As you may know, Islam literally means, “submission to the will of God.” For many people there are multiple layers to what Islam looks and feels like. This is far beyond the pillars and articles of faith. It’s the beauty of your own lens as it is tries to focus on an intricate kaleidoscope bursting with colors. For me, I feel at ease and comforted. Everything feels right, even when it goes awry.

As a revert to Islam there are many new aspects to live and everyday living that you become aware of. This can be a bit of a “culture shock” if you come from a more westernized region of the world, but it’s really not as hard as you may thing. Of course there are the “haram police” which are people that will find joy in telling you that everything you are doing is wrong, but this is your journey, not theirs…. always remember that! None of us are perfect and we could all be better humans at the end of the day. Of course helping your fellow Muslim is great, but it should be private and in a genuine effort to educate, not to be condescending.

There are five (5) pillars in Islam, that over two billion followers around the world adhere to:

• The Profession of Faith (shahada). The belief that “There is no god but God, and Muhammad (pbuh) is the Messenger of God.”
• Prayer (salat)
• Alms (zakat)
• Fasting (sawm)
• Pilgrimage (hajj)

There are also seven (7) articles of faith:

• Belief in the Oneness of God
• Belief in the Angels
• Belief in the Revelations (Books) of God
• Belief in the Prophets of God
• Belief in the Day of Judgment
• Belief in Premeasurement (Qadar/Qadr)
• Belief in Resurrection after Death