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The following are some notes from Dr. Jeffrey Lang and Sister Aminah Assilimi’s talk on dealing with new converts to Islam from the ICNA conference earlier this month. Dr. Lang and Sister Assilimi are two white American converts to Islam.

Dr. Lang is a mathematics professor and an author Struggling to Surrender, Even Angels Ask, and Losing My Religion: A Call for Help. I have read two of these books and I highly recommend them. Islam is NOT just a bunch of rules, and exterior guidelines. During Dr. Lang’s first few months after converting, he wanted to actually stay away from Muslims in general for their overburdening rules and specific regulations and commandments, many of which werent even Islamic per se, but rather cultural. Alhamdulillah, the Quran is what kept Dr. Lang a Muslim. The overwhelming message from both talks was to KEEP IT EASY on new converts. If unsure about a something in Islam, its okay to let the person know you are unsure. Historically, the Muslims were first introduced to the oneness of God, then were taught the prayers, then were taught how to fast, then taught to give zakat, and then hajj, and so on. Likewise, one should give a step by step approach to Islam, and teach these one a time. Meanwhile someone new to Islam will inshallah grow spiritually. The last thing one should do is burden a new convert with rules and regulations. Many people like to confuse outward appearance with faith, and this is dangerous. Many also like to judge others, and this is completely wrong. No one is completely pure and holy, and we are all struggling (we have a problem with ourselves if we think we aren’t stuggling) - yet all our of stuggles and jihads are different. Allah is The Judge, and only he knows all.

Sister Assilimi focused her talk on dealing with Muslim Women. Her first (emphatic) recommendation was to NEVER START OFF TALKING ABOUT HIJAB. Also dont approach non-muslims with the intention of dawah thinking they are bad or inferior to you in any manner. They will not accept anything you say if they believe you think they are bad people. - In fact most American are moral, trustworthy people, and "dont walk around half naked". Da’ees should always respect people and their lifestyles before approaching them. The best dawah is by example, therfore Islam should not be something you explain, but rather something you LIVE. You should never try to convince anyone that their beliefs are wrong, or that they are headed on the wrong path. Islam should be shown and embodied through your actions. And approach everyone as a future muslim (inshallah). People just need an opportunity to see the truth. Dont worry too much about defending or compromising some part of Islam to make it more appealing to others. Islam is strong enough to stand on its own! Also, never try to change one’s culture, even if they convert. It is important for all (Muslims of ALL backgrounds) to maintain their culture - as long as nothing in it is haraam of course. Women just need to see how much better the role and status of women is in Islam compared to other religions. - There is NO original sin in Islam. (Nothing was woman’s fault) - Women must seek an education and learn in Islam. - Women ahve the right earn to keep their own income. - Women have the right NOT to work (and shouldnt) when she has young children at home. Motherhood is the most powerful profession in the universe. And we need educated women to educate our children.

HIJAB: Misconceptions:

• Women dont wear hijab to protect girls from men’s temptations
• Women wear hijab simply because Allah tells them to do -> so that Muslim women can be identified as Muslim and recognized!
• You should want the world to know you are a Muslim woman and be proud of it. Once you are seen as a Muslim woman, you have the greatest opportunity of all because you can give dawah by example. What you are seen doing is how muslim women will be perceived by observers.

Take home message: To teach it (Islam), LIVE IT!