Yesterday a young man in South London, who had just returned a few days earlier from his military duty in Afghanistan, got into a taxi. The taxi driver happened to be a regular Somali attendee at my Local mosque, and he begun talking to this young man about general day to day matters, including the faith aspect of his life. This soldier had been struggling with emotional baggage, and was having deep psychological problems because of his time in Afghanistan, and said sternly to the driver to take him straight away to the mosque, quickly-as if the situation were life or death. The driver complied. 

As soon as this soldier arrived into the mosque, he found it difficult to speak properly. Sitting around with the Sheikh’s of the mosque, he told his story, having intervals in which he could not stop crying. He had seen the beauty that is Islam, subhan’Allah, and at one point he went down to the ground in Sujood (prostration to God), and proclaimed from that position that he did not want to get up. Before leaving he managed to get everyone in tears, and took his Shahadah and converted to Islam. 

I thought I’d share this story, seeing as it happened at my masjid and is such a beautiful story. 

Assalamualeikum! I have been raised in a pretty strong Catholic family, however I have already made the decision to convert! Is there anything I should be doing before I make my conversion to strengthen my connection with God and how do I go about contacting the mosque in my area! :D thank you

Wa Aleikumussalam Wa Rahmatullah! Usually I answer questions in order of asked but this one will have to skip a few because you’ve literally made my day. Subhan’Allah! Welcome to Islam. If you have taken the Shahadah then you have become a Muslim officially, as you have made the testimony to Allah and this can be done alone, but it is best to go to a mosque to talk to fellow brothers who will most definitely help you with prayers etc. Just go to the mosque at any time and ask someone if you may speak to the Imam/Sheikh. It’s as simple as that, we are all very welcoming, no forms to fill or nothing. And I seriously promote this website too much, but it is incredible for resources, especially for New Muslims so do check it out:

http://kalamullah.com/new-muslims.html

And the inbox you sent to me after this message is a very important statement, it’s essential that this is something genuine you are feeling, I am so excited for you Brother, may Allah make your transition to Islam easy and beautiful. And remember that when you revert, your slate will be wiped clean. No sins, nothing. You get to start afresh. Do let me know if you have more questions.