I’m a Revert. Muslims almost made me quit Islam

Summary

This video discusses the challenges faced by a revert to Islam, particularly in overcoming personal struggles like addiction and fasting during Ramadan. The speaker emphasizes that being a Muslim is about persistence, not perfection, and encourages new Muslims to continue their journey despite challenges. They highlight the importance of fulfilling religious obligations, such as fasting, even when it's difficult. The speaker shares personal experiences of feeling vulnerable and judged, urging both reverts and born Muslims to be more empathetic and focus on mastering the basics of faith rather than striving for perfection.

Takeaways

• 😀 It's better to become a Muslim and struggle with sin than to never become a Muslim at all.
• 😀 Overcoming serious addictions like alcohol, drugs, or fornication takes time—don't let them delay your decision to embrace Islam.
• 😀 Struggling with Ramadan fasting does not make you a bad Muslim, especially if you have health concerns or come from a background with different challenges.
• 😀 The path of faith isn't about achieving perfection; it's about persistence and ongoing effort in the right direction.
• 😀 It's important to remember that even the companions of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) struggled and made mistakes, and repentance is a key aspect of Islam.
• 😀 Do what you're asked to do by Allah, even if it doesn't come easily or if you don’t feel the benefits immediately—faith is about fulfilling your obligations.
• 😀 Fasting during Ramadan isn't just about discipline but fulfilling the religious duty as instructed by Allah.
• 😀 Muslims who are born into the faith have an advantage in terms of adapting to practices like fasting, but that doesn't invalidate the struggles of reverts.
• 😀 The minimal obligations of Islam—prayers, fasting, and zakat—are enough for success if done with sincerity and consistency, as seen in the story of the Bedouin.
• 😀 Patience and understanding from born Muslims toward reverts is essential. Reverts may need time to adjust, and their journey to Islam should be supported, not criticized.

Q & A

What is the main message regarding someone who struggles with addictions and wants to become Muslim?

The main message is that it is better to become Muslim and struggle with sins than not to become Muslim at all. Even if someone is dealing with addictions like alcohol, drugs, or fornication, they should embrace Islam and then work on improving themselves over time.

Why does the speaker feel inadequate during Ramadan?

The speaker feels inadequate during Ramadan because they struggle with fasting due to health issues like diabetes. While others around them look forward to Ramadan, the speaker finds it physically difficult and doesn't feel the same way, which makes them feel like a bad Muslim.

How does the speaker view the relationship between fasting and discipline?

The speaker believes that fasting does not contribute to their discipline because they already possess great self-discipline. They do not need fasting to build discipline, but they observe the fast because it is an obligation from Allah.

What is the speaker’s stance on being criticized by others for struggling with Ramadan?

The speaker expresses frustration with being criticized for struggling with Ramadan. They argue that such criticisms make reverts feel inadequate and point out that born Muslims may have been accustomed to fasting since childhood, making it easier for them compared to someone new to the faith.

What does the speaker mean by 'the path of faith is about persistence, not perfection'?

The speaker emphasizes that faith is about consistently striving to follow Allah's commands, even when one struggles or makes mistakes. Perfection is not expected, but persistence in trying to grow and improve is what matters.

How does the story of the Bedouin relate to the speaker’s message?

The story of the Bedouin illustrates that sincerity in fulfilling the basic obligations of Islam, such as the five daily prayers, fasting, and zakat, is enough to succeed. The Prophet (PBUH) supported the Bedouin's decision to only focus on these essentials, showing that commitment to the minimum requirements of faith is valuable.

What does the speaker mean by 'mastery of the fundamentals' in the context of Islam?

The speaker compares the mastery of fundamental principles in Islam to a jiu-jitsu practitioner mastering basic techniques. They argue that focusing on mastering the essential duties of Islam (like prayers, fasting, zakat) is more important than trying to excel in additional practices without mastering the basics.

How does the speaker view the criticism of reverts by born Muslims?

The speaker believes that born Muslims should reassess their perspective and be more understanding of reverts. They note that many reverts face significant challenges and should not be judged harshly, as they are still in the process of adjusting to the faith.

What does the speaker’s personal experience reveal about the struggles of reverts?

The speaker shares their own experience as a revert, feeling vulnerable and criticized by born Muslims. Despite these challenges, they remained committed to Islam because they converted for Allah, not to meet the expectations of others.

How does the speaker reconcile their struggles with fasting during Ramadan?

The speaker reconciles their struggle with fasting by acknowledging that while it is difficult for them due to health issues, they continue to fast because it is a religious obligation. They emphasize that fulfilling the obligation is what matters, even if it doesn't bring them personal benefit or ease.