However...

However, these times were few, and we would never have seriously considered giving up all that we had gained by living Islam. Living as a practicing Muslim has brought a sense of purpose to my life. There is a pervasive sense of serenity in the knowledge that life is lived for a purpose. I feel that I have become a much better human being-more compassionate, more moderate, more deep-thinking. There is a richness and a calmness in my life that was not there prior to becoming a practicing Muslim.

Life in its broadest sense has become one beautiful, intricate whole. How I Learned to Live and Practice as a Muslim I learned to live as a Muslim primarily by reading the Qur'an and by asking questions of knowledgeable Muslims. I also watched and observed Muslims around me. I learned how to pray by reading a book designed to guide new Muslims through the prayer. Any other questions I had, I asked other Muslims. I also drew upon sources and people in my husband's family.

My mother-in-law and father-in-law were particularly helpful as were other relatives abroad who sent books or other resources as I needed them. The ease or difficulty of taking on any specific Islamic practice has always been directly correlated to how I understood it in connection with what I already knew about Islam. If I didn't understand its significance or see its connection to the intricate "whole" of Islam, I found it difficult to integrate into my life.

When I had read enough, asked enough questions, talked enough, and finally understood, I didn't have a problem adding that practice into my life. My Family of Origin My becoming a practicing Muslim has had a very profound effect upon my relationship with my parents. My parents regard Islam quite negatively and consider it an oppressive, dogmatic religion. They don't hold religion, in general, in very high esteem and regard Islam, in particular, to be very oppressive of women.

However, my only sibling, my sister, is quite supportive of my choice. I hope that in the future I might be able to sit and talk with my parents about Islam and its role in my life. We have attempted to discuss it many times but have made very little progress. They seem unable to understand that being Muslim brings me peace and joy and has added immeasurable depth to my life. Islam has not taken anything away from who I am, but has only added to it.

My parents seem to regard my choice only as a rejection of them and a rejection of my heritage.