Bismillah Ir-Rahmaan Ir-Raheem

I have been told many times by new muslims that they are afraid to make that first step into the masjid - the great unknown. Sometimes we are worried about offending others - not knowing how to act or what to do. Sometimes we are worried that people won't accept us and we will be all alone. Don't worry - I had these fears too. Alhumdulilah, they were unfounded - and it is normal to worry about things we do not know anything about.

That's one reason why I highly recommend calling your local masjid and seeing if there is someone who can help you through this transition. Many times they can take you on a tour of the masjid when no one is there and explain to you the ettiquettes and manners of the masjid. They can be a great help, insha'Allah.

I would also suggest that you contact the masjid and find out when functions are. Many times the masjid will have learning sessions for the community and sometimes they will have special classes for new Muslims. However, you will never know unless you make the first move. For contact information for Masjids within the US, please see the post entitled

"Where is the local masjid?"

Even if you are too overwhelmed by work, family or school, whenever you find a break - make sure you take the opportunity to go. Forgive me for being a pain . . . but in life (mine as well as anyone elses) we always make excuses for why we can't do things . . . a lot of times it is to prevent us from doing something we don't want to do or doing something that we are afraid to do. We must get past these things if we truly want to grow. Trust me, it's not easy . . . but if I never made my first step into a Masjid - I may not still be a Muslim today (and Allah knows best). I would never have known the beautiful people I have met and I may not have come as far as I have.

When I look over my life - so much has changed . . . I am so blessed and Alhumdulilah - when I think about what my life would have been without Islam - I hate to even think about it. For the first time in my life - I feel safe. I feel as though I can get through any calamity or problem that comes my way. I feel certain that Allah will help me get through anything. This is a security that cannot come from anything else and it is a wonderful feeling. So, please - whenever you do get the chance - ask Allah to help you have the courage to tread an unfamiliar path and ask Him to spread along that path people who will help you in kindness and brotherhood / sisterhood. It is possible.

The one wonderful thing to remember:

The Prophet, salAllahu alaiyhi wasalam, said to him while Ibn-Abbas was riding behind him on the same mount:

"Young man, I shall teach you some words [of advice]: Be mindful of Allah and you will find him in front of you. If you ask, ask only Allah and if you seek help, seek help only from Allah. And know that if all the nations were to gather together to benefit you, they would benefit you only with something that Allah had already prescribed for you, and if they gather together to harm you, they would harm you only with something that Allah had already prescribed for you. The pens have been lifted and the pages are dry." [at-Tirmidhi]