Q: Salam Aleikum,

I am a college-aged female, raised in Utah and California.  I left the religion I was born into a few years ago, because I felt that it was a construed truth.
Then, about a year ago, I was introduced to Islam, praise be to God.  I have been studying it ever since.  The Truth speaks to my heart and I want to be a Muslim very badly, but I live in Southern Utah, and I don’t know anyone who I feel I can consult on things.
I am overwhelmed by the information on the internet, a lot of it is very overwhelming, especially because I am trying to learn to recite in arabic and I have no persons to help me.
I just want to pray in a manner that is acceptable before God.
What are the Necessary things that should be recited during prayers?
If I mispronounce, is it okay?
Do I need to cover my hair in public?
If I am alone do I need to cover everything but my hands and face to pray?

I am scared that such an abrupt outward change would not go over well with my family and friends.
I really want to make this change, and praise God I have already found so much joy and peace in my life thanks to the things I have learned.
But It is such a big change, I feel like I am a child again.  I am scared that I will never be able to be a ‘good muslim’ or that I will loose my identity, because I am giving up so much of what used to be my identity.
I know these are weaknesses in me, but I would appreciate it if you could lend your wisdom and knowledge of the Holy Qu’ran to one who feels like a newborn child.
Thank you
Time: Monday July 4, 2011 at 3:08 am

Answer: From Br Yassir Butt. (I do thank him for taking out the time from his busy schedule to answer the following:)

Quran Chapter 28: verses 52-54

(As to) those whom we gave the Book before it (Jews or Christians), they are believers in it.

 And when it (The Holy Quran) is recited to them they say: We believe in it surely it is the truth from our Lord; surely we were submitters before this.

 These shall be granted their reward twice, because they are steadfast and they repel evil with good and spend out of what we have given them.

The last verse has an embedded promise for those who seek the truth (from the Jews and the Christians) that if they were to believe in the what has been revealed (Islam) they will be given twice the reward compared to someone who was not aware of the scriptures before the Quran.

You indicated that you had changed your religion once before from what you were born into, and your family was accepting of it or at least they did not try to mitigate your conversion (I assume).

So may be this time your apprehensions and fears (about sudden outward changes) may not be well placed based on historical precedent? What do you think, you decide?

As far as your inquiry about covering and praying are concerned although well placed and point to your passion and concern regarding the search for the truth.  In Islam till you have (without pressure or coercion) accepted this religion and pronounced your faith publicly you are not bound by its rules and regulations as such you are worrying about things before the appropriate time!

It is like somebody who is worried about getting a traffic citation and they even do not own a car yet, leave aside driving it?

If such a thing does occur in your future (we pray that God picks for you what is good for you) at your own accord than it would be wise for you to find the closest Islamic center (Which may be at a distance) and get instructions on how to pray and other rituals which you will find surprisingly simple and do-able till you learn everything like the correct pronunciation etc.

Till than one can call upon the almighty and seek his assistance in any manner till things are resolved in your mind.

Remember during this process to respect your family at every juncture and yet have the courage to accept the truth politely and not dishonor your mother, father and siblings or look down on what they do as this is something that no one but God has control over.

We are taught that it is not by one’s own action that he becomes a truth acceptor but by the grace and acceptance of the all mighty only one is allowed into his kingdom.

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