Those who have just become Muslim are usually enthusiastic about and energized by the new religion that is strengthening their hearts. Some of us decide to spread the word right away, while others wait until they feel they are strong enough in their belief and practice to handle whatever negative reaction they may expect. For some Muslim converts, telling their family and friends of their decision is no problem at all. Some families are very receptive to the news and welcoming of the new convert. For other converts however, breaking the news can be a difficult process with various obstacles to face. Here is what some Ottawa converts have to say about the decision to reveal their new faith:

"After about a year of strengthening my faith in Islam, I leaked the news through my sister to the family. I could tell they watched me for a while to see what the changes were. Alhamdulillah, they saw me more loving, happy and responsible towards their needs. When I had to pray at my mother`s house the first time, I asked her if I could have a towel to pray on. There was a few seconds of awkward silence and then she asked me what color towel I`d like. The fear was all in my head after all. Even her pet birds watched me pray and made calm sounds which intrigued my mother."

- Female convert

"Yes, I have told my family that I am a Muslim and it was extremely hard. I told them gradually, first I told them that I was interested in Islam and that I have some Muslim friends. Then I stopped eating Islamically impermissible food when I visited my parents and then they found out that I was wearing a scarf. Wearing a scarf was the hardest thing to accept for my parents because of the associations that come with a scarf. Of course, just like any other parents, they thought that it was just a phase. They did all they could to be good parents and to prevent me from 'going astray'. They forwarded me many Islamophobic articles, they prayed for me in the church and even sent me to a psychologist and two priests. They pressurized me with financial support as I was dependent on them as a student. When I was a teenager they talked to me about the things they feared that could happen to me like drugs, alcohol and sex education but they didn't talk about other religions, so when I converted they blamed themselves for being bad parents. They still don't like me wearing a scarf but they are trying to accept it now. Being married to a good Muslim is the biggest blessing I have as I have my own Muslim family now."

- Female convert

"I dreaded telling my parents about my conversion, and I did not tell them until six months after. My parents were of the opinion that all Muslims were bad people. After I informed them of my conversion they displayed disappointment and a little anger. They informed me that I had succumbed to brainwashing from the Muslims and that Islam was something malevolent. I have never been able to convince them otherwise, and insha Allah (God willing) one day they will see the beauty and simplicity in Islam that I see. They have commented on the positive changes displayed since my conversion but fail to recognize them as Islamic values and conduct."

- Male convert of five years

"Very soon after I became Muslim, I informed my mother first as she was visiting me. Immediately she began to cry, believing that I would become oppressed and I would allow my baby daughter to grow up abused and subjugated to male domination. I guess all she knew about Islam is what she took from that movie, Not Without My Daughter. My father had a more relaxed reaction and simply said that he would know if it was good or not, based on whether me becoming Muslim would draw us as a family closer together, or break us apart. They have both seen that it has made me a more devoted daughter, and made me respect them more and honor them, although I have learned through another more distant family member that their feelings were very hurt. However, they have communicated to me that they are pleased that I am still a spiritual person, and they are impressed with my strong faith in my religion."

- Female convert

I welcome all converts in or around the Ottawa area to contact me and assist me in answering my monthly questions and to contribute their voices to this column. I can be reached at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . ■