From Shahada to Sisterhood: Welcoming Our Newest Muslims with Open Arms

Giving a Warm Welcome to our New Shahada's

We dedicate this post is to three remarkable women who embraced Islam this past Ramadan. Their stories, captured in the videos below—are a testament to the strength, courage, and resilience it takes to embrace the truth, especially in today’s climate of fear, hate, and misinformation. Despite it all, they chose submission to Allah ﷻ. They chose light. And we ask Allah to protect them, keep their hearts firm, and make their journey one of ease, joy, and deep connection to Him.

Don't be from those who push away the New Shahada's

To my more experienced sisters in Islam, please take this as a sincere reminder from the heart. Be gentle with those who are just arriving. Some of our new sisters are coming into Islam during incredibly difficult times—surrounded by hostility and animosity. That kind of courage deserves love, not judgment.

Some of you more experienced Muslimahs are turning new sisters away with harsh looks, judgmental comments, and unwelcoming behavior. New sisters who may come into the masjid or to sisters gatherings wearing tight clothes, without hijab, or maybe not knowing the etiquettes of Islam, you ladies are pushing them away. 

We hear so many stories from New Shahada's that say they were treated poorly by sisters at such and such masjid. Why are we doing this to them? Have we forgotten our Islamic manners? How can you expect someone to come to the Deen if they are treated rudely with nasty comments and sneering glares? Most of us living in the west are reverts. Don't you remember how hard it was being a new Muslim?

Maybe they ask questions you think are obvious. Maybe they have on false eyelashes or long fingernails and heavy perfume. Don’t be harsh with them, remember they’re trying and they’re searching. These sisters embarked on the path of righteousness and uprightness, the path toward Allah ﷻ. Let’s not be the ones who make them feel small for that. Let's not run them away from the Deen with cold stares, rude behavior or cutting words. Doing these kinds of things only reflect our own insecurities, not their sincerity.

Guidance from the Qur'an

Allah ﷻ gives us guidance in Surah ‘Abasa, when He admonished the Prophet ﷺ for turning away from a sincere seeker in favor of someone more prominent:

"(1) He frowned and turned away,
(2) Because there came to him the blind man (Ibn Umm Maktum, who came to the Prophet ﷺ while he was preaching to one or some of the Quraish chiefs)
(3) But what could tell you that per chance he might become pure [from sins]?
(4) Or that he might receive admonition, and that the admonition might profit him?
(5) As for him who thinks himself self-sufficient,
(6) To him you attend;
(7) What does it matter to you if he will not become pure [from disbelief, you are only a warner]?
(8) But as to him who came to you running,
(9) And is afraid [of Allah and His Punishment],
(10) Of him you are neglectful and divert your attention to another,
(11) Nay (do not do like this), indeed it (this Qur’an) is an admonition."
— Surah ‘Abasa (80:1–11), Muhsin Khan translation

If Allah ﷻreminded the Messenger of Allah to prioritize the sincere seeker, what excuse do we have to look down on someone striving for truth? We have got to do better ladies.

And to our beautiful new sisters in Islam: we see you. We admire your courage. You are not alone. The road ahead may have its tests but never doubt your place here. You are part of this Ummah now, and your presence is a blessing to us.

May Allah ﷻ protect your hearts, strengthen your faith, and place people around you who reflect the mercy and character of the Prophet ﷺ. Take your time. Ask your questions. Grow at your pace. 

May your journey be filled with barakah, ease, and sisters who embrace you with love, support and encouragement.

You’re not alone and we’re honored to walk alongside you 💞