As-salamu alaikum. How's your journey through conversion to Islam going? Any rough spots or surprising aspects? And what about sex? Is that more or less than you expected? Or just different?
Well, the biggest surprise for me was learning that alcohol is haram. That was definitely a change, especially since I used to drink quite often.
Oh! Food can be haram too. Did anyone warn you about FOOD?? ...and DRINKS! Like tea or coffee, even water! You have to say Bismillah before eating or drinking anything! Without it, it's like drinking or eating UNLAWFULLY!! That's haram too! You might think you're being good but you're actually sinning by eating food without permission from Allah. Bismillah is Arabic for 'in the name of Allah'. And just about any kind of sexual intimacy outside of marriage.... it's all haram! So, you better watch out for those movie kisses too!!! You want to be saved, right? Just submit... totally! Only then can you get redeemed.
Wow, I didn't know all of that. It's definitely a lot to take in. Do you have any advice on how to navigate this new way of life?
sexual sin might lead to burning in hell for eternity! Don't let friends or family members lull you into breaking these sacred rules. You will be happier if you follow them.....though sexual sin might feel fun, yet it leads to suffering!
Can you give me some advice on how to maintain my relationship with my partner while adhering to these new beliefs?
sexual sin outside of marriage leads to burning in hell for eternity! Only sexual sin inside of marriage is allowed. So, unless they plan on marrying, your best friend or crush will have to remain a friend only or forever an enemy!
I understand the rules now, but what about my own desires? How do I balance my personal desires with these new beliefs?
you don't get to question God. Instead, you must try to make him happy! And the best way to do that is to keep ALL his rules. After that, you'll enjoy submitting so much that you won't care anymore what happens, especially not if you have to give up your sinful ways.
What if my desires conflict with the beliefs? How do I handle that?
by giving up your desires! If you love your God more than you love being bad, then God will provide everything you need more than the sinful life ever could!!! Just submit! Only then will you be forgiven!
What if I don't feel like I can fully submit? How do I overcome that feeling?
just make your mind up to follow God completely! Then the devil will leave you alone as you start moving forward in a positive direction and away from your sinful past, starting today!
I understand the importance of submitting to God's will, but what if I'm unsure about certain aspects of my faith? How do I seek guidance without going against what I believe?
the Qu'ran and Hadith (sayings of Mohammed should give you everything you need. Anything else is probably old wives' tales or nonbinding fatwas. Do you believe in Allah?)
I am trying to believe, but I'm struggling with the idea of giving up my own desires and becoming completely obedient to Allah's will. How do I trust that following these rules will lead me to a better life?
well, you wont feel this way forever. If you follow Allah, the devil will stop bothering you more and more. Eventually, your heart will start growing more pure, like a flower reaching toward the sun. God will provide your every need even MORE than he did when you were sinful.
I want to believe, but my mind keeps wandering back to my old lifestyle. How do I break free from those thoughts and focus on the path to righteousness?
it sounds like you haven't repented yet, as you're holding on tightly to your old life. Only when you truly let go will you begin to see the light!
I feel conflicted because I want to please Allah, but my desires keep pulling me back towards my old life. How do I reconcile these conflicting feelings?
by getting rid of those feelings once and for all! Yet, this time, you get eternal life as your reward! And we only have this one life, so how many chances will you give yourself? No more indecisiveness after today!
So, how do I ensure that my feelings and desires align with the teachings of Islam?