Nine Lessons for New Converts/Reverts to Islam

3. Goodness isn’t just about religion

You will find that some of the best people you know are still people of other faiths, and by “best people” I mean people who are ethical, caring, and altruistic; people who are civil and well-mannered.  You will find that some Muslims act as third-world and corrupt as the dictators that preside over their homelands.

Do not assume that all Muslims will be exemplary human beings (and the organizations that many of them run are even worse).  Expect to be gravely disappointed in the way many mosques are run and how unkempt they are, in how rude and ill-mannered some of your brothers and sisters in faith are, and at how dysfunctional Islamic schools and their students seem to be.

Be ready to feel a pang of disappointment when you find Thanksgiving with your family was more pleasant than iftar at the masjid with your brothers and sisters in faith.  Don’t, however, let this disenchant you from the dīn or become harsh with them.  As an American you have been privileged to grow up in a First World country and raised on its high standards.  No one chooses the family and country into which they were born.  Hone in on your strengths as an American and what positive things you can bring to the community, rather than letting it make you arrogant.

Next: Allah is merciful, and you should try and be too.