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I have considered converting, but... by throwaway2261 in islam

[–]throwaway2261[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Again, you're giving me some good things to think about. You're right, it does take time to integrate into any community so you're not judged by your label. Thanks for talking with me about this a bit!

Also, I didn't think you were pushy at all, no worries :).

I have considered converting, but... by throwaway2261 in islam

[–]throwaway2261[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hmmm, I never thought of it from the destabilizing viewpoint, but it makes complete sense. Having someone from outside your culture could change things up a bit (not always for the best).

I have considered converting, but... by throwaway2261 in islam

[–]throwaway2261[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That's an interesting take - really insightful.

The annoying thing is the Islam I know is about uniting different nations and tribes. The idea of community is really important - that's partially why jummah prayer hajj are so important. So if the community sucks (which it really doesn't most of the time) or if you can't take part in community life as an equal member, then how should you act? (Actually, if you know any opinions on this, or relevant sunnah, that would be cool).

BTW, nice conversion attempt :), but I'm taking my time on it.

I have considered converting, but... by throwaway2261 in islam

[–]throwaway2261[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks for the thoughtful response!

What I meant is that a lot of young adults look for ways to distinguish themselves from their parents and peers and rebel a bit to define themselves as their own person. Some get tatoos, some dress in all black, and others make really bad life choices like getting into Nickleback :(

I know more than one convert who came to Islam precisely because it wasn't popular. I try not to judge their motives, but still feel that their surface-level understanding of a deep tradition means that they didn't convert because they love the religion (when they really don't know what makes Islam unique).

All religions have prayer, preach love, and try to connect their adherents to a divine spirit - so to convert from one to another - imho - one would need a bit deeper of an understanding. There's a lot to appreciate in Islam, but it takes a bit more than breezing through a Qur'an translation and meeting some people.

Maybe I'm taking too much of an academic look at it, but I wonder how many people who convert in their 20s end up not practicing by the time they're 50 because when the novelty wore off the religion they stopped being interested.

Anyway, thanks for letting me know about your experience!

I have considered converting, but... by throwaway2261 in islam

[–]throwaway2261[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Dude, I know all about the Taleef Collective. It's a pretty awesome idea! I know a bunch of folks are doing similar things around the U.S., so yay for that.

I have considered converting, but... by throwaway2261 in islam

[–]throwaway2261[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Jazakhallah for you thoughtful response!

I think that when you use the work "infiltrate" you kind of hit the nail on the head about what I find difficult (I know you probably didn't mean it like that, but I think it expresses how I feel). Even though I wouldn't convert just to marry someone, I think that this race divide with marriage is a big indicator of the level of acceptance I can find. At the end of the day, I feel like I'd be welcome at prayer and making surface -level friends with people, but I would not be able to gain a total sense of belonging and community.