Further, if you are quick to declare things haram/halal, remember this: you are putting your word against that of Allah and those who have studied His deen. Pretty scary, huh?
But inevitably, becoming more practicing may make you more quick to declare things as haram/halal. A word of advice: don’t. Just because someone holds a different opinion on a matter than yours, doesn’t make their opinion less valid.
There were differences of opinions during the time of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and after his death! But these differences did not divide Muslims as they do today – instead, they highlighted the beauty of Islam and how it is truly a religion that has transcended time, history, and culture.
5. You Isolate Yourself
Just because you have become more practicing, doesn’t mean that you should only limit yourself to your home or Islamic events, activities, the MSA, etc.
Listen to me: LIVE YOUR LIFE
Allah has set boundaries that cannot be transgressed. If you remove your head from the sand for 5 seconds, you will realize that there is a LOT of leeway as to what we can do as Muslims.
As long as they do not transgress the bounds of Allah, feel free to engage in the things that bring joy and happiness to your life.
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Do not limit your days to locking yourself in your room and only studying Islam. You will go nuts, trust me.
And my dear Sisters, becoming more practicing should never impede on your rights as a woman. You should never become invisible or unheard. You should never be silenced.
Islam is empowering and anything that makes you feel otherwise is not – in my humble opinion – Islam.
Becoming more practicing should open you to the world and new possibilities. Also, it should make you more engaged within your community, whether it be through non-profit organizations, sports, etc.
6. You Lose Your Identity
This is a big one. Sisters and Brothers, you are all unique, creative and differenthuman beings. You should never feel that you now have to wear all black, roll up the bottoms of your pants, or start interjecting Arabic terms like ukhti or akhi into your vocabulary.
Also, if you are a revert – you can keep your legal name (unless it is specifically un-Islamic)!
Getting closer to Allah should bring you closer to your truer self. Embrace your culture, language, experiences and unique nuances. Despite what you may have seen or heard, a “Muslim” can’t truly be categorized, labeled or molded. Embrace your identity and be proud of how Allah has created you.
7. You Look Down On Others
This speaks for itself. Again, humble yourself because as they say:
Every righteous person has a past, and every sinner has a future.
Also, cut out the discrimination against non-Muslims. They may not be your sisters/brothers in faith, but they are certainly still your sisters/brothers in humanity and deserve every ounce of your respect and kindness.
8. You Instantly Become a “Scholar”
| Start from whatever level you may be at and keep going. Do not give up and purify your intentions. |
Do not make fatwahs, do not rebuke others and do not think that you know everything. Simply assume the position of a student. Recognize, too, that being on the receiving end of knowledge is a life-long thing.
9. You Get Married
This is mainly for new reverts to Islam who may have become Muslim for the sake of marrying someone OR who are now being pressured to get married to “preserve their deen.”
To simply put it, if you have just turned back to Allah (and by just, I mean within the last few years of your life) then let marriage happen, do not try and force it.
In the mean time, you have just started the best relationship of all: the one with your Lord. Allow it to come into fruition. Bask in its glory. Truly love and revere those intimate moments you enjoy when you praise, thank, and pray to your Lord.
We talk about completing “half our deen” without realizing that we are not complete. Marry your deen, and the rest will fall into place, bi’ithnillah (by the will of Allah).
10. You Race to Catch Up
Please go easy on yourself. Yes, you may have less Qur’an memorized than your friends. Yes, you may have less Islamic knowledge. Yes, you may not be as steadfast on Islamic acts of worship. Yes, you may constantly stumble, fall, and falter.
But remember, this is your personal journey to Allah, it is not a race. It makes no sense to compare the beginning of your story to another person’s middle.
Start from whatever level you may be at and keep going. Do not give up and purify your intentions. It is not about quantity, it is about quality. Remember that.
And Allah knows best.
