Reflection: Spent the day at an Islamic conference yesterday and had a short talk on those who convert to Islam and join the Muslim community. The one thing I have come to realize is that people are largely unaware of the pain felt by converts. In fact, many are completely shocked that we go through racism, depression, and anxiety when coming to the mosques. Many didnt know that Eid is the most depressing time of the year for converts, and that Christmas breaks us in half as we just went through 2 Muslim holidays with no one, and then the greatest holiday in America contradicts our core values of following God and his Prophet Jesus (Gods peace and blessings be upon him) and again we will either spend it alone, with a family that teases our newfound beliefs, or completely hiding our new identity as a Muslim in fear of the former two cases. (I speak on behalf of the majority not the blessed few that have families that disregard their change in faith and hold no animosity.) Many didnt know that we love our brothers of other countries which is why when incidences occur we are the first to think of ways to honor them and remember them when they pass. I remember just this past week getting calls from several people about #peshawar and for the sake of those who doubt my intentions, not only did I end up speaking about Peshawar in my Friday Sermon this week, but I helped direct people and benefit the vigil we ended up having in our community for the children that were lost. As an American I also care and have love for our brothers and sisters here in this country. When they are hurt or killed we want to stand up for them as well, and more often than not. . .we end up standing alone or in very few numbers. (Just because you can pick out 5 Muslims on Social media that were out speaking against police brutality doesnt mean you can be dismissive about this topic) Many didnt know that there are hundreds of converts too intimidated to enter the mosque, because the first day they entered they did so with loud screams of congratulations, but the next day it was with screams of resentment and reminders at everything they are doing wrong. I met a young lady yesterday who just wanted to ask how I do it, how is it that I am so active in the community because she feels like a flea on the back of a dog when she is in the mosque. But again, we are dismissive and instead of hearing things like this and fixing our problem, we state her story is one in a million. Yes, Islam is growing day by day by a massive rate at that. The fatest growing religion in the world. A religion that reigns in Indonesia and Malaysia, in the Middle East and Africa, and one that since the days of slavery has been in the history of the USA. Yet, the numbers of people who convert and STAY Muslim isnt a number to flaunt. Its a number to be sad at and one that should leave us wondering what we are doing wrong. We need to begin working at this problem we have because the only ones who will lose out will be ourselves. I ask God to protect us from words without actions, Ameen. I ask my friends to not be dismissive about ANY issues we have in our communities. I also ask that if you read this to try and take the good out of it, and if I have mistakes then know I was created to make mistakes and the best of those are those who make mistakes and fix them. - Arthur
Posted on: Sun, 21 Dec 2014 14:37:17 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015