What Should I Learn Now That I Have Converted?
Answered by Ustadha Shazia Ahmad
Question
Hi, I’ve just become a Muslim. I need to know what courses I should learn first. Also, are there any restrictions for mental and physical disabilities? I have Fibromyalgia, Arthritis, Diabetes 2, chronic long-term depression, and social anxiety. I use a stick and mobility scooter. I’m on medication that contains Gelatin, probably pig. Another thing is, I’ve been approached to help with charity. I still have to learn how to pray.
Answer
Thank you for your question. May Allah reward you for accepting true guidance, and may He bless your journey and give you every ease with all the difficulties that you are currently facing.
The Best in Islam
The Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, “People are like ores. Those who were excellent in the Days of Ignorance are excellent in Islam, provided they acquire the knowledge and understanding of the religion (…).” [Bukhari; Muslim]
The first thing you should do is be thankful that Allah has given you this blessing; the best way to respond to this blessing is sincere action. Whatever you do, from here on out, you do it only for the sake of Allah Most High.
Gradually and Organically
Attend the mosque, meet other Muslims, and learn your obligatory worship and basic tenets of faith. Alongside this, or soon after, you can start learning how to read the Quran. There is no rush. Simply do your best with the energy and time that you have. Learn from books, from people, from your own contemplation, and make dua that Allah guides you in every step. It is possible to practice Islam with your disability as there are many dispensations and easier positions that you can follow. Seek the right guidance from our website and local, reliable scholars.
Please use these resources and start with the Introduction to Islam course:
- New to Islam Reader: A Trusted Collection of Resources for Converts
- Course: Introduction to Islam: What It Means to Be Muslim
- How Should a Recent Convert Build Their Knowledge of Islam?
May Allah give you the best of this world and the next.
[Ustadha] Shazia Ahmad
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
Ustadha Shazia Ahmad lived in Damascus, Syria, for two years, where she studied aqidah, fiqh, tajweed, tafsir, and Arabic. She then attended the University of Texas at Austin and completed her Master’s in Arabic. Afterward, she moved to Amman, Jordan, where she studied fiqh, Arabic, and other sciences. She later moved back to Mississauga, Canada, where she lives with her family.
