This post is first of many to come of Her Journey To God series (inshaAllah).

This series is my effort to help New Muslim Women – whether they reverted to Islam or started practicing Islam more seriously. If you find it beneficial, do share inshaAllah.

Bismillah

One of the first struggles New Muslimahs experience is Inner Conflict or Identity Shift. Feeling like you’re starting life all over again, questioning “Who am I now?”

When you have lived a life one way for how long ever you have (20s, 30s, 40s, etc) and then you have to suddenly change almost everything – it takes a toll on a person’s emotional state. And often discussing this with other Muslims isn’t easy because of fear of being judged or even being misunderstood that maybe you aren’t happy with your decision to chose Islam as a way of life. Discussing with non Muslims isn’t an ideal solution either as they may actually try to push you away from Islam at your weak moment.

Just because you chose the *right thing* doesn’t mean you will not feel any resistance emotionally. It takes time and it’s OKAY! Your greatest achievement is the fact that you decided to choose Islam as a way of life – many sit in limbo (Muslim or non Muslim) and don’t take that decision. So give yourself the credit you deserve and the pat on the back 🙂 Alhamdulillah

The question “Who am I now?” can be beginning of a mental roller coaster if not got hold of in time.

The good part is – you can choose to take charge of it!

Starting over isn’t always a bad thing – some times it’s actually a very amazing opportunity. Clean slate means you can create anything you like 😀

Create WHO YOU ARE!

Decide WHO YOU ARE!

Take a paper, write down an amazing version of you that YOU want to be – an amazing Muslimah – start living your life like that Muslimah!

Each day, go back to it and decide again to be that Muslimah!

You’ll fall

You’ll make mistakes

But it’s all part of being a human – as long as you get back up again, YOU GOT THIS!

Our imperfections aren’t supposed to drown us in depression, rather to guide us towards the perfection of our Lord.

Our sins shouldn’t drag us in a state wherein we forget Who the Most Merciful and Most Forgiving is.

Nobody is perfect.

No Muslim is perfect – if anyone is portraiting that version, trust me they are lying to themselves before anyone else.

Your journey is uniquely yours. Take joy in the fact that your Lord is closer to you than your jagular vein and He my Love is working on you, He is consistently there with you as you build the version of yourself that you’ll be super proud of!

Quick self tip – don’t hesitate to seek help. Yes, there are imperfect Muslims who are far behind in learning how to engage with and support new Muslimahs – but there are those too who are truly going to understand you and support you. Not everyone is judgemental. If someone does misunderstand you or judge you, alhamdulillah you can take charge of the situation by moving away and choosing someone else to connect with. Above all stay connected with Allah, even if you are struggling with consistently praying salah, take 2 mins daily (time it if you need to) and read Quran translation – anchor yourself in the word of God.

Quick Tip to Community – we need to create more judgement free spaces where sisters can express themselves and be redirected in a respectful compassionate way. No one is perfect. Keep trying. Support one soul at a time. If you can’t create a judgement free safe community, then Be The Community 🙂 Ibrahim was a community himself!

Your Nafs Transformation Coach

Areena Ali Memon

Thrivingwithareena@gmail.com