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THE UMMAH SOCIAL SUPPORT FOR NEW MUSLIMAS
Imagine that you are alone and have few or no people to
talk with who really understand you. You have recently made a major change
in your life and this has led to disruption in your previously strong social
network. Your parents and other family members are completely outraged about
the changes that you have made and refuse to talk with you unless you return
to your "real self." Some may even call you "crazy" and completely disown
you.
Your friends call you less often because they just don't understand what you
are going through and are confused by the ideas that you have been
discussing. At work or school, people look at you strangely because of your
appearance and have heard rumors that you have become involved with some
unconventional religious group. You are feeling very distraught, confused,
and frightened by all of these recent developments in your life and are
wondering where to turn. "Where do I go?" "Who can I talk to?" "Who will
accept me?" Will I always feel this lonely?" "Have I made the right
decision?" These are the questions that are racing through your mind.
Does this scenario seem familiar? It might, if you have recently accepted
Islam. The details may not be as drastic, but there will definitely be some
changes in your social network. As more and more people enter into Islam,
the fastest growing religion in America and in the world, new Muslims will
need special guidance. This is particularly true for women who are the
largest segment of new converts and who are more likely to feel isolated and
in need of a social network. The Muslim Ummah will need to be prepared to
welcome them and help them adapt to their new life as a Muslim. In fact,
this is a major obligation upon the community due to the strong emphasis
placed upon unity and brotherhood in Islam. Allah, subhanahu wa ta'ala,
says, "The Believers, men and women, are protectors, one of another; they
enjoin what is just, and forbid what is evil; they observe regular prayers,
pay zakah and obey Allah and His Messenger. On them will Allah pour His
mercy, for Allah is Exalted in Power, Wise." [9:71] Allah also says, "And
keep your soul content with those who call on their Lord morning and
evening, seeking His presence; And let not your eyes pass beyond them,
seeking the pomp and glitter of this life; And pay no heed to one whose
heart We have permitted to neglect the remembrance of Us, one who follows
his own desires, and whose (transgressions) have gone beyond all bounds."
[18:28]
This last advice is particularly pertinent in Western society where the
forces of darkness and evil are prevalent. Those who are away from the
protection of their companions in Islam are susceptible to the workings of
Satan. Therefore, it is necessary for new Muslimahs to join with other
members of the Ummah and live within the fold of Islam. The Ummah will
become their new family and will provide protection and support for them.
The Prophet, sallallaahu alayhe wasallam, said, "Surely Satan is like a wolf
to man. Just as the wolf attacks the sheep that strays away from the flock,
wanders and goes to a corner, Satan attacks the person who separates himself
from the (Muslim) community." (Ahmad) When a women says the Shahada she
instantly becomes a part of the flock and will have refuge in that assembly
as long as she remains nearby. When there is wandering, it is easier for
Satan to do his work, and faith may weaken even to the point where she may
renounce Islam. This warning is clear in the saying of the Prophet,
sallallhu alayhe wasallam, "Whoever departs from the united body (of the
Muslim Ummah) - even a hand's length - has indeed removed the rope of Islam
from his neck." (Abu Dawud and Ahmad). Experiencing pressures from family
and friends or even having ties broken, accepting a new religion and being
concerned about learning the necessary requirements, being worried about how
people in public places will respond to the hijab, ALL increase the
vulnerability of a new Muslimah. New Muslimahs must be welcomed into the
community with open arms just as a family would welcome a newborn. The
welcome should be one of excitement, commitment, affection, and love. Just
as a mother would take special care of her baby, so too should the Ummah
look after each of its members who are celebrating a new birth. As a mother
would teach and guide her child as she grows, so should the community teach
and guide the new Muslimah.
These responsibilities can be accomplished in many ways: 1) arranging a
"Welcome to the Ummah Party" or "Shahada Party" and introducing the new
Muslimah to the community, 2) conducting a New Muslimah Halaqa or support
group for new Muslimahs, 3) establishing a mentoring program where new
members are paired with seasoned mentors, 4) arranging dinners, events, or
outings for sisters throughout the year, being sure to invite new sisters,
5) providing new members with information about halaqas, masaajids,
organizations, resources in the area, 5) telephoning on a regular basis to
see how the sister is doing; the list is endless. The overall objective
should be to make sure the needs of new Muslimahs are met and to help them
feel that they are a part of the community from the very beginning. We would
not want to abandon our newborn to the influences of Satan.
New Muslimahs also need to make an effort to establish ties with the
community. This means that every effort should be made to attend halaqas and
social events, become involved in the community, and develop friendships
with other sisters. An important point here is that care should be taken
when choosing individuals or groups to associate with. There are many people
who carry the label of "Muslim", but who either do not practice or have
deviated from the straight path. The best guidance would be to rely upon
Allah; He will lead her to those who are most righteous. The Prophet,
sallallahu alayhe wa sallam, said, "Those whom Allah wishes to be given good
deeds, Allah will sustain them by a pious Muslim friend. If he forgets, (to
do good deeds) his friend will remind him, and when his friend reminds him,
he will help his friend." The ultimate purpose of our interdependence is to
become nearer to Allah and His Glory. One of the greatest gifts that Allah
can give a believer is another believing servant who will guide, encourage,
and remind us how best to attain this goal. Allah, subhanahu wa ta'ala,
says, "Let there be a community (Ummah) among you, advocating what is good,
demanding what is right, and forbidding what is wrong. These are indeed the
successful." [3:10] May Allah reward each of us with a pious companion and
count us amongst the community of the righteous. A special WELCOME to all of
our new sisters!!!
Dr. Aisha Hamdan
Last modified:
July 19, 2007
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