I am planning to convert to Islam but I am worried that I would loose my friends and even my family.?

Question

As most of them are devout Catholic. Please need advice.

Answer 1

You must make them understand that muslims and catholic can live together.

Answer 2

I don't believe the issue is losing your Catholic friends and family as much as worrying about losing a sense of your self, your foundation. I think this is more of a soul-searching you need to work more on and ask yourself some questions, such as: who has been leading you to consider Islam? What would be their motivation to convert you? What's going on in your life outside of religion that would make you look for a solution through religious conversion? What has led you away from your beliefs you've shared with your original friends and family?
You are free to do as you will, but if you don't fully believe in something, you wouldn't be so concerned in what others 'think' about your claim of a certain belief. That's why I think this runs deeper, and you may not even be fully aware of why you're seeking a change -- possibly for the sake of change or some kind of solution to another problem. So do some more thinking, reconsidering, and mull this all over. There may be other issues you need to address, not religion.

Answer 3

Study Islam and Christianity and other religions and philosophies before you do Shahada or openly convert because once you do if you realize a mistake you could be executed. Talk to you family about why you are attracted to Islam and what your doubts about Christianity are. Most of the people i know who choose Islam over Christianity did not know the strong reasons fro belief in the Trinity(necessary for more than one Person in God if God Is Eternal Love) the Diest of Christ, the Love logic of the Incarnation,Crucifixion and Resurrection of Christ.

Have you read the Catechism of the Catholic Church deeply? Have you experienced the depth of Catholic spirituality and theological tradition? Please be honest,have you? Is loosing your family wortha mistake that does not seem to be well thought out?

Have you examined the Quran and Haddith deeply and critically? Which sect of Islam are your considering? Do you know much about how people are treated in it?

If you study Catholic apologetics you,like me, may be convinced of the truth and authenticity of Catholicism and the superiority on all levels of Christianity(rightly lived) over Islam(even at its best)

Answer 4

You will have to talk to them and they WILL try and change your mind. Look at the two side by side. One is love and forgiveness(Catholic), the other is Kill those who are not Islam.....now think how this makes them feel! Is it worth losing all your friends and family. If you live in USA you will be shunned for sure.

It is your choice I'm not telling you what you have to do..just being realistic how life will be for you from here on out. I have seen it happen. I worked with a black woman who was a devout Christian and converted. She became hateful and mean..her looks could kill. No one could say anything to her. She finally lost her job as her attitude was so bad she couldn't get the job done. She has since retired and returned to being a Christian.

So think long and hard. Make a chart..I have one that compares all the major religions and what they believe.

Pray about it too. Good Luck and I hope you don't end up alone.

Answer 5

Emmanuel,
I am also a Christian. I know that GOD is supposed to be set above our friends and family according to the Bible. If you believe that Islam is the true religion then you need to convert but do not do so until YOU are ready to make that commitment fully! I believe that you will make the right decision for YOU and that is what is important. Have a wonderful week.
Thanks,
Eds


.

Answer 6

Why do I have to keep saying this over and over. But if they are really devout Catholics and believe what the Church actually teaches then this is the one Christian religion you really stand a chance with when you show them the Catholic teachings on.

Read the Vatican II document Nostra Aetate (the Church's declaration on none Christian religions)
http://www.vatican.va/archive/hist_councils/ii_vatican_council/documents/vat-ii_decl_19651028_nostra-aetate_en.html


It really is beautiful, but if you don't it is important you know Catholic on Muslims is:
. The Church regards with esteem also the Moslems. They adore the one God, living and subsisting in Himself; merciful and all- powerful, the Creator of heaven and earth,(5) who has spoken to men; they take pains to submit wholeheartedly to even His inscrutable decrees, just as Abraham, with whom the faith of Islam takes pleasure in linking itself, submitted to God. Though they do not acknowledge Jesus as God, they revere Him as a prophet. They also honor Mary, His virgin Mother; at times they even call on her with devotion. In addition, they await the day of judgment when God will render their deserts to all those who have been raised up from the dead. Finally, they value the moral life and worship God especially through prayer, almsgiving and fasting.

Since in the course of centuries not a few quarrels and hostilities have arisen between Christians and Moslems, this sacred synod urges all to forget the past and to work sincerely for mutual understanding and to preserve as well as to promote together for the benefit of all mankind social justice and moral welfare, as well as peace and freedom.


And from the Catechism of the Catholic Church Part 1 Section 2 Chapter 3 (paragraph 841)
The Church's relationship with the Muslims. "The plan of salvation also includes those who acknowledge the Creator, in the first place amongst whom are the Muslims; these profess to hold the faith of Abraham, and together with us they adore the one, merciful God, mankind's judge on the last day."330

There is actually alot more. If they are devout to the teaching you have alot on your side that confirms a relationship and working together as Muslim and Christian.

I am really surprised so many people have asked you if you have thought about this and studied Islam. Who would convert to any religion without alot a serious thought and study?

Answer 7

I do not know what to say to this - a difficult situation. It sounds like, what I'm hearing is if you choose Islam you will lose your family and friends (that is your take). Have they expressed this to you? If not, talk to them about it. If they love you they will accept you as a person and not by your faith. Do understand though, that they are entitled to their feelings as are you and both sides need to be respectful of that. What is important to you - why have you decided to convert? For what reason? do you truly feel and believe? You have to look inward and ask some serious questions of yourself.

Answer 8

You are planning to convert. Have you seriously looked into that religion? Seems some young folks are looking at the Islamic religion like they would a new tattoo. You really need to sit down and study what you are about to do. (I am an Atheist)

Answer 9

Why would you convert to a religion that has even less proof than the one that you're in? I would take a very serious look at Islamic countries to get a good feel for what the religion is about. I'd also do some serious, objective research on it's origins. Then contrast the bible's claims about Jesus with the Qu'ran's - if the Qu'ran is correct then Jesus lied and the Qu'ran is venerating a liar as a Prophet, seems like a large contradiction to me.

Answer 10

If you've fallen out of love with Christ, yes, it's going to hurt your family a lot, as if you'd decided you don't love your mom anymore.

The only proper reason for converting is that you've decided the other religion is closer to the truth. If you haven't, or if you haven't even thought about it, it's not conversion. If you are sure, go ahead. But you don't take up a religion the way you take up soccer or needlecraft.

Answer 11

Emmanuel, think it this way --
your family members & friends R no doubt very dear to U, but NOT at the cost of your own Salvation.
If U R fully convinced that by embracing Islam you will gain peace, Tranquility & hope, take the plunge.