Accepting Islam: What Do You Tell Your Family?

Islam is an amazing religion; it is something that changes your entire life. As someone from a Puerto Rican and African American background in New York, I found that Islam offers a depth I never experienced before.

Growing up, religion felt like something reserved for special occasions—weddings, baptisms, or going to church for Christmas only to return to the “old life” the next day. Fasting changed my life because it moved me beyond ritual into a true, daily practice of faith. I pray that one day, in-sha-Allah, my family will see the beauty in this path as I have.

My First Ramadan Experience: How It All Started

Interestingly, my first experience with fasting didn’t happen when I was a Muslim. Sometime before Ramadan, I woke up with the sudden urge to fast. Even though it wasn’t the holy month yet, I decided to do it anyway.

I worked the whole day and realized everything went fine without food. I had met the challenge! I then decided to try fasting for the entire month of Ramadan. At the time, I wasn’t doing it for religious reasons—it was a personal test.

Finding Peace Through the Fast

When I finished that month, it felt like a massive personal accomplishment. But more than that, I felt peace. I felt a kind of love that I had never received from my own family members. It was about three weeks after that first Ramadan that I decided I was going to convert.

September 13, 2009: The Day Everything Changed

I officially converted on September 13, 2009. While the moment itself felt like any other day, the following morning was incredible. Before my journey toward finding peace in Islam, I was going through many tribulations—arguments and fights that had burnt many bridges.

The moment I converted, an intense peace covered my heart. I knew right then that things would turn around for the better. I continued fasting, and it has been amazing ever since.

Days of Fasting: Sisterhood and Community

Now, during Ramadan, I spend my time seeking community. I want to be with my sisters in faith. Right after work, I prepare myself and head to the Islamic Center in Brooklyn. During that time of year, I refuse to do anything else.

I have explored other religions and spent time with my biological family, but I never got the feeling I have now. With my sisters in Islam, I learned how to truly hug. I learned how to tell people, “I love you!”

By Sister Bennet