Conversion to Islam

Conversion to Islam is the adoption of the set of beliefs identified with the Islamic faith to the exclusion of others.

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Sayyed Mohammad Al-Musawi, Sayyed Mohammad al-Musawi is originally from Iraq and heads up the World Ahlul Bayt Islamic League in London. Other than being involved in various humanitarian projects, he frequently responds to... Answered 4 years ago

You can be a Shia Muslim by just believing in the main faith of Islam (There no God but Allah, and Muhammad is His Messenger and Ali is the successor after the Prophet). This faith is enough for you to become a Shia Muslim.

Obligatory acts are not condition to be a Shia Muslim although you need to do whatever you know and can afford.

When you perform Hajj, you need to get yourself circumcised before performing Tawaf around the Ka'bah.

Wassalam.

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Zaid Alsalami, Shaykh Dr Zaid Alsalami is an Iraqi born scholar, raised in Australia. He obtained a BA from Al-Mustafa University, Qom, and an MA from the Islamic College in London. He also obtained a PhD from... Answered 4 years ago

Bismihi ta'ala

The fiqhi ruling for this is the same for any wali amr, and she would need the consent of her father, whether he is Muslim or not. This is in the case that she has not been married before and is not completely independent in everything she does (balighah/rashidah). 

And Allah knows best. 

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Real Christians are those who follow the real teachings of Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ gave the good news of the Messenger after him who is called Ahmad. Old bibles have this fact despite changes made many to hide it in other versions of bible.

Islam is the real message from God Almighty which is sent to all human beings. Jesus Christ wants people to follow the message of God. More details can found in many specialised websites. If she has specific questions she is welcome to write.

Wassalam.

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Sayyed Mohammad Al-Musawi, Sayyed Mohammad al-Musawi is originally from Iraq and heads up the World Ahlul Bayt Islamic League in London. Other than being involved in various humanitarian projects, he frequently responds to... Answered 4 years ago

Fasting during the whole month of Ramadan is obligatory on every Muslim even if they don't know how to perform Prayers properly. You must fast and pray as much as you know and must learn as much as you can.

You should take help from those Muslims who know how to pray or pray with congregation.

'Wassalam.

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Zaid Alsalami, Shaykh Dr Zaid Alsalami is an Iraqi born scholar, raised in Australia. He obtained a BA from Al-Mustafa University, Qom, and an MA from the Islamic College in London. He also obtained a PhD from... Answered 4 years ago

Bismihi ta'ala

Numerous reverts I have interacted with did face similar issues, where they feared backlash, and had to conceal their Islam. They would pray in secret, and so on. 

In answering your question, in your circumstances, your prayer will indeed be valid.

What I would like to recommend is that you correspond with other fellow reverts from your same background, and find feasable ways in how you are able to overcome some of the struggles and difficulties you might be facing. 

May the Almighty give you strength, and bless you for your accomplishments.  

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Sayyed Mohammad Al-Musawi, Sayyed Mohammad al-Musawi is originally from Iraq and heads up the World Ahlul Bayt Islamic League in London. Other than being involved in various humanitarian projects, he frequently responds to... Answered 5 years ago

You should try your best to get your previous pictures ( with out Hijab) and keep them away from  public display. If you could not get all of them, you will not be responsible about them as you were not a Muslim when the photos were displayed. Now when you are a Muslim, it is not sin on you as it is out of your ability to remove it.

Wassalam.

Zaid Alsalami, Shaykh Dr Zaid Alsalami is an Iraqi born scholar, raised in Australia. He obtained a BA from Al-Mustafa University, Qom, and an MA from the Islamic College in London. He also obtained a PhD from... Answered 5 years ago

Bishimi ta'ala

Congratulations on adorning the attire of Islam and wearing hijab. In regards to previous images of you without hijab, no, it is not considered a sin. What you are able to do is for your comfort and peace of mind, if you have access to these images, ask them to be kindly removed, and hopefully they will comply.

With prayers for your success. 

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Rebecca Masterton, Dr Rebecca Masterton graduated with a BA in Japanese Language and Literature; an MA in Comparative East Asian and African Literature and a PhD in Islamic literature of West Africa. She has been... Answered 5 years ago

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.

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Zoheir Ali Esmail, Shaykh Zoheir Ali Esmail has a Bsc in Accounting and Finance from the LSE in London, and an MA in Islamic Studies from Middlesex University. He studied Arabic at Damascus University and holds a PhD... Answered 5 years ago

Bismillah

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

May you always be successful 

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Zaid Alsalami, Shaykh Dr Zaid Alsalami is an Iraqi born scholar, raised in Australia. He obtained a BA from Al-Mustafa University, Qom, and an MA from the Islamic College in London. He also obtained a PhD from... Answered 5 years ago

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.

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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. 

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Zaid Alsalami, Shaykh Dr Zaid Alsalami is an Iraqi born scholar, raised in Australia. He obtained a BA from Al-Mustafa University, Qom, and an MA from the Islamic College in London. He also obtained a PhD from... Answered 5 years ago

Bismihi ta'ala

It's greatly noble that they are very good people, and for sure their nurturing contributed to your personality as well. 

As you know, religion and becoming religious is a choice that must come from within. Even as Muslims, we always pray to Almighty God to keep us "guided" on the right path. Hidayah, or guidance is in the hands of the Almighty.  If your grandparents, or anyone else around you has a potential that Allah ta'ala sees in them, then they will be guided to the light of Iman. If they do not "convert" to Islam, it does not mean they are evil, but just that hidayah is with the Almighty. 

The best thing you can do is set yourself with high standards in your conduct, in your ambitions in life, and show those around you how a true Muslim should be. 

That itself is a great form of conveying the message of Islam, and then it is up to them to investigate, or ask questions, and so on. 

If you see that your grandparents are interested, or have questions, discuss what you know with them. However, never allow it to become an argument, or upset them, as they are your grandparents. 

In any case, always do dua for yourself, your parents, your grandparents, your siblings and everyone else, that God showers them with His compassion and Mercy. Ask the Almighty to enlighten your hearts, and ask Him for guidance. 

You can also do tawassul to Ahlul Bayt (a.s.), to give you the strength you need, and introduce them to Ahlul Bayt (a.s.), in a positive manner. You dont know what the outcome will be, but at least they will think positive of your religion, and understand you more. 

With prayers for your success.