Blessings

Alhumdulillah (Praise and thanks to God), it was easy to wake up for Fajr (dawn prayer, before sunrise) this morning.

Adventures of a Muslima Revert in America

 bismi-llāhi r-raḥmāni r-raḥīm

In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

As Muslims, we begin everything of importance by saying the basmallah in order to receive God's blessings for what we are about to do or say.  It is frequently stated in the Qur'an, and if you watch parliamentary hearings in Islamic countries, most speakers will open with the basmallah.  It is said before we eat, to bless our food, before an animal is slaughtered for food, and other times which I will discuss later as not to overwhelm.

I am opening this blog with the basmallah because as a new Muslim, I want to be sure that the words you are reading now are blessed, that my thoughts are conveyed with accuracy and sincerity and that I will speak the truth from my heart.  Any inaccuracies, errors or mistakes are mine alone, and any blessing and good which come from these words are attributed only to Allah (God).

I have reverted to Islam.  Some say "convert", but to me, I have always been Muslim, but practicing another religion only for the ignorance I had of Islam, the straight path.  Everyone has a personal journey and story of their reversion (conversion), and I will tell mine in due time.  I am writing this blog for other reverts who are hungry for an ummah (community), born Muslims who are refreshed and rejuvenated by revert stories, non-Muslims who want to understand Islam, and my friends and family members who want to know why I have chosen this path.  Insha'Allah (God willing), this blog will fulfill those needs, and others.

It's my hope that my personal stories - both celebrations and struggles - will help others relate to being a Muslim.  I am living Islam every day while living in America, working part time with the general public, while seeking better employment, caring for my dogs and finding meaning in the mundane.