1. Ask A Question About Islam And Muslims
  2. Ask A Question About Islam And Muslims

Ask A Question About Islam And Muslims

114 Questions

What are some books, other than the Quran, that will be recommended for reading if someone is considering converting to Islam?
Rebecca Masterton

There are hundreds books to read; but I would recommend starting off by reading about the life of the Prophet (s) (from Shi'i authors, as Sunni biographies are based upon narratives that are rejected by Shi'i scholars). It is also recommended to get some hadith collections. There are many articles on sites such as Academia.edu that talk about late antique society - what society was like at the time of the emergence of Islam. A book of fiqh will also be important, so that the person gets some ideas of the laws; and books on spirituality. They should also get two or three Qurans that include a tafsir, otherwise it will be hard for them to understand it. There are many introductions to Shi'i Islam by various authors.
If I marry a Hindu guy who converted to Shia Islam, will my kids with him be born as Hindu or Shia?
Zoheir Ali Esmail

Bismillah

Thank you for your question. They will be considered Shia.

May you always be successful 
Is it okay to pray Namaaz in English for a newly converted Muslim?
Zaid Alsalami

Bismihi ta'ala

Our Islamic method of praying can only be recited in the Arabic language, making sure pronunciation is as best as possible. 

If you are new to Islam, it is important to take gradual steps in familiarising yourself with the religion as much as possible, especially the doctrinal and moral aspects of the religion. As far as salah is concern, you must recite it in Arabic. You are able to read from a book, or follow a pra-along tutorial, or ask someone to assist you, until you memorise the blessed surahs and dhirks of prayer.

Of course, at the same time try to get to know the inner dimensions of prayer and also what the translation of what you are saying.  

With prayers for your success.
For the first 3 months after converting to Islam I did not pray as I lived with my parents and did not want to upset them by praying in their presence. Do I need to make up for prayers before I accepted Islam and for the first 3 months after converting?
Zaid Alsalami

Bismihi ta'ala

There must have been many things you had to deal with when you first converted to Islam. This is very common, and you should take things on a normal pace so you familiarise yourself with the precepts of this new religion you have adopted. 

As for praying, there could have been alternative options, where you could have avoided upsetting your parents, and also observe your daily prayers. Like, praying in closed off area, or bedroom, etc. 

What you can do in your free time and gradually pray these days, as qadha`, or as re-doing that which was obligatory for you which you missed out on. See it as a blessing, as when we pray, although more than our daily routine, that is indeed an honourable blessing from the Almighty, as there is nothing better than worshipping Him. 

With prayers for your success.