A few questions...

[ianna_kur]

Hello,
I am so happy to see this DU group :-) My husband and I began reading the Qur'An together about a year ago, and decided to observe Ramadan this year. It was a life changing month for both of us. Due to growing up in the United States, neither he nor I had much exposure to Islam prior to our decision to learn more about the religion. I have a few questions, and I am hoping that someone here is able to answer them :-)

1. I would like to begin praying daily, but I don't know how, and I also do not speak Arabic. Are there any sites where I can learn the proper forms? Do the prayers need to be in Arabic?

2. Both my husband and I would like to attend Mosque. Even though we have not converted, would we be welcome? How do I go about this? What are the customs to follow?

3. We both would like to learn Arabic so as to be able to read the Qur'An in its non-translated form. Any tips?

Thank you in advance.

[PsychoDad]

1. Hamdulilah!

Salaam Alikum (Peace to you)

I think it's wonderful that both you and your husband are exploring this together. If I can be of any help, please let me know.

"1. I would like to begin praying daily, but I don't know how, and I also do not speak Arabic. Are there any sites where I can learn the proper forms? Do the prayers need to be in Arabic?"

You don't need to know Arabic to pray your 5 daily salat (prayers) it's quite alright to use your native tounge until you learn some arabic.

Here is a free multimedia tool to help you learn your salat: http://www.iisna.com/downloads/cybersalat.htm and a site that explains how to perform the ritual washing (wudoo) and the prayer: http://www.jannah.com/learn/prayer.html
Other sources:
http://www.islamicfinder.org/prayer/index.html

Remember it's quite alright to say it in english and use "crib notes, or cheat sheets" until you have the basics down. And if the motions are too physicaly demanding, it is quite alright to do the prayer sitting in a chair. The important thing in Islam is the intention of our deeds, and remember this time is for you and your God to be together.

Try and memorize Sura Al Fatiha, the first sura in the Quran, at least in English then Arabic as you will say this once each rakat. It's not hard, it's only 7 short verses :).

Also I recomend the Athan (Azan) software found at http://www.islamicfinder.org/ . That will give you the prayer times for your location as well as the direction of the Kabba.


"2. Both my husband and I would like to attend Mosque. Even though we have not converted, would we be welcome? How do I go about this? What are the customs to follow?"

Everyone is welcome in the house of Allah it matters not if you are not Muslim. If you live in a large metro area then finding a Masjid (mosque) should be pretty easy.
http://www.islamicfinder.org/
can help you find one near you as well as offer more general info.

You may wish to call ahead and see if there is a community night. This is a good time to visit. Fridays around 1 in the afternoon is also a good time as that is when the friday surmon (Jumma Kutbah) is given.

As far as customs, simply dress modestly and be respectful. Normally the Women and Men have seperate meeting areas, although this is not always the case. Shoes are not permitted inside the mosque and there is a place for them just inside the door.

And please keep in mind, many of the Brothers and Sisters may not be American or very conversant in English, so some may be a little shy, please don't take this as them being aloof or alienating.

"3. We both would like to learn Arabic so as to be able to read the Qur'An in its non-translated form. Any tips?"

There are a number of resources free and paid on the web, but the best way would to see if a local mosque is offering Quranic Arabic courses. Normaly these are free and there is no substitute for learning with a real person.

Don't feel intimidated by everything. We have the rest of our lives to work on perfecting our Islam :) Take it easy, just little steps are the best. I'm also an American convert, going on about 4 years now, and if I can learn then anyone can.

If you have anymore questions, please feel free to ask. :)

Peace.

[ianna_kur]

4. Thank you for the links and the information

I must say, that I was greatly relieved when I saw that this forum section had been created on DU. I am rather private about my beliefs, and so I had been having a hard time locating somewhere to ask questions :-)

I read a beautiful essay regarding the 'call of the One' in reference to the use of the term 'reverting' instead of 'converting'. I will try to find the link if anyone would like to read it. The ideas and terms conveyed in the article very much were akin to how this past year has been for myself and my husband.

I don't have any more questions at the moment, but I will most definitely post them when I do :-)

Thank you again.

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

2. I am so glad to hear of your experience!

I think you will find that when you are among Muslims, you feel that you are at home. That has always been my experience.

PsychoDad has given you some great links. If you find that you aren't in an area with a mosque, that doesn't mean that you cannot do prayers with others. We Sufis usually pray together in homes, though there are some meeting places where we gather as well. I hope that you have the opportunity to experience the spiritual community in prayer and also in zkr, a ceremony of remembrance that Sufis practice.

[ianna_kur]

5. So far that has been my experience,

Though this forum has been my only interaction with Muslims who I have not already known. :-)

One of the most heart-lifting experiences I've ever felt has been realizing that there is a whole community of people who affirm the unity of Allah. I realize that may sound strange, but I had never before really known anything of Islam. So all of this is a bit of a surprise to me. It gives me hope for the world. I hope that makes sense. :-)

We do have a Mosque fairly close by, but how would I go about finding local prayer meetings as well?

Thank you in advance.

[plasticwidow]

8. Local Prayer Meetings

You can either call and ask for their prayer times at the Mosque. Or you can go to www.islamicfinder.com and enter your town/city, zip and it will give prayer times and Islamic organizations in your area. And contact information, etc.

My apologies, when I replied to your post, I had completely missed your question about finding local prayer times.

Hope this helps.

Peace to you!

[plasticwidow]

3. A Link/URL to learn Arabic for free!

Salaam Alaykum!!! This is wonderful having an Islamic/Muslim group! And finally I can post in here as well! It is wonderful to see posts in here already and responses.

I am right now in the reading stage, and PsychoDad has done an excellent job in giving information and bringing some enlightening facts and interesting tidbits to this forum.

I would like to add this URL for those who wish to learn Arabic at a non-paying site (it is free although they do have a "donation" button for those who have the ability and wish to donate). I have looked over the site and I think it is excellent.

You have two options to learn Arabic:
Arabic Reading Course (for those who cannot read arabic script)
Arabic Language Court (for those who can)

The links are found at the top of the main page and you can click on either to learn more what they are about.

They are broken up into lessons.. and have *clickable* areas for each letter, word, or phrase, to hear it in arabic, plus the arabic script for each, plus the names and sounds of each letter, word or phrase. It is set up just like a course outline if you would go to school for it. It is extremely well thought out.

Anyway, here is the url/link: http://www.madinaharabic.com

Peace!!
:hi:

[ianna_kur]

6. Wonderful!

Thank you so much for that link!
Insha'Allah I and my household are on our way to learning to read Arabic.


Thank you again :-)

[plasticwidow]

7. URLs and Links..

You are most welcome, ianna. I will be posting from time to time urls and links to various sources. If anyone sees a link or url that is contrary to islamic belief that I have posted, please let me know and correct me. I don't like to "pay" for information and education, we don't have a lot of money, so the internet provides a wonderful source of information and learning experiences. Unfortunately others exploit that as well, and it is easy to become mis-informed as well.

Peace!