A couple of years ago I was interested in converting (reverting) to Islam. So I visited my local mosque. (The main mosque in a large British city) It had on it's website that it welcomes visitors from all faiths. So I thought it would be a good place to go.
I went to the mosque reception/ office and asked about information about Islam because I was interested in converting
But all he said to me was "Go to college" and pointed to a small room with teenage boys using computers. I walked towards the room, and knocked on the semi open door. And they just shut the door in my face.
I was almost in tears fortunalty a nice girl saw me. And was very helpful.
If I had not been really wanting to convert. This experience would have put me off. However I know that just because some men are rude dosen't mean that they have anything to do with Islam.
2007-08-20 15:47:06 · 17 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I have been a few times since to a few mosques. Whilst I haven't had any bad experiences. I do not feel very welcome. I just go and pray but they are not friendly. Nobody says hello or anything.
On holiday I went to some in Iran and they were completly different to those in England. They were fantastice and really friendly and welcoming. I really felt Allah there. But in UK mosques nothing.
As I'm a woman and can pray at home, I don't go to the mosque now. But I would like to go for the community. How can I over come my fear?
2007-08-20 15:48:12 · update #1
Thankyou for your answers they were very helpful
2007-08-20 20:34:04 · update #2
Your experience sounded totally unislamic. I'm sorry that you had such an experience..I could never imagine the Muslims here in the US acting that way. I'm not generalizing UK Muslims, I am just saying that you would virtually not see that here in the US. The Muslims here are extremely welcoming especially of those who are interested in Islam. I don't know why you would ever be treated that way by the Muslim community. That is a total shock to me...we are told to NEVER reject teaching about Islam to others if they ask. What those men did to you at that Mosque was sinful no doubt. I am proud of you that you were able to see through those men and didn't let their actions get to you.
From what I have seen, the Muslims in the UK are not treated very well by the non-Muslims. They are seen as second-class citizens and are looked down upon. Perhaps these men did not think you were sincere in your interest and thought you were trying to mock the religion. Many people in the UK are bias against Muslims and mockery and ignorance is nothing new. I believe that this was a possibility--that they were unsure of your sincerity in Islam. Otherwise, there is no excuse for their actions. Everyone should be welcome into a Mosque regardless of religion, unless their reason is not valid or malicious intent is suspected. Once again, I am sorry that you had such an experience. I will assure you that as long as you are around true Muslims, this will never happen again. Shame on those men. Islam calls for the equality of men and women, and these men's actions were anything but Islamic.
Good luck, I am proud to call you my sister! Thank you for persevering and still considering Islam despite your shallow experience!
2007-08-20 16:23:20 · answer #1 · answered by Omer 5 · 3⤊ 1⤋
I don't think they were meaning to be rude. Sometimes Muslim men act weird when they are unexpectedly faced with women when they're not expecting to be, like in a mosque. It's not that they don't like you, it's that they're very shy in these situations and get nervous and don't know how to react. It takes some getting used to, but don't take it personally.
I think you should try to find a mosque which already has a community of sisters by asking around. I don't know about the UK, but here in the US there are some where hardly any women go, and there are some with a lot which have classes and activities especially for sisters. Ramadan should be a great time for you to check out different places and meet new people at iftar.
You should probably be able to find out something online, too. I know here in the US there is the Harvard Plurality Project which actually compiles reviews of different religious institutions. Maybe there is something like that for the UK. It seems like there is a link for something like that on www.zabihah.com too, which has world-wide listings.
2007-08-20 23:12:11 · answer #2 · answered by MBC 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It is really hard to overcome past experiences. Once you have a vision or fear, it takes time to get it out of your system..
Try going to another mosque and researching about some in your local area. i am so happy to hear that you are truly interested in converting to Islam. You are such a strong person to not express your anger on Islam. It is people like you who will help to spread the true message of Islam. And this is deff a test of Allah to see the strength of your faith. May he keep you happy and make you a good muslims forever...
But back to the point ..
-Try doing some research of your own, buying some books, watching some DVD's (im sure they must be sum books and websites about converting to islam)
-go to another mosque - insha'allah they will hopefully treat you with respect and maybe inform you a little....
-contact some local/national organizations..i would give you some but i live in the US
Ultimately this a test from Allah.. and although it's bad to say, living in America and Europe, it is hard to attain information, no matter how hard you try, so you will have to try your best, in the name of Islam..
Personally, if it doesn't suit you in Britian, then if all else fails, you could take another trip to another muslim country, or maybe a muslim neighborhood (in london they have south-hall)
I hope i helped...
May Allah (swt) increase your faith, and keep you on the straight path
Allah Hafiz =]
2007-08-20 23:36:56 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
All i can tell u is that u shouldn't care about what other people. U go to the mosque for yourself and for God, not for others. i'm glad u didn't shy away from Islam and from converting because of some rude people. U sound like a smart girl. I'm a born muslim and sometimes when I go to the mosque I get the same vibe from people and I've been going to the mosque my whole life. So don't feel bad. They call themselves muslims but they have ugly personalities. So go to the mosque for yourself and for your own spiritual uplifting. Good Luck.
2007-08-20 23:01:00 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Look for a group that is in your area that you could go with, maybe try going with some friends who are muslims as well. If your looking for a mosque to look into check out beliefnet.com they have a list of religious centers all over the world just tell them your area and they give you a list. Im not muslim so i dont really know what to tell you but i could tell you that you should just try checking out other mosques and communities and if that doesnt work maybe its just you need to find a way to fit in or earn their respect, but from what i know of islam they should be really respectful to you since the treatment of women is supposed to be very high from what is said in the Qu'ran.
2007-08-20 22:53:32 · answer #5 · answered by Benotafraid 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
for many years (since 9/11 especially) Islam has been under imense critisism but it is not the religion that should be scrutinized but the culture
Islam is a beautiful religion just like all other religions and you should not be put off because of a couple of stupid people
most Muslims are actually really welcoming when someone wants to convert to Islam and will take you under their wing
I think the problem is not Islam but people who take advantage of Islam and twist the words of the Quaran
hope i helped!!!!!
2007-08-20 23:00:09 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
That's odd. When I converted and finally visited a mosque here in the States I was welcomed by everyone I saw and they were very friendly. Glad you didn't give up.
My advice, don't be afraid. Find out if there are any women's groups that you can get involved in as well. You'll find rude people in every religion. Don't let them stop you.
2007-08-20 22:51:26 · answer #7 · answered by Bug Fuggy 5 · 4⤊ 1⤋
Well as a muslim I can understand your apprehensions about going back I get nervous whenever there are muslim men around me however I advise you to just go and avoid the men they should be seperated too. There is a good group that i am in on yahoo groups called salafi sister i suggest you join this group you will find many sister from all over and some may be closer to you than you realize and they might be able to go with you and help you out
2007-08-20 22:52:23 · answer #8 · answered by redz1979 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋
I'm very very sorry on behalf of my gender that you felt that way. I try my best to welcome every new person I see at my mosque, but we are just generally a very nice group of people. Don't give up, I'm extremely happy that you have decided to convert. Don't let the rudeness of some people deter you.
2007-08-20 22:52:58 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 1⤋
Congratulations on reverting. I am sorry you had a bad experience. Please don't be put off going to mosques in the future. A mosque is a house of God, you are always welcomed there but of course you must be clean to enter. Please don't be put off visiting mosques.
2007-08-20 22:57:59 · answer #10 · answered by ¸.•*´`*•.¸ ℓανєη∂єr ¸.•*´`*•.¸ 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋