Responsibilities of Islamic Centers, Scholars, and the Faithful Community

Introduction

In recent decades, a remarkable phenomenon has unfolded across the United States and the Western world: men and women from diverse cultural, ethnic, and intellectual backgrounds have turned toward Islam in search of truth, meaning, and spiritual tranquility. Their journey is often illuminated by profound beauty—clarity of purpose, inner peace, and a direct relationship with God. Yet, this same journey is frequently marked by deep trials, loneliness, and hardship.

Islam does not romanticize hardship, nor does it ignore beauty. Rather, it presents faith as a path where light and struggle coexist, and where responsibility toward one another is a divine command.

The Qur’an reminds us:

﴿أَحَسِبَ ٱلنَّاسُ أَن يُتۡرَكُوٓا۟ أَن يَقُولُوٓا۟ ءَامَنَّا وَهُمۡ لَا يُفۡتَنُونَ﴾

“Do people think that they will be left alone because they say, ‘We believe,’ and will not be tested?”

(Qur’an 29:2)

For many new Muslims, these tests begin immediately after embracing Islam.

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The Beauty of Conversion: Faith, Identity, and Divine Nearness

For converts, Islam often answers questions that lingered for years:

Who am I? Why am I here? What is my relationship with God?

The beauty of tawḥīd (pure monotheism) liberates the soul from confusion and fragmentation. Converts often describe a newfound serenity, a moral compass rooted in revelation, and a sense of dignity previously unknown.

Allah says:

﴿أَلَا بِذِكۡرِ ٱللَّهِ تَطۡمَئِنُّ ٱلۡقُلُوبُ﴾

“Surely, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest.”

(Qur’an 13:28)

Imam ʿAlī (PBUH ) beautifully captures this transformation:

«الإيمانُ معرفةٌ بالقلب، وإقرارٌ باللسان، وعملٌ بالأركان»

“Faith is recognition by the heart, affirmation by the tongue, and action by the limbs.”

(Nahj al-Balāgha)

For converts, faith is not inherited—it is earned, often at a high personal cost.

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Family Challenges: Rejection, Fear, and Emotional Isolation

One of the most painful trials faced by new Muslims is family rejection. Parents may feel betrayed, spouses threatened, and relatives fearful—often due to misinformation, Islamophobia, or cultural prejudice.

Some converts are cut off emotionally, others financially, and some entirely. This isolation can lead to depression and spiritual exhaustion if not properly supported.

The Qur’an addresses this reality with compassion and guidance:

﴿وَإِن جَـٰهَدَاكَ عَلَىٰٓ أَن تُشۡرِكَ بِي مَا لَيۡسَ لَكَ بِهِۦ عِلۡمٞ فَلَا تُطِعۡهُمَا وَصَاحِبۡهُمَا فِي ٱلدُّنۡيَا مَعۡرُوفٗا﴾

“If they strive to make you associate with Me that of which you have no knowledge, do not obey them—but keep their company in this world with kindness.”

(Qur’an 31:15)

Islam demands firmness in faith without cruelty, and patience without surrendering principles.

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Social and Cultural Challenges: Between Two Worlds

Many converts find themselves suspended between worlds:

• Not fully accepted by their former social circles

• Not fully integrated into Muslim communities shaped by ethnicity and culture

Mosques may unintentionally alienate converts through language barriers, cultural norms, or lack of inclusive programming. This is not merely a social failure—it is a religious one.

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ warned:

«المسلمُ أخو المسلم، لا يَظلِمُه ولا يَخذُلُه»

“A Muslim is the brother of another Muslim; he does not oppress him nor abandon him.”

(Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī)

Abandonment can be silent—and devastating.

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Economic Hardships: Faith at a Financial Cost

Some converts lose employment due to visible religious identity, prayer accommodations, or refusal to participate in unethical practices. Others lack family safety nets that born-Muslims often rely upon.

Islamic centers must recognize that financial insecurity can shake even strong faith.

Imam Jaʿfar al-Ṣādiq ( PBUH) said:

«كادَ الفقرُ أن يكونَ كفرًا»

“Poverty nearly leads to disbelief.”

(Al-Kāfī)

Economic support is not charity alone—it is faith preservation.

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Marriage Challenges: Vulnerability and Exploitation

Marriage is among the most sensitive struggles for converts, especially women. Many face:

• Cultural gatekeeping

• Unrealistic expectations

• Exploitation under the guise of “religion”

• Pressure to accept unhealthy or secret marriages

The Qur’an sets a clear moral standard:

﴿إِنَّ أَكۡرَمَكُمۡ عِندَ ٱللَّهِ أَتۡقَىٰكُمۡ﴾

“Surely the most honorable of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous among you.”

(Qur’an 49:13)

Imam al-Bāqir ( PBUH ) said:

«مَن زوَّجَ كريمةً من كرام المسلمين فقد أحسن إليها»

“Whoever marries a noble woman from the believers and honors her has done good to her.”

Converts must be protected, educated, and honored—not treated as “less Muslim.”

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Historical Precedent: Converts at the Heart of Islam

Islamic history is rich with converts who bore immense hardship:

• Salman al-Farsi endured exile and slavery

• Bilāl al-Ḥabashi faced torture and humiliation

• Ammār ibn Yāsir lost his parents to martyrdom

Yet the Prophet ﷺ elevated them, embraced them, and centered them in the community.

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Duties of Islamic Centers, Scholars, and the Faithful

1. Islamic Centers

• Establish structured convert support programs

• Provide mentorship, counseling, and financial assistance

• Create inclusive, language-accessible spaces

2. Scholars and Religious Leaders

• Understand Western social realities.

• Protect converts from abuse and misinformation.

• Offer gradual, compassionate education.

Imam ʿAlī (عليه السلام) said:

«كونوا دعاةً للناس بغير ألسنتكم»

“Be callers to the people without your tongues.”

(Nahj al-Balāgha)

3. The Faithful Community

• Embrace converts as family, not projects.

• Avoid cultural arrogance.

• Offer genuine friendship and long-term support.

Allah commands:

﴿وَتَعَاوَنُوا۟ عَلَى ٱلۡبِرِّ وَٱلتَّقۡوَىٰ﴾

“Cooperate with one another in righteousness and piety.”

(Qur’an 5:2)

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Conclusion

To accept Islam in the West is an act of courage, sincerity, and sacrifice. Converts carry the light of faith into environments often hostile to it. Their struggles are not marginal—they are a mirror reflecting the health of our communities.

If Islamic centers, scholars, and believers fail them, we fail Islam’s moral test.

But if we stand with them—educate, protect, and honor them—then we revive the prophetic spirit that built Islam from hearts, not heritage.

May Allah make us worthy companions on this sacred journey.

﴿رَبَّنَا ٱغۡفِرۡ لَنَا وَلِإِخۡوَٰنِنَا ٱلَّذِينَ سَبَقُونَا بِٱلۡإِيمَٰنِ﴾

“Our Lord, forgive us and our brothers who preceded us in faith.”

(Qur’an 59:10)

السلام علیکم و رحمة الله و برکاته. 

Insignificant servant of Allah, 

Sayed Abazar Wahedi.