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Written by Sakina bint Erik
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Friday, 12 April 2013 08:15 |
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I like to tell people that I am still in the process of converting; that it is a lifelong process to really submit to the will of Allah, and to practice Islam properly. There are many changes that we must make as new Muslims, and this installment of this column focuses on how local converts have faced and embraced those changes beyond diet and dress.
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Written by Sakina bint Erik
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Tuesday, 19 March 2013 21:40 |
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While it is admirable to for one to try and reform another Muslim who is in error -- and gently correcting others is in fact an important part of the religion – there’s is etiquette for this from the sunnah (Prophetic tradition) that makes the correction more blessed.
Because Islam is a way of life, those who convert to Islam are most often under the microscope. We have a lot to learn; many small and large things we must try to fix in our lives, our worship and in our personal habits as we journey towards being practicing Muslims. We are helped along by well-meaning Muslims who seek to show us the correct way of doing things, but often we are the target of the “Haram Police” – those brothers and sisters who are little over-zealous in pointing out the Islamic impermissibility of our actions. Here is what our convert panel had to say about their experiences.
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Written by Sakina bint Erik
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Tuesday, 22 January 2013 00:50 |
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In circles where our experiences are discussed, we all seem to have the same stories about those born Muslim approaching us and telling us that they are better than us. We all seem to have the same experiences of those born Muslim distrusting us, or giving us the cold shoulder. While we may have fit into a niche among the Muslim community here in Ottawa, converts in our city still face the challenge of acceptance. Here’s how some of them responded to the questions: "Do you feel accepted by Muslim community? And what’s your perception of how those born Muslim view you?"
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Written by Sakina bint Erik
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Friday, 30 November 2012 20:17 |
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Hajj is a lifelong dream for many Muslims, and converts to Islam are no different in their desire to make the journey. The reward is clear and well-known from the slightest study of the subject. Visiting the place where Islam began gives new Muslims a boost of faith. It ties together for us the brotherhood of all Prophets as the hajj rites originate with Prophet Ibrahim, with whom former Christians and Jews are more familiar.
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Written by Sakina bint Erik
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Saturday, 03 November 2012 19:41 |
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Whether we choose to accept it or not, every Muslim is a da'ee (caller to Islam). People look at us for an example of Muslims worldwide, especially if we are the only Muslims with whom they come into contact. And, when those people are your parents, family members, and co-workers, it can be especially tricky trying to maintain good relations ties while at the same time calling to Islam through words and actions.
Here is what Ottawa's converts had to say about their struggles in this area:
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