Books are a great learning tool. I have definitely found the Qur'an to be eye opening. However, one can only learn so much from books. Where I live seems to be void of classes for non-muslims or beginners looking to convert. Sis is also so busy with school she does not really have time to answer my questions or help out. What is a girl to do?
I told My Love all about how I feel stuck in my education. That even though I am reading a lot I feel that my learning is not really progressing. I have always thought that you learn more when in the company of others. So, My Love suggested the Islamic school that is nearby where I live. This school is for muslims looking to gain more knowledge on their religion. Non-muslims have attended the school but usually with or by the suggestion of a student. My Love is willing to speak to the principal to see if I can sit in a on a class or two. He has assured me that everyone is quite friendly and respectful. A friend of his from when he was young went to the school to learn about Islam and about a year later converted. He had a wonderful experience with all his classmates and learned a great deal.
However, women are different from men. The school is usually separated and I fear that the women will not be nearly as welcoming. I am afraid of walking in and being bombarded by naseeha. Although, the school could open doors for me to befriend more muslims, learn from those that live the religion, and gain contacts such as another convert whom I can obtain advice.
I am still not sure this is a good idea. I worry I don't have enough knowledge yet, especially since I do not know how to pray properly. I don't want to be made fun of for not being up to speed.
What do you all think? Should I take My Love up on his offer and have him contact the principal or should I wait till I am more educated?
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Well, if you feel that you're reaching a point where you really need *people* to help you learn, as opposed to books/the Web/etc, then go for it. I hope that you have a good experience. If someone makes fun of you, then shame on them. Most people will probably want to help you out. : ) Good luck!
ReplyDeleteI'd go for it if I were you. If we had an Islamic school here that I could weasel my way into, I'd love to go, and I'm not even really interested in converting. :)
ReplyDeleteIf it doesn't work out, you can always look into another way to learn...
Thanks everyone. Lots of good and kind advice.
ReplyDeleteNow I just have to be ok with walking around in hijab alone long enough to get to the school lol Maybe I will take a test run this weekend...
Hey, you said you were making your own prayer garments, right? How much fabric does that require?
ReplyDeleteI would bet that would require 6-8 yards. Usually it takes about 5-6 yards to make the abaya part (using 45" bolt fabric) then I would bet the "scarf" would be about a yard or so depending on how long you wanted it to be. I really hate how they make those "hood" scarves which are so not necessary. I think Id rather make a really long scarf I could wrap to go with it.
ReplyDeleteWhen I do get around to making it I will post directions. Basically it will be an overhead abaya with wide sleeves and an extra long scarf. That is NOT AN UGLY SHEET lol. So it will probably end up an abaya set that never goes outside so it always stays nice and clean for praying. Probably in just a simple light blue cotton fabric.
Oh, I'm looking forward to the instructions. I think I may try to make my own once I've seen how you do it. :)
ReplyDeleteOoooo now I must make one O_O It should be rather simple. I use to make kimonos all the time. Anything that is loose and robe like is super easy to make. I just really hate the hood hijabs, gonna try to find a way around that lol. Maybe I can make it actually look nice and not scary like a big ghost lol
ReplyDeleteI think that's a wonderful idea! I wish there was an Islamic school where I live :)
ReplyDeleteSeriously, I don't think anyone will make fun of you. When I was thinking about converting to Islam, no one ever made fun of me, but instead everyone was being very sweet and helpful.
I think this would be a great opportunity to get to study Islam and get to know other sisters and converts in your area.
LK,
ReplyDeleteHave you tried Sunnipath? I've been taking classes with them and mashaAllah, they're really and truly fantastic. (Www.sunnipath.com) They have respectable sheikhs, great classes, and you only have to meet people if you feel like it (so being antisocial in an online school is ok :-P) They also have a deep discount for certain classes for non- and new muslims, so that they can learn the basics and/or make informed choices.
I did look at them. They had some really interesting classes pertaining to "women's issues" that I may want to take.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the suggestion!