05-30-2004, 03:48 PM
Quote:However, he must be \"tested\" first to make sure that he performs his prayers, fasts and other acts of worship. Also, he must be learning the Quran, learning the laws of Islam, abandoning shirk, avoiding alcohol and all other forbidden acts.Asalaamu alikum sister,
I want to first make it clear that my intention is not to debate, but this is confusing for me, and I wish insha Allah to have a better understanding of this post. Of course it can be noted that there are born Muslim men who do not practice their religion well at all, should they be held to the same srutiny and the same "test." I think the point is to ensure that the woman is going to have a practicing husband.
As you might be aware, I am a revert, and alhumdulilah so is my husband. If this brother who declared shahda meant it with sincerity, and Allah knows best what is in his heart, then we have to remember he is like an infant and he will need the help and the support of his Muslim brothers. Of course he cannot declare shahda and suddenly have this incredible knowledge of the deen. He has to learn, and this requires patience from the Muslim community at large. We have to work with them in steps. Masha Allah he made the first step by declaring shahada, I don't want to speculate on his intentions, and now that he has taken that first step, if the community around him puts the effort into his education, teaching him the prayers, what is lawful and prohibited, etc. they not only will get a reward for that, but this new brother of ours will see the compassion and unity that should exsist among brothers. Also the new brother will insha Allah strengthen in his faith, and insha Allah become a good husband and father for the children. A revert cannot do all this on their own, so I dont think it is logical to just put them to a test that he is not prepared for, you cannot take the test without first learning the subject matter.
Quote:I just would like to add that this rule also implies for the Brothers, There are alot of brothers who marry women \"whom they had relationships with \"before those women accepted islam\" and their wish become true when those women utter and declare their sha-hada with La ilaha iLaL lah but the truth is many of them are doing that to please them, not because they are ready for islam.I notice the same thing sister, alhumdulilah I meet many revert women. And I dont like to put a blanket statement on them all, of course each circumstance is different. Some of these women turn out to be very thoughtful and passionate about Islam.
I just think that instead of saying, "we will put you to a test, and if you go back to your old religion, you will be killed." I think it would be a more productive approach to have patience with these people, and offer guideance. We all have our strengths and weaknesses, and when we start to see the stronger brother help the weaker one, and the stronger sister help the weaker one, insha Allah we will see things change in a good way. And always always make 70 excuses for our brothers and sisters.
May Allah forgive me if I said anything in error,
Asalaamu alikum,
~Jennifer