Bismillah al Rahman al Rahim.
Salaam alaikum!
This blog was inspired by my mom and aunt. I am new to this whole thing so bare with me while I do my best to figure this whole thing out. My mom said.. you need to write about you experience as an American woman who reverted to Islam and I agreed because I am tired of the media attempting to tell the world what they think my life, other women who revert to Islam’s life is like and everything else in between. Let me be clear.. I am only expressing my thoughts and opinions here – no one else’s.
My aunt urged me to write a blog because I am a avid reader of news, current events and anything that sparks my interest. She reads every, news clip, article or random interesting fact I post on my Facebook.. faithfully every morning and said.. I needed to start giving my analysis on the issues I thought are of interest to myself and others. Whew.. good to know I got that degree in International Security and Conflict Resolution.. Right?
So about me… Pisces born in 1983 in Chicago, IL USA – yes I am an “old soul”. Reverted in 2007 in San Diego, CA USA. I have an unhealthy fascination with flannel, warm socks, tea, arts and crafts not to mention history and current events.
I am passionate about social justice, food justice and being green. I am a bookworm I go no where without something to read. I read a lot of heavy stuff – like Norman Finkelstein, Robert Fisk, Caleb Carr, Vamik Vulkan, Simon Reeve, Iqbal Ahmad, Edward Said – but I balance it out with “mind candy,” as I call it – meaning romance, fiction and just funny reads.
I enjoy a range of hobbies including but not limited to photography, travel, music, movies, volunteering, attending Islamic events and lectures.
I have traveled and lived in Illinois, Colorado, California and Egypt- I look forward to seeing more of the world.
I currently serve as an Peace Corps Volunteer in Morocco – November 2011- 2013.
If I push your boundaries and make you thinking critically about this world or something else- that’s the point.
If you didn’t already noticed the Creative Common’s license -please check that out before you decide to alter or share my blog for publication, a book, article etc.. If you are tweeting a post or posting to FB that’s fine.. but if you’re a journalist, writer, researcher etc and wanting to use a portion of this blog.. please send an email to me first. Thank you!
Enjoy. InshaAllah. Wa alaikum salaam.
P.S. I will update this part randomly.. and as things in my life change. 
How nice to find you–another American revert! Although I’m a lot older than you (like 30 years), we would probably have some things in common. I’m a fairly new Muslim–this is my first Ramadan–and I’m struggling with all the changes and all I have to learn, but I wouldn’t leave this religion for anything. I look forward to visiting your blog and reading your thoughts.
Ramadan Kareem!
Salaam Alaikum Ellen,
I love that your a convert too! InshaAllah you come back so.. my blog is pretty diverse.. and I am just kinda getting the hang of it.
Age doesn’t prevent me from making new friends! My family calls me an old soul!
So feel free to drop by and leave a comment or just follow my crazy self on twitter!
Wa alaikum salaam wr wb
It is always great to know free minded people like both of you.
For me, to introduce myself, i am on the other side, the opposite of you both, i left Islam like 3 years ago, i am now an agnostic (actually apatheist) irreligious man. But i am really interested to know the reason each of you have chosen to convert to Islam. Not to revise my situation (may be, but less probable), but that seems to me to be fairly out of curiosity.
Well Khaled.. I may just do that one of these days.. but I have to admit I think my story is more boring than most when it comes to a convert story.
Asalamoalaikum warakhmatullahi wabarakatoh
May you be in the best of health and Emaan inshaAllah.
Alhamdulillah sisters, u are of those who have seen the light, as am I. Truly we are blessed, and fortunate. @Khalid Khalil WHY would you turn away from the obvious truth when those with sense are turning toward it? Surely you are misguided, PLEASE repent and return , Allaah is oft-Forgiving, ever-Merciful. I tell you only because as a Muslimah it is a duty upon me, at the end of the day you are going to your grave and I am going to mine, and none will be accountable for the other. I pray for you, as will any Muslim who reads your sad and unfortunate story.
Assalam o Allaqum , mohtarma, alicia , you are a good leady , thinkikng are , Allah ho tubark taala , w,ll give you reward ,all aover the world our women (mulim women ) are going to be librlmore near to ,,ladeed,, this time demands us to give them attention and make them true muslim women , i pray ,you do and success, iam Muhammad Nawaz Tahir , working in urdu news web site , dailypak.com……..Lahor,pakistan
Wa alaikum salaam wr wb,
Thank you Muhammad for your kind words and dua!
JZK May Allah accept your dua’s , fasting and salat during this Ramadan
Ramadan Kareem!
Salaam alaikum!
First of all, I’m sorry I was unable to catch your name
I’m really happy that you’re reverted and you know one turns as pure as a new born when reverted. I’ve seen the kind of amazing faith in my sister in Islam who had reverted some 5 years ago. http://noorsponderings.blogspot.com/
I was wondering if you could give an interview to a Muslim Women’s Magazine ‘Pudava’ (means cloth in Malayalalm – Kerala, India).
P.S: You look really good in headscarf
Take care
Include me in your prayers
Ma’ssalam
Greetings from a muslim sister from Singapore!
Wa alaikum salaam
Thanks for stopping by to say Hi!!
i’m so proud of u sister……i hope u will be with the one u love in heaven
أعزكي الله يا أختي الكريمة
Assalamualaikom Sister
Alhamdulillah…. Allah chose to guide us….
Wa alaikum Salaam.
Yes Alhumdualillah
Salam eleycoum
i m in your blog very at random …(in yelps i search halal meat in new orleans …and i find you comment in halal meat in Ca….but in anycase i have visited your blog (sorry for my english i m french)… I m happy to learn about you … nice to see you ! good luck for blog .
cool
Walaikum salaam,
I am so happy to read this! I’m also an American living in Morocco. Like you, I lived outside of Chicago, then moved to California. I was born in Kenosha and moved to LA a few years ago where I reverted. I decided the Hollywood life was the opposite of what I want and decided to move to Morocco alone with no plan, no money, no friends, no job but a LOT of Iman.
Although I live in Agadir, I travel sometimes throughout the country. If you need someone to talk to, I’d love to listen. I’d like to give you my email address but I don’t want to publish it on here. If you want you can check out my blog, too.
http://www.MemoirsFromMorocco.blogspot.com
Very happy to hear your story sister!
Alhomdolillah!
~Jamila