New Muslim Convert

[islam999]

My name is Sulemana, formerly called Johnson. I am a young medical student entering his second year in Medical School in Ghana. Raised in a Christian family all my life, I decided to embrace Islam a month ago much to the chagrin of my church deacon who felt I was ungrateful for all the support the church showered on me for about five years now.

Watching Muslims all over Ghana, their approach to life, their simplicity in worship, and the general harmony they portray amongst themselves and other faiths triggered off a soul searching in me. I came to the conclusion that Islam is the only true religion in the world now. I have started reading the Qur'an, learn t a few Hadiths of the prophet Muhammad (may the Peace and blessings of Allah be with him). I have found peace in my soul and I am enjoying the Islamic faith, thank Allah.

But I have an equally challenging problem connected to my decison to be a Muslim. And it is that, the  church which took care of my education from High School till present have issued me with a letter severing all ties with me, and that means my education too is hanging in the balance. Approaches I have made to fellow Muslims here are not very favorable. That is where I find the difference between Muslims and Christians in Ghana. The Christians would do anything and everything to save a situation like for one of their kind. But that is not shaking my faith at all.

What advise or suggestions will well meaning Muslims elsewhere give to keep my eduction going? I am torn between my education and my faith.

[jennifer]

Salam, Sulemana,

Your story is very tragic, but your tragedy is also filled with much beauty. It must be very tough to be used to receiving a certain degree of fellowship from one's community - only to see it vanish - and then to come to the realization that your "new" community has failed to extend that same support, fellowship, and grace to you. I'm truly sorry to hear that this is the case. But at the same time it warms my heart to hear that you have found peace in your soul, and that is truly the best starting point.

I know it doesn't help much, but truly there are many people here who sympathize with you and understand what you're going through. I know many who came to Islam and as a result were effectively "excommunicated" in varying degrees from their original communities. Nor was there any light at the other end of the tunnel, as the Muslim community often fails to extend it's hand - and keep it extended - for many of us new converts. Alas, I would encourage you to "keep your eyes on the prize." That is, as hard as it is, try to forgive others and look past the faults of the people around you, and instead just focus on the One who is in heaven, on His book, and on the man He sent as a mercy to mankind.

Also, are there study abroad options available? Can you go elsewhere to study and secure funding? Truly as Muslims we are instructed to "seek knowledge from the cradle to the grave" and you are on a very noble pursuit of knowledge in medical school. If you are unable to attend school elsewhere, are there other sources of funding that you can secure within Ghana? Also, it may not be too late to engage in dialogue with your church, because it appears that a root issue is a lack of understanding and respect for your decision to embrace Islam.

I don't know if this was helpful, but we're here for you.

[Richard]

Hi there,


I would suggest that you go see a place called AICP (Association of Islamic Charitable Projects). There are many people there you can meet and ask questions.


aicp.org/

Kind regards,

Richard from Australia