I am in KC also, holla at me if you would like to meet up with any of the brothas.

Its good to see everyone seems to be getting along with their families still, alhamdulilah. They seem to be more acceptive once they know a little more about Islam rather than what the media showed/taught them about Islam.

When I went home I drove my mom to the store, she saw in my car a Medallion on my rear view that had Ayat Al-Kursi on one, and the 4 Quuls on the other. She asked what they said. I asked her if she wanted them in Arabic or English. She said both. So I recited each one to her and explained what they meant in english. She thought it was beautiful and asked what they were from, and I told her chapters of the Quran. She seemed interested. I wish I knew some more to teach her. Steps at a time I suppose, even Allah SWT brought the message to the Prophets (Peace and Blessings be upon Them) in small steps.

Alhumdulillah. I may be coming to KC some time soon. We should hook up Inshallah.

Ladies, you are strong women and I only hope that God continues to give you this strength (which He surely will no doubt!)

Sarabev11: I can try putting myself in your shoes and see what you mean about trying to prove yourself to Muslims who are born into the faith. You know what though, all the more power to you for accepting a faith that, at the moment, is under a lot of fire left, right, and center here in the US; aside from everything else, it takes guts to revert to Islam. Please only concentrate on what God thinks of you and proving yourself to Him rather than to anyone else (ex. those Muslims who make you feel as if you need to prove something to them). At the end of the day, all of us are responsible to God and no one else.

Have a terrific time visiting your family, missy! (A)

I know it must be hard to be away from mom. Hard for her, too, to adjust. I am glad you are going to see them soon and see his family, too.
And God bless you and may you live a happy married life always.
After 11 years, I don't feel like a convert, I just feel like a Muslim. But I always have some convert "issues" like non-Muslim family, etc.

Being a revert, it seems like we always have to prove ourselves to others. It's really sad when most of us are very pious, yet other Muslims will question our intentions. Live as you know you are supposed to, and stay strong in your iman...and no one can break you.

As for the family, this was the first year I didn't see mine during Christmas because I moved away after getting married. I still miss being around my mom mostly, but I try to talk to her often and show her how much I love her through my actions. Inshallah, my husband and I are actually going to my parents next weekend to Kansas City, Missouri. This will be the first time we have been there since we got married. Then from there, inshallah, we are going to see his family in Orlando, Fl for Eid.

My family does not bring up religion because they are not religious. My mom and grandma go to church, but I don't know how much they really know about Catholicism. Besides that, my dad and my siblings do not go to church or really practice anything.

asalaam alaaykum
May God bless her and bless her marriage. Unfortunately some people will always doubt the genuineness of her conversion, but Allah swt knows everyone's heart, I hope she finds comfort and peace and joy.

fi amanillah

Apologies in advance as I am not a "revert" in the sense that most people in this village are but I joined this village (today) out of curiosity and more so with hopefully trying to lend a helping hand if at all possible whenever I can insh'allah, with the discussions that take place in the village.

Ahmadcat: Of course if you see your family from time to time, and one of these times happens to fall during Christmas, you will meet them anyhow. I hope you had a great time with your family! Ditto to Masooma3333 (and Redlmg98, you didn't go home this Christmas to visit relatives at all it seems). I can totally understand the awkward feeling but God is always with us and gives us the strength to overcome any and all obstacles in life.

I have 2 cousins (10 and 8, girl and boy) who are being raised by a mom that re-converted back to Christianity after her divorce from my uncle. I'm not sure what religion her kids (my cousins) are being brough up in but as they don't have much contact with Islam or our side of the family and attend mostly Christian celebrations (holiday celebrations including Christmas, etc.) it is a safe bet that the kids only know Christianity. It is sad and tugs at my heart each and every time I think about it; and I can't do much as a cousin since I am sitting 1,000 miles away in New Jersey where as they are in the Midwest.

I TRULY from my heart of hearts commend all of you for making so many sacrifices (running the risk of abandoning family, friends, traditions you grew up with, etc.) to turn toward Islam. It isn't easy I'm sure and hence alot of credit goes to those that do it.

Last weekend I witnessed a Hindu girl convert to Islam as she married a Muslim guy; the Imam performed a beautiful ceremony where she took shahadah. The guy and girl were both college sweethearts. Her parents had kicked her out of the home due to her seeing/dating this guy, so she basically has no contact with them anymore. However mash'allah she was extremely interested in discovering Islam throughout her college years and now mash'allah is married to her Pakistani Muslim husband. I know she made many sacrifices when she abandoned Hinduism so I know the pains that you all must have gone through as well.

Have a very Happy New Year everyone!!! (A)

Alhumdooleluh - I am glad to hear your family is coming around. Just like your mom said, I think most parents eventually conclude they'd much rather have their son/daughter in their lives as Muslims than not at all. It sure isn't easy for us or for them - but I think most families strike a workable balance eventually - it may occasionally get out of balance when new 'stressful' things happen like first wearing of hijab, going for hajj, marrying, having a child, etc., - and it then eventually finds a balance again (insha'allah).

I actually did not go home this Christmas, though I did go for Thanksgiving. This Thanksgiving was the first time I wore hijab home and it was a little stressful :). I thought I would be nice to myself and give myself a break, so I'm planning to go in the Spring and visit, though in the future inshaAllah I'm planning probably to go the day after Christmas, and stay for a while because my family usually stays a few days past Christmas, and I could see everyone and still avoid the actual day. My family is getting better though, I'm still hearing about Jesus, but my mom said to me the other day "I don't think you are doing the right thing, but I'll take you like I can get you". I think that kind of wraps up how my whole family feels, so alhumdulillah they are at least to that point.

It was awkward when I first converted. Now it is has been like 11 years and it is fine - they don't put Jesus (as) being crucified or being God, etc., into Christmas, they make vegetarian fare I can eat, and don't complain about hijab, etc. But it took a few years - so just be patient and enjoy what you can of their company.