Bismillah ir-Rahmaan ir-Raheem

I often get asked by new Muslims about my relationship with friends I had before I was Muslim.

As for people and how they treated me when I became Muslim. Some people didn't want to be my friend anymore - but then you have to look at it that if they were truly friends, would this really come between you?

Also, some people were still friends with me after I became Muslim but I gradually grew away from them because our lives - what is important to us - our behaviors are so different. It became difficult to be their friends.

Also, a lot of non-Muslims have not so great ideas about Islam and they can't help themselves from saying off-color comments or "racist" comments (why are you walking behind that man, etc., etc.) whenever you are with them - or they don't respect that you need to pray or that you have to wear hijab (and I'm sure the men have their issues too). The list goes on and on - but one thing to keep in perspective is that if you decide to become Muslim - you have joined a community of people and it is such a wonderful thing.

Mind you, Muslims are not perfect - you will find some who are racist - you will find some who are way too proud about where they came from and some who think they are better because they cover more than you do, etc., etc. Hopefully, though, your meeting with such people will be minimal.

The main thing is - how wonderful Islam is because when you walk down the street and you see another Muslim - it doesn't matter if you know them or not - you are required to say to them "Asalaam 'Alaikum" which means "May peace be upon you". It's so nice to have that connection with other people! Also - there are plenty of people in the Masjid who are polite, respectful, kind and loving people who open their arms to you in Sisterhood and Brotherhood. No only that, but they are all different colors, all different races, from all over the world - yet Islam binds your hearts together.