries and if there is something you don't know direct him to someone who does know. Remember, it is not our job to get people to accept Islam. That is upto Allah. As Allah says in the Quraan, ''Fa Basshir..'' So just explain and move on. Throughout this, worry about yourself first and then your families. Have I been a good slave of Allah? Have I carried out my duties towards my parents, my family and my fellow-creation? Akhi, I live in Notting Hill in London and we are the only Muslim family in our street. When we first moved in, our neighbours were quite cool towards us (cool as in, not warm) due to our appearances, I think. As far as they were concerned some ''foreigners'' belonging to ''that religion'' had moved in. My wife wears a niqaab in public (by the way entirely against my wishes; a point of contention in our marriage. This is why there is some truth in my joke when I said western women were to independent-minded)so that obviously feeds the stereotype. I never really had much time to build any sort of rapport with my neighbours as I was starting a new job plus I was dealing with the upheaval of uprooting from Dubai and moving to London. On our third day in our new neighbourhood, my wife and I went out for a walk together with our daughter and our neighbour said to my wife, ''that's disgusting'', pointing to her face-covering! No issues, we have dealt with such reactions before and we didn't say anything. Later during the week, my wife baked some cakes and made some Moroccan food she has learned to cook in Dubai and took it over to our neighbours house. My neighbour was surprised to learn that my wife was white English and that she was born in Penzance not far from where my neighbour's husband was born! So you see, my wife established a common ground with them because we as human beings have more in common than we have differences. Allah says in the Qura'an, ''...ta'alu ila kalimati baynana wa bayna kum''. ''Call them to what is common between you and them...'' From that day onwards, the relationship grew so much so that my neighbour who is a journalist with the Guardian wrote an article condemning Sarkozy for banning the niqaab and urging politicians in the UK not to give in to right-wing Islamophobia! See how perceptions change! From calling the niqaab ''disgusting'' to now championing the right of women to wear it! How did this come about? By building relationships, by establishing commonality by engaging with people. That is the message of Islam. Do not be insular. Build bridges. Communicate. See what they have to say and try and understand why they feel the way they do. Perhaps they will one day also see what you have to say. I don't post much in this forum but I have to say this is one of the best posts I have ever read on any forum.

I second that!

Amazing post bro! May Allah SWT give us the correct guidance, Ameen.

[iZaman]

Originally Posted by Tapori Fair Enough; I disagree with their approach to that end too, but admire the sincerity. For another thread.

At the end of the day, no one can be perfect but processes can be better and their approach is pretty close to perfect IMO.

[Robert]

Originally Posted by Ace Base In my limited experience, people are not affected by words or rhetoric or semantics; they are affected by relationships.

People are extremely affected by words and semantics, if one chooses the right words for their inner programming.

[Robert]

Originally Posted by MR__KHAN__JI Perhaps feeling guilty had something to do with the fact that deep inside you were not comfortable with the conclusion you hade came to... Just a thought...

It was because she seemed unhappy afterwards, which I though was my fault. Though she was clinically depressed.

I think she lost her faith because she had waited decades for some revelatory experience of the Godhead, and none came.

[MR__KHAN__JI]

Originally Posted by Robert It was because she seemed unhappy afterwards, which I though was my fault. Though she was clinically depressed. I think she lost her faith because she had waited decades for some revelatory experience of the Godhead, and none came.

Sure. Depression is a tough thing to go through.

[Ace Base]

Alhumdulillah, All praise is to Allah alone, my colleague accepted Islam earlier this afternoon.

The declaration of faith was repeated in the masjid after Asr and I think Dr I was a little bit overwhelmed by the occasion because it is the first time I've seen her cry.

I took her home for dinner where my wife had prepared an enormous feast and I was especially gluttonous. I did notice my wife giving me a few stern looks as I over-indulged in the cheese-cake and I fear I shall be put on crackers and water for the next few days.

As my colleague remarked, the next few months poses several challenges with regards to learning how to perform formal acts of worship et cetera but we advised her to take each day as it comes and to take her time over each and every aspect of this religion.

Of course, my wife wasted no time in espousing the virtues of the ''watering can''; and no she wasn't talking gardening either!

When I was in Pakistan they used to call it something like ''lato'', I think?! Maybe some London-based PPers can gift her a ''lato''? Hilarious!

Thank you everyone for all the support on this thread, I have told her about it and she did say she'd have a read.

[LethalSami]

^^Awsum!!

yeah its called LOOTA..............



if u can't find it, contact a politician nearby

[Ace Base]

Originally Posted by LethalSami ^^Awsum!! yeah its called LOOTA.............. if u can't find it, contact a politician nearby

Oh yes, its called ''loota'' sorry its been a while since I was in Pakistan.

But I don't understand your politician reference...

[LethalSami]

Politicians who flip-flop or change parties...........derogatory term used for such politicians is a "Loota"

b/c a loota with an unstable base wobbles

[Ace Base]

Originally Posted by LethalSami Politicians who flip-flop or change parties...........derogatory term used for such politicians is a "Loota" b/c a loota with an unstable base wobbles

Ah, I see! Thank you akhi for the explanation.

You will be pleased to learn that in our household no such flip-flopping lootas are employed.

[KingKhanWC]

Originally Posted by Ace Base Alhumdulillah, All praise is to Allah alone, my colleague accepted Islam earlier this afternoon. The declaration of faith was repeated in the masjid after Asr and I think Dr I was a little bit overwhelmed by the occasion because it is the first time I've seen her cry. I took her home for dinner where my wife had prepared an enormous feast and I was especially gluttonous. I did notice my wife giving me a few stern looks as I over-indulged in the cheese-cake and I fear I shall be put on crackers and water for the next few days. As my colleague remarked, the next few months poses several challenges with regards to learning how to perform formal acts of worship et cetera but we advised her to take each day as it comes and to take her time over each and every aspect of this religion. Of course, my wife wasted no time in espousing the virtues of the ''watering can''; and no she wasn't talking gardening either! When I was in Pakistan they used to call it something like ''lato'', I think?! Maybe some London-based PPers can gift her a ''lato''? Hilarious! Thank you everyone for all the support on this thread, I have told her about it and she did say she'd have a read.

Fantastic stuff Ace! I wish the sister all the best for the future.

[Salma_T]

Originally Posted by Ace Base Akhi, May Allah reward you and your family with the best in this world and the Hereafter. Aameen. Who am I to give advice when Allah has given us the best advice possible and He says in His book, ''Fa jadil hum bi mou'izati hasanah'', ''...and engage them with the most beautiful of manners...''? So our duty is to present ourselves to mankind, Muslim or non Muslim as Allah has commanded us; with beautiful, wise conduct and speech. The Prophet of Allah sallahualahi wassallam said in a hadith that can be found in Sahih Muslim and Ibn Hazm declared it authentic, ''wa ma ursilni illa le yalum al akhlaaq''; ''I have not been sent except to teach good manners..'' So the way of the Pious Predecessors, the way of the Salaf as Salih is to present themselves and therefore Islam using the finest manners and etiquette possible. In my limited experience, people are not affected by words or rhetoric or semantics; they are affected by relationships. There is no point showing people how the Quraan is a scientifuc miracle, that Muslims fight for justice, that the Quraan cannot be imitated because these those who have their minds made up will not care about this and the ones who are open to understanding Islam will have read some or all of this anyway. No, people will be affected by your behaviour towards them. They may forget what you have said to them but they will never forget how you dealt with them. Look at the example of our Prophet. His enemies said he was a magician, that he was mad, that he was possessed. However, not ONE of them, not one, and the historical references from non-Muslim sources will confirm this, not one called him a liar or fraudster or cruel or inhumane or unjust! Not one! So this alone should make us ponder, what was it about the Prophet's character that made people sit up and take notice when he spoke? He was after all an illiterate man, not a Phd in Nuclear Physics or an accomplished writer. So what made people take notice of his speech? When people ask me about Islam, I tell them what I know. I personally never initiate a conversation about Islam in real life and this is in keeping with the actions of the Salaf As Salih, the Sahabah and those who came after them. So how do you get them to ask you about Islam and more importantly to trust that what you are saying is closer to the truth? Through your actions, your actions, your actions. Imagine if I sat in the pubs with them, drinking, smoking, swearing talking about this that or the other, they'd think I'm a ''pretty cool guy'', ''just like them'', ''fun to hang out with'' and that would be the end of the matter. Now imagine if they saw a man with a beard (as is the way, the Sunnah of ALL the Prophets) who didn't drink or smoke but was always very keen to buy lunch for everyone at the cafeteria, who performed these prayers at certain times of the day, who never swore, always smiled, was always ready to help people even if it meant going out his way, yet never spoke about his beliefs but was always more interested in you, on how you've been getting along in life, on whether you've had a good day or a terrible one. Wouldn't you want to know about this man and what he believes in and why he believes in it? You may not necessarily agree with the views of this person but wouldn't his actions and his faith leave a favourable impression upon you? And next time someone comes up with sensationalist rubbish like ''Muslims are so hate-filled and think they are better than everyone else'', wouldn't you be the first one to jump up and defend them saying, ''actually, they are not because I've met and interacted with a practicing Muslim and Islam is not what you say it is...?'' By the way, I am nothing like the ideal Muslim man I have described in my example, I am far, far away from it, May Allah forgive me my sins and make me like the example I have just used. Aameen. What did Umar radiAllahu anhu say? '' Do not do good deeds because it makes you feel good or expecting a reward because that is merely feeding your ego. Do a good deed because your are a human being and it is a duty of Allah's creation to do what they have been created for''. So many times we don't have our intentions right, we must try and correct our intentions. In closing akhi, first try and learn as much as you can about Islam and the fundamentals of Tawheed, what it is that we must call people towards. Then if a non Muslim approaches you about Islam try and answer what you can concerning his queries and if there is something you don't know direct him to someone who does know. Remember, it is not our job to get people to accept Islam. That is upto Allah. As Allah says in the Quraan, ''Fa Basshir..'' So just explain and move on. Throughout this, worry about yourself first and then your families. Have I been a good slave of Allah? Have I carried out my duties towards my parents, my family and my fellow-creation? Akhi, I live in Notting Hill in London and we are the only Muslim family in our street. When we first moved in, our neighbours were quite cool towards us (cool as in, not warm) due to our appearances, I think. As far as they were concerned some ''foreigners'' belonging to ''that religion'' had moved in. My wife wears a niqaab in public (by the way entirely against my wishes; a point of contention in our marriage. This is why there is some truth in my joke when I said western women were to independent-minded)so that obviously feeds the stereotype. I never really had much time to build any sort of rapport with my neighbours as I was starting a new job plus I was dealing with the upheaval of uprooting from Dubai and moving to London. On our third day in our new neighbourhood, my wife and I went out for a walk together with our daughter and our neighbour said to my wife, ''that's disgusting'', pointing to her face-covering! No issues, we have dealt with such reactions before and we didn't say anything. Later during the week, my wife baked some cakes and made some Moroccan food she has learned to cook in Dubai and took it over to our neighbours house. My neighbour was surprised to learn that my wife was white English and that she was born in Penzance not far from where my neighbour's husband was born! So you see, my wife established a common ground with them because we as human beings have more in common than we have differences. Allah says in the Qura'an, ''...ta'alu ila kalimati baynana wa bayna kum''. ''Call them to what is common between you and them...'' From that day onwards, the relationship grew so much so that my neighbour who is a journalist with the Guardian wrote an article condemning Sarkozy for banning the niqaab and urging politicians in the UK not to give in to right-wing Islamophobia! See how perceptions change! From calling the niqaab ''disgusting'' to now championing the right of women to wear it! How did this come about? By building relationships, by establishing commonality by engaging with people. That is the message of Islam. Do not be insular. Build bridges. Communicate. See what they have to say and try and understand why they feel the way they do. Perhaps they will one day also see what you have to say.

Brilliant post I have always said let people know you are a muslim via your actions as we are all ambassadors of Islam.

Also loved the quote from Umar radiAllahu anhu say? '' Do not do good deeds because it makes you feel good or expecting a reward because that is merely feeding your ego. Do a good deed because your are a human being and it is a duty of Allah's creation to do what they have been created for''.

I always led to believe that it was wrong to think like that but seems I need to know more about my faith Thank you again.