New Muslims face various challenges after converting or reverting to Islam.

I think that some simple advice is sufficient enough to overcome many of the obstacles which might face a new Muslim.

This advice encourages the new Muslim to focus on both spirituality, and also social relationships.

Spirituality

First, remember the sincerity in your heart when you first embraced Islam. While it is natural for faith to wax and wane, we may feel lost if ours gets too low. So remember the conviction you felt when you decided to become a Muslim, and when you declared your shahadah.

I spent months learning about Islam, even reading the Quran before deciding to embrace Islam, and months more before I ever started practicing.

But I never felt like reversing my decision because I remembered the incredible experience of declaring my shahadah– though it was on the phone! But at the time I had such conviction in my heart that Islam was the correct path, that I’ve had no need to reconsider. Even on days when I am weak in faith, that same conviction is still there, determined not to let go.

So remember the feeling of that certainty and the effort and prayer before it arrived. And then focus on your relationship with God. Prayer is a time to foster your faith, so maintain the presence of your heart and soul lest it becomes an empty ritual.

And read the Quran. Islam provides us these tools for increasing our faith. So when we feel that our faith is low we should turn first to God, through prayer and by reading His Book.

During the immense trials Prophet Muhammad faced, the Quran was sent to console and comfort him.

If the Quran was a comfort to him and his companions during times of difficulty, then why should it not be for us as well? If you aren’t able to read it in Arabic and understand it, then read a translation which can convey the meaning to you. Don’t let Satan put a barrier between you and the Quran.

Social Relations