What New Muslims Wish They Knew Earlier: The Unspoken Truths of Conversion.

 

The Unspoken Truths of Conversion: What New Muslims Wish They Knew Before

 They Were Muslims. When Sarah took her shahada at the age of 23, she anticipated that learning Arabic prayers would be the most challenging part. Then Ramadan came. She chuckles, "No one warned me about iftar breath." "You come to the mosque smelling like a walking hummus platter after breaking your fast with dates and garlic-heavy dishes." The actual lessons you won't find in books are as follows:

  1.  "You'll Cry Over Chicken Nuggets"  

 Problems with halal food 101: That moment when you realize that marshmallows usually aren't halal, but Skittles are. Learning how to spot "E471" in ingredients in the supermarket, when the bacon at your favorite burger joint is just too good to pass up, an existential crisis. Ahmed's story:

 "I went vegetarian for six months because I kept accidentally ordering haram food when eating out."  

2.  The times of prayer will humble you. New Muslims share these universal experiences:  

 The Wudu Struggle: Trying to go to the bathroom without flooding the floor in public restrooms, Prayer Direction Panic: Trying to locate the qibla while spinning like a compass needle, Carpet Burns: Your forehead's distinctive red mark caused by frequent Sujood. The "Muslim Pro" app is a good idea that can save your life. 

3.  Family Reactions Range from Sweet to Surreal  

 Best Case: Your Italian grandmother begins to refer to you as "Habibi" and prepares halal lasagna. Worst Case: Your uncle thinks you're joining ISIS because you grew a beard. Relatives asking if you'll "still celebrate Christmas" (answer: yes, the food part) is the most common scenario.

4.  You will acquire superpowers.

 Spidey's alcohol sense: can spot beer in a dish three rooms away. Time management: Interspersing prayers like a spiritual Tetris master between meetings, Patience: Smiling all the way through the fiftieth "Do you know Osama?" question  

 5.  You will be adopted by the community. Expect:  

 Unintentional aunts adjusting your hijab as if you were their long-lost daughter, receiving invitations to Eid parties from individuals whose names you are unable to recall, and the sweet-sour feeling when regulars at the mosque start addressing you by name. 

Final Reality Check: As convert Yusuf puts it, "Islam is perfect. Muslims are still developing. You'll love the faith and sometimes get annoyed with people at the same time."