An Open Letter to New Teenage Reverts to Islam

Dear teenage converts, 

You are probably feeling a million emotions right now, from excitement to nervousness. You probably have a million questions from “How do I pray?” to “How will I tell my parents?” And you probably feel alone if you don’t have any Muslim friends or family to help you on your journey, but I promise you, you are not alone. You have Muslim brothers and sisters all across the globe who have been in your shoes and just as I do, they want to help guide you. And together we welcome you to Islam. 

I know you want to learn everything, and I know you probably don’t know where to start, but I am here to help you begin your journey as a new Muslim. I was in the same position that you are in now, I am still in that same position and together we will navigate our new found faith. 

As you know prayer is the second pillar and it is still something I am learning to do, but InshaAllah with practice we will master how to pray. And until you learn how to pray Salat (a prayer Muslims pray 5x a day at designated times) I recommend you pray Duaa. This way you are still praying and establishing a connection with God. 

You have also probably heard a few words/phrases Muslims tend to use on the daily. Here’s a short list of words that would be beneficial for you to learn and incorporate into your day to day life: 

1. Assalamu Alaikum: “Peace be upon you” (Greeting) 
2. Wa Alaikum Assalam: “Upon you peace” (Response to Assalamu Alaikum) 
3. InshaAllah: God Willing (Intending to do something) 
4. MashAllah: What God has willed (Expressing Gratitude) 
5. SubhanAllah: Glory to God (Praising something) 
6. Bismillah: In the name of God (Starting to do something) 

I hope you find the list beneficial and InshaAllah you will still implement them in your day to day life. And if no one has told you yet, I am so proud of you for embracing Islam. Allah has led you to the right path and I pray that He continues to do so. I know this is not easy, and even more so because you are so young, but InshaAllah with time you will have so much knowledge. Please breathe, don’t stress yourself out. Allah knows and sees your struggles and as the days go on you will learn more and more. 

You are also probably drowning yourself in information, trying to figure out what website or what video is authentic and isn’t completely opinionated. I highly suggest you look to the Quran to answer any questions you may have first. When reading the Quran I find taking notes is helpful. It will help you understand and retain the information that you are learning.

I personally have a Quran journal, in the journal I write the Surah name (chapter name), a brief tafseer (explanation, you may find this online in video or printed), my reflection of the Surah and then a bigger picture tafseer, where I will write extensive notes. I also may write down an Ayah or Ayat (verse/verses) that sticks out to me and then I’ll explain why it resonates with me. This helps so when you go back to read what you wrote you’ll remember why it meant so much to you when it did.

One last thing I wanted to bring up: the Hijab. I want you to know that simply wearing the headcoving isn’t “Hijab,” there is so much more to it, from dressing modestly to how you act and treat others. For all my Muslimahs please don’t stress out about wearing the headcovering at first, it is a difficult thing to do, educate yourself and InshaAllah when you are ready, you will begin to wear it. Even now, I am not a “full time” hijabi, I am still learning and I am still gathering confidence in myself, but InshaAllah soon I will wear the head covering! 

All and all, I want you to know that you aren’t alone, and I am so proud of you for accepting Islam. I know there may be days where you Iman (faith) may be low, but remember Allah is watching over you, He is here for you and he is listening to your prayers.

Dunya is temporary, so please don’t stress about what is temporary. Keep your faith alive, continue to pray, continue to seek more knowledge! I am here for you always, and you are all in my prayers, may Allah make your journey easy. 

Love, 

Aaliyah (Convert, 17) 

Ps: Here are a few sites that I love and are completely free that have helped me on my journey to Islam and InshaAllah will help you too! 

Informational Websites: 

1.  Islam 101
2.   New Muslim Academy 
3.  Quran Academy 

Gifting Websites: 

1. new-muslim-welcome-gift-box  (For the UK) 
2.  Welcome-box (For the US)
3. Shahada Box
4. Free Quran

I also highly recommend watching revert videos on youtube, they’re so inspiring! Here are some of my favorites: 

1. Candian Revert   
2. Kishama Meridian 
3. Hanna and Hassan
4. Savanah
5. Zahra Ali

There are so many more on Youtube that are incredible, please search some more on your own as well. InshaAllah you’ll be inspired. Also if you ever need someone to talk to, or even just a friend you can email me at williamsaaliyah716@gmail.com and I will do my best to get back to you!