15 June 2008

CONFESSION OF A CONVERT

I came across a few issues recently regarding of converts in the media and some blogs in malaysiakini.com. In the past few years we read that in some cases the deceased of a convert is taken away from their family by relevant authorities for burial according to muslim rites. And recently there were issues regarding of converts wanting to go back to their original religion due through divorce or death. It's sad to see such situation, as the family is not aware of their spouse, or siblings conversion of religion. I have been a convert for almost 20 years now, and still a muslim, honestly and sincerely the relevant bodies, have not made it clearly to new converts of the consequences and also not given proper guidances and followup of their progress as a convert. And to make matters worse, the very people or fellow muslims who are all regarded as brothers and sisters are not making things easier for converts. They infact confuse converts like me. They dont pratice what they preach. Accusation such as i am not a good muslim, only by name. Well, maybe i am not a perfect muslim, but it's muslim like this, that gives a bad image to others. The sad thing about this, is the couple is only in their 20s, and i am 48. Is this what Islam taught them? Is this the fault of their upbringing? What happen to the respect,culture and humbility of being a muslim? Infact i regarded this family as mine. I really hope that muslim converts are given better guidances and not be treated any different with other muslims.

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