Yay for Saturday!

Assalaam Alakium ladies!

Happy Saturday! The Writer actually has the day off so we get two free days! This rarely ever happens so we're going to try to make the best of it. Maybe we'll hit up the mall in a few since it's rainy outside. Alhamdulliah for the rain, we've needed it here in Houston. We had like a year long drought here so this rain is a good thing. =)

Last night I made the staple dinner around here, tilapia, brown rice and veggies. I was going to mix it up by making tilapia tacos but had a headache so just rolled with something easy. After dinner we just lounged around  until I passed out around 10. Migraines are no joke. 

Today is our family day so we're going to head off to visit the family. Layla time! She's the most adorable kid around. It's nice coming into a family bigger than my own. I only have one brother who is younger than me and he didn't live with us for awhile so for a long time I was kind of the "only child". I always wanted a sister and now I have two! 

Yup, she's the coolest!

I think having siblings, especially who are your gender and close in age keeps you grounded and out of trouble. Since I only had one sibling who was gone for awhile I gravated towards my friends. I spent every waking moment with them, and would often times only come home if I had to. My friends and I got into trouble and did things we shouldn't have. InshAllah if the Writer and I are ever blessed with children I would want siblings for my them. We'll see what Allah has in store for us. =)

What is your take on family? Do you want a large or small family?

Did you grow up in a large family? If so, how do you think it shaped you as a person?

Have a great Saturday!

Wasalaam,

~Hijabi Butterfly~

"Why did you become Muslim, sister?"

I get asked this question A LOT, in fact more than anything else. People want to know what drew me to Islam and to eventually become a Muslim. I remember being thrilled whenever someone asked me because I loved telling my story however, as the years have gone by I wonder if this is the only thing that matters to some people.

I understand the need to know "why", I ask "why" questions frequently. So much so, some people get irritated that I just can't take things at "face value". It's in my nature to know the why behind things so I totally understand this question. I also want to get it out there that as a convert, I don't want to be "just a story". I'm more than just my journey to Islam. There are so many reasons I chose this way of life but there are so many different layers as to what makes me......me. Get it?

Maybe someday I'll post an in-depth story, but for now I'd like to just write about my experiences as a non Muslim, new Muslim and Muslim of almost four years. I've evolved over the past five years and want to share it with you all. I think my experiences will be of more benefit than just my story and can help people who are in the those three stages I spoke of.

Converts need more than just a "Salaam, how are you?" approach. Converts need to know they have someone to talk to and can understand what they are going through. As a new convert, I was comforted with so many changes and it took me awhile to adapt certain things, like the hijab. Not all converts are the same, just like anyone else. Some converts start wearing the hijab as soon as they convert, maybe even before while others pray before they have converted.

My advice for those of you who were raised as Muslims, please be patient with us converts especially in our early days. Knowledge isn't learned overnight. It's important to think about what you are going to say before you say it and to always give your sisters in Islam the benefit of the doubt.

That's just a little insight from me, I need to get to bed soon. Huge headache... :(

I'll be back in the morning inshAllah

Wasalaam,

~Hijabi Butterfly~