How do I keep from straying from Islam?

[Wolfn]

Every now and then, shaitan (spelled correctly?) temps me to leave Islam. I guess because I'm not Arab, I'm the only Muslim where I live, etc. I feel like I don't belong. Any suggestions or advice?

[neelu]

Every now and then, shaitan (spelled correctly?) temps me to leave Islam. I guess because I'm not Arab, I'm the only Muslim where I live, etc. I feel like I don't belong. Any suggestions or advice?

Lol, that made me chuckle akhi. Shaytan tries to tempt EVERYONE regardless of where we are from- including Arabs. I'd strongly suggest that you consider moving to somewhere where there are other Muslims. Failing that, is there a nearby town with a masjid/Islamic centre that you can visit for Jummah? It would be worth keeping ties with somewhere like that. Are you absolutely sure you're the only Muslim where you live? I once moved to what looked like a total white town up north, but it didn't take me long to find a handful of Muslims running corner shops and takeaways. It doesn't sound like much but for me it was a Godsend to have Muslim friends I could visit for Iftar during Ramadhan and things like that. I'm betting there are a lot of Muslims around but cos' they don't recognise you as Muslim, they wouldn't necessarily introduce themselves to you in the street the way they did with me. It's not due to racism, I wear a headscarf so my identity is more obvious. In such a situation it makes a huge difference if you learn a bit of self confidence to approach other Muslims that you find and introduce yourself (sincere Muslims always love converts:inlove:). If all else fails, there's always the online Muslim communities like this one. Where abouts are you? I wonder if there are other Muslims on this forum not far from you.

[perfectpearl]

You are a muslim for Allah and not the people. Stay strong. Its your relgion. Arab non-arab doesn't matter. Religion has nothing with ethnicity. Our Porphet (saw) even mentioned that there is no difference between an arab and a non-arab except in Taqwa.

Islam Makes sense the most, I advise you to stick with it even if your the only one practicing it. :up: :

[THE PATH 2]

alhamdulillah 1 good way is to stay in contact with muslims online:)

remember that we are all affected by environment and propaganda.from shaitaan and elsewhere..

read about jannah and allahs promises for the believers inshaallah

also about tests for muslims in history and ..you will find you are NOT ALONE:)

[Sun_shine]

it is what is called exam in Islaam
Allah swt is trying to take ur exam to strengthen your faith

[FollowerOfMuhammad]

Go to a Masjid

[Asmara]

Study the religion extensively and go to your nearest mosque to pray whenever you can, especially for Jumaah (it is obligatory). Make muslim friends and stay away from those you have a bad influence on you.

Islam is not for Arabs. It's Allah's relgion for all of mankind. The Quran was sent down in Arabic for a reason. The Arab were terrible people and they did horrendous things like burying their daughter alive.

You chose Islam (guessing that you're a revert) because you saw that it's the truth. So just keep reminding yourself why you chose to revert. May Allah help you, and all of us.

[WhiteNnerdy]

Arabs come in all colors, shapes, and forms. One does not have to be an Arab to be a Muslim nor need to be an Arab to fit in with muslims.

[Brother-Smile]

Every now and then, shaitan (spelled correctly?) temps me to leave Islam. I guess because I'm not Arab, I'm the only Muslim where I live, etc. I feel like I don't belong. Any suggestions or advice?

Most importantly, what does your heart feel? When you go to sleep at night, then ponder and reflect on this.....do you really want to leave Islam?

[urban_rose]

Every now and then, shaitan (spelled correctly?) temps me to leave Islam. I guess because I'm not Arab, I'm the only Muslim where I live, etc. I feel like I don't belong. Any suggestions or advice?

akhi, thats what Shaytaan does....he made a promise to lure Muslims off the straight path and will do so until the Day of Qiyaamah...its got nothing to do with the fact that you're not an arab, there is no distinction at all concerning that, its because you have faith in the truth and inshAllah, if you keep strong to that, you will succeed against Shaytaan.

There are quite a few members here who live in non-muslim populated places, maybe you should talk to them, and see what they say, cause i dunno much about that :o there is Te'oma-ji and sis `asiya, who maybe can help inshAllah.

you could also try reading the Quraan regularly, especially at times when you feel that you need a boost in your imaan, and occupy yourself in dhikrUllah and in salaah.

just remember that Allah SWT tests his believers: The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "When Allah desires good for someone, He tries him with hardships." [Sahîh al-Bukhârî]


The Prophet (peace be upon him)said: "No fatigue, illness, anxiety, sorrow, harm or sadness afflicts any Muslim, even to the extent of a thorn pricking him, without Allah wiping out his sins by it." [Sahîh al-Bukhârî and Sahîh Muslim]


Hope someone can help you better, inshAllah :)

[strivin2jannah]

Asalaamu `aleykum wrwb,
Bro/sis im not sure if i can help...i dont really understand what you mean when u say "its couse your not arab".......
However i had difficulties with keeping on the Path.....my best advice inshallah is to increase your knowlegde all the time.....read books watch clips on talks, attend islamic conferences/talks and also attend your local mosque to get to know the few bro/sis in your area inshallah.....
What particularly helps me is to always carry a islamically related book with me or the translation of the Quran in english...so i can read it on the bus on my way to work/uni etc....this helps me to maintain a high imaan....
Hope it works out for you inshallah.....
and always remember that this life is a test...so your always gna struggle with your imaan
May Allah increase you in knowlgde and imaan. Ameen
Wa `aleykum salaam

[Emani]

I posted a thread similar to yours in the general section titled: "How do you strengthen your faith, Muslims please respond...." because I go through times when my faith feels weak, as it sounds like, we all do...check out the posts to that thread, and also, here is something that I cut and pasted from an article that a member sent to me (the link is on that thread):

"Just remember that Allah SWT tests his believers: The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "When Allah desires good for someone, He tries him with hardships." [Sahîh al-Bukhârî]


The Prophet (peace be upon him)said: "No fatigue, illness, anxiety, sorrow, harm or sadness afflicts any Muslim, even to the extent of a thorn pricking him, without Allah wiping out his sins by it." [Sahîh al-Bukhârî and Sahîh Muslim]"

[Un1ed]

Assalamu 'alaikum

Download some lectures that interest you (www.kalamullah.com) and listen to one every day or every few days. Read Qur'an daily, even if for a few minutes. Contemplate on the creation of Allah daily, even if just for 2 or 3 minutes, or while you're walking etc. Imagine jannah (Paradise) a lot till your heart is residing in it. Some days I feel like my heart isn't even in my body anymore, it's in jannah and I'm just trying to catch up to it. Attach yourself to your real home: the afterlife.

Realize that everything you go thru is a test, and try your best to be patient. Keep in contact with practicing muslims, even if just on the internet (if there arent any in your neighborhood). don't feel left out because you aren't an arab, it doesn't mean anything. Prophet Muhammad :saw: said there will come a time when there will barely be any arabs left. Don't leave a lot of free time for yourself for the shaytan to occupy your mind. Stay away from the things that eat away from your iman (i.e. TV). May Allah strengthen your iman