What's Holding You Back?

You've studied it all, it all makes sense but something is holding you back! You're still not ready to take shahadah. Why? I think if you ask most people who have already converted to look back and name the reasons they held back for so long, they will usually be two things; hijab and polygamy. That would be for women. I can't speak for men but I'm sure that abstaining from alcohol and lowering their gaze would be tops on their list but I could be wrong. Aside from that many state the loss of friends, family and jobs. Everyone has their reasons. Someone, related to me, is interested in converting and the thing that is holding them back is lack of community support. If this person converts they will never have an imam to turn to since there is none, a mosque that's always open as there is no imam to open it for all the prayers, a community that will embrace you socially as they have no interest in including converts and  a mosque that teaches Islam and Quran as they refuse to teach adults as only children are paid for by the Ontario Gov't. Converting for this person would be like falling into a black hole. Not that becoming Muslim is a negative thing since it is fulfilling and uplifting on its own but no man is an island and we were never created to go it alone. Of course there is me but I'm only one person and I cannot teach Quran as I am still learning myself and on top of that our Quran teacher is leaving to go overseas in a month. (this teacher lives two towns over from my relative). I think most people would say take the leap and convert and trust in Allah but where are those same people when the converts become disenchanted and give up hope and give up Islam? Are you your sister's/brother's keeper? Yes you are! I heard that during last jumuah prayer a woman converted to Islam. I have no idea who she is or how she came to our mosque but I wonder how she will cope in a community that doesn't care. Will you adopt a convert today? We are not asking that you give up your daily coffee, just take a convert out for one. Let's build this ummah! What say you?