Hi Martin,
i have recently converted to islam and need more information on my religion. i dont have a quran, i cant speak arabic, i have trouble avoiding pork, i dont know any muslims and i dont know many prayers. but when i do say prayers i face mecca. the only prayers i no are allahu akbar. ash hadu anna muhammed ar rasool allah and la ilaaha ill allah. any tips or ideas? thanks
Don't know where you are situated so i cant find a specific place for you to go unfortunately.
The Quran i use is from Al-islam - quran.al-islam.org, has 3 translations in English and a commentary section as well.
Finding about islam is easy! ask any of us (muslims) and well be happy to help Insha- Allah, wikipedia is spot on with the basics if you want to start there.
Regarding pork i would ween your self off it DONT stop to start up later, take as long as you have to (the more Muslim friends you make the easier it should get.)
Making friends depends on where you are situated mosques or centres are the best place to start, start making Muslim friends on Facebook or sumthing! loads of groups...
finally regarding prayers i would practice them in english just so you say something in prayer Allah understands all languages anyway
then if you get a quran (most have a tutorial section on the alphabet anyway in the back - left side) the basic prayer is the first chapter...
[Pickthal 1:1] In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful.
[Pickthal 1:2] Praise be to Allah, Lord of the Worlds,
[Pickthal 1:3] The Beneficent, the Merciful.
[Pickthal 1:4] Master of the Day of Judgment,
[Pickthal 1:5] Thee (alone) we worship; Thee (alone) we ask for help.
[Pickthal 1:6] Show us the straight path,
[Pickthal 1:7] The path of those whom Thou hast favoured; Not the (path) of those who earn Thine anger nor of those who go astray.
...bit different in Arabic!
Congrats and wish u the best.
Salaam.