Questions

[Nerthus]

Some people may remember a long time ago, I expressed an interest in Islam. I still do, but full of anxiety abut it.

I think my main concerns are that I am white European, and have already experienced some criticism - with people saying that Islam is a Middle East religion, and I shouldn't "copy" them and try and "westernize the religion."

I think this is a big block for me, despite it perhaps being an issue that shouldn't really come into.

I know there are a few converts on the forums, did you feel a similar way, or have you experienced criticism?

 

[Peace]

Hello Nerthus,

Yes, I do still remember your interest in Islam and I am glad you are still interested in it
Islam has never been a religion for specific people, but it has been and since it's start a universal religion for all humanity.
Do you mean criticism comes from non-Muslims, right?
I am not a convert but I was born a Muslim and I am thankful to God for being born a Muslim alhamdulillah. There are European Muslims who are born Muslims like in Turkey (which is part in Europe and part in Asia), there is Bosnia.... So, I believe you don't need to fear of being criticized.

 

[Nerthus]

From both actually. Some muslims have said... more so in general conversation, that they do not like "white people" taking over their faith. Make same feel like it will be very hard to be accepted.

It's difficult.

 

[Peace]

From both actually. Some muslims have said... more so in general conversation, that they do not like "white people" taking over their faith. Make same feel like it will be very hard to be accepted.

It's difficult.

I am sorry but I have never ever heard a Muslim complaining of others accepting their faith, Islam. A true practical Muslim will never never say it because s/he knows that Islam is a religion for all humanity and knows that s/he hasn't the right to say it. I am sorry, but I believe you met a fake Muslim who told you that. Muslim converts who are here on RF or anywhere would tell you that is not true.

 

[Pastek]

Some muslims have said... more so in general conversation, that they do not like "white people" taking over their faith.

Don't listen to them. There's dumb people everywhere.

It's just that those people are not used to see "white people" in Islam and some thinks it's a kind of "fashion" and things like that.

 

[F0uad]

From both actually. Some muslims have said... more so in general conversation, that they do not like "white people" taking over their faith. Make same feel like it will be very hard to be accepted.

It's difficult.

In my understanding most of the time "White" converts become even more educated and respected by the Muslim audience then the Arabic ones due there hard work for doing research and study.

Europe and America has many "White" people who converted to Islam and have a important role on the "Dawah" platform compared with non-converts.
Most of the time Converts become "better" Muslims then the average Muslim who is born into the faith.

You shouldn't listen to the people who advocate you not to follow Islam when they are small minded. Look at the Hajj of Muslims, Islam is a multicultural religion since it rose the first time till the present time. I don't know any other religion that is so diverse in ethnicity as Islam. Moreover Islam is not a Middle-Eastern religion most of the Muslims live in Asia, Africa then the Middle-east followed up by Europe.


Ill conclude with the follow saying:

“All mankind is from Adam and Eve, an Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab nor a non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab; also a white has no superiority over black nor a black has any superiority over white except by piety and good action (good deeds).”

 

[cocolia42]

I am a white American revert. I have heard that some Muslims take offense to white Muslims, not because of their color, but because of their culture. I often hear "Sunnah is better than culture." So I think the real issue is with people who try to assimilate Islam into their current way of life instead of themselves assimilating into Islam (which is a way of life).
I personally have not had any problems with other Muslims. There are some non-Muslims who are a little stand-offish. My friends and family (who all tried to discourage me from reverting) have all come to terms with my reversion and are very supportive.
My advice to you would be to visit different masjids and talk to the Imams. They'll be able to give you an idea of how supportive that community will be and connect you with the most supportive people to help you with the transition.

 

[Assad91]

I too am a White American revert.

In short, don't pay attention to these people.

Where I live, there are mostly Black American Muslims. I have gotten stares from both Black and White people. Some black muslims will act snobby, while some will act very kind.

But the good outweighs the bad. Why would I or you or anyone allow stares to stop them from doing what pleases Allah? THAT is the greatest and most satisfying reward!

 

[Assad91]

It's just that those people are not used to see "white people" in Islam and some thinks it's a kind of "fashion" and things like that.

For some in America it actually is. But its mostly a fashion amongst younger Black males and females.

 

[cocolia42]

Why would I or you or anyone allow stares to stop them from doing what pleases Allah? THAT is the greatest and most satisfying reward!

This is so true! Once you make the commitment to Allah, everything feels different. Those people who stare or make remarks under their breath won't bother you the way you think it will. If anything, you will feel sorry for them because they don't know what you know.

 

[F0uad]

This is so true! Once you make the commitment to Allah, everything feels different. Those people who stare or make remarks under their breath won't bother you the way you think it will. If anything, you will feel sorry for them because they don't know what you know.

Frubals!

 

[Sahar]

I think my main concerns are that I am white European, and have already experienced some criticism - with people saying that Islam is a Middle East religion, and I shouldn't "copy" them and try and "westernize the religion."

I guess this would make your experience much more unique, challenging and thus inspiring.
I believe it can show how strong and independent you are despite what others might say. Who cares for what foolish people say if you believe in what you are doing. I know...sometimes it's difficult but we have to prove to ourselves that we are the ones who control our choices and decisions not anyone else.
Your OP reminded me of a nice quote that says "don't let the noise of others' opinions drown out your own inner voice" by Steve Jobs and he is right.

I think you can show that you can be a "white European" and Muslim at the same time.

I always look at those who struggle on their way to the truth with eyes of immense admiration and respect. I am sure there are many who see it the way I do and I am sure you will find them during your journey, God willing.

I wish you happiness and peace of mind and heart.

 

[sandandfoam]

Some people may remember a long time ago, I expressed an interest in Islam. I still do, but full of anxiety abut it.

I think my main concerns are that I am white European, and have already experienced some criticism - with people saying that Islam is a Middle East religion, and I shouldn't "copy" them and try and "westernize the religion."

I think this is a big block for me, despite it perhaps being an issue that shouldn't really come into.

I know there are a few converts on the forums, did you feel a similar way, or have you experienced criticism?

I think that when one goes with ones heart anxiety disappears.
But then again, my religion is between myself and God and only those who are close to me know what I believe.

 

[MatthiasGould]

Some people may remember a long time ago, I expressed an interest in Islam. I still do, but full of anxiety abut it.

I think my main concerns are that I am white European, and have already experienced some criticism - with people saying that Islam is a Middle East religion, and I shouldn't "copy" them and try and "westernize the religion."

I think this is a big block for me, despite it perhaps being an issue that shouldn't really come into.

I know there are a few converts on the forums, did you feel a similar way, or have you experienced criticism?

Firstly, it's worth pointing out that only 20% of Muslims are Arab, and the biggest concentration of Muslims is in fact Indonesian. Islam is a universal religion and there is nothing to stop anyone from being a Muslim. Converting doesn't mean adopting some one-size-fits-all culture or stopping doing cultural practices which are appropriately Islamic.

 

[Rational_Mind]

Some people may remember a long time ago, I expressed an interest in Islam. I still do, but full of anxiety abut it.

I think my main concerns are that I am white European, and have already experienced some criticism - with people saying that Islam is a Middle East religion, and I shouldn't "copy" them and try and "westernize the religion."

I think this is a big block for me, despite it perhaps being an issue that shouldn't really come into.

I know there are a few converts on the forums, did you feel a similar way, or have you experienced criticism?

Have you tried praying to Allah (swt) to guide you in making the right decision? You should ask God for guidance and help. I suggest you fast and indulge yourself in prayers. The more dedicated you are the stronger response you would get from a living creator. I assure you, this anxiety does not stand a chance against the finding the right path if Allah(swt) is guiding you.

As for the racist comments you got from Muslims, for that I am greatly sorry. Those people have clearly erred and went astray from the teachings of the Holy Prophet (saw). Islam is the only religion that has from the outset till now declared in its scripture that it is for all of mankind regardless of race, creed, color, etc.