My friend wants to convert to Islam. What should I do?

In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful

Asalaamu 'Alaikum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuhu b

 

Insha'Allah this message reaches you in iman and well being.

 

Before I suggest a list of prioritized 'to-dos', I do recommend that you sit with a local scholar or religious elder with whom you can address these questions. The answers that I will provide are mostly based on technical responsibilities for a Muslim wife and a new Muslim. Depending on her particular circumstances, there may be additional or alterative advice that may be more suitable to her life situation.

 

It is no doubt a blessing and joy to hear of your friend's submission to Islam. May Allah grant her strong faith and an excellent practice of the Religion. It has come in hadith that "Whoever Allah wants good for He gives him [or her] understanding of the Religion" (Bukhari and Muslim)  

 

In terms of Islamic education, the first thing the sister should be taught is how to pray. She should begin learning this immediately. It comes in hadith that the first thing we will be asked about on the Day of Resurrection is our performance of the obligatory prayer. Furthermore, prayer is a main pillar in the life of the Muslim, by which he or she is enjoined to the good and prevented from many evils.

 

The sister has the right to be taught how to make ablution (wudu) and pray (salah) by someone in the community. If there is not a teacher available to instruct her, you may follow one of these books.

 

In the Hanafi Madthab: The Absolute Essentials of Islam. Faraz Rabbani.

 

In the Shafi'i Mathab: Al-Maqasid of Imam Al-Nawawi. Tr. Nuh Keller.

 

It is advisable to suggest to the sister that she select a School (madhhab) to follow from the very beginning of her Islam. As a convert myself, I can guarantee that this will make the whole learning process easier for her.

 

You can introduce her to the background of Madhabs through the following link: "What is a Madhhab?" by Sheikh Nuh Keller.

 

It is an extremely warm and welcoming gesture to extend a gift to the sister. I would suggest that you prepare a "Welcome" gift bag, with some or all of the following items:

 

1) A prayer rug

2) A prayer outfit (something to wear for prayer)

3) One of the two Fiqh books mentioned above

4) Translation of Riyad As-Saliheen of Imam Nawawi.

5) Shifa of Qadi Iyad:

6) A card offer to enroll her in one of SunniPath's classes of her choice. www.sunnipath.com

 

All these gifts can get expensive, so ask your community's support in providing a welcoming gift package for the new Muslim in your community.

I hope this answers your immediate questions. If you need further assistance, please do contact us.

And Allah Knows Best