Now, that I am embracing my three year mark

As a new Muslim I am here to address a serious topic that seems to never change amongst Muslims. In April I am embarking upon my three year mark as a revert to Islam. I feel almost entitled to be the voice right now for reverts.

Through the journey of my first two years I have walked away from Islam twice due to poor support, lack of help, lots of judgement and forced culture on me.

As a American Muslim who grew up Christian but not practicing I lived a troubled life based around violence, drugs, women, celebrities and alcohol. In 2011 when I accepted Islam I never dreamed of the feeling I would feel just from saying Lailahaillallah Muhammad Rasool Allah PBUH. That feeling alone can never be replaced nor duplicated.

Now, that I am embracing my three year mark I can honestly say I am bothered by the way many of YOU show your support to new Muslims. I have met several reverts who have walked away from Islam from these tasteless efforts and to make matters worse I receive countless emails from reverts based on the same topic. This is a problem.

1. Being a revert does not mean I have to change my name.

2. Being a revert does not mean I have to walk around my community dressed as if I am from the middle east to be accepted as a Muslim.

3. Being a revert does not mean I have to eat with my hands when I am living in the 21st century and have utensils and it is not of my culture to do so.

4. Being a revert does not mean I have to embrace any of your cultures Arab, African etc.

5. Being a revert does not mean I have to get caught up in Minhaj and division of Nation of Islam, Sufi, Sunni or Salifi. Listen I am just a Muslim who follows the Sunnah.

6. Being a revert does not mean I have to remove my tattoos if I do not choose too. So stop telling me it's Haram.

This list can go on and on.

Allah blessed me with the opportunity to make Hajj last year and I have to say for many of the brothers and sisters giving advice to us reverts many of you are the POOREST examples of Muslims I have ever witnessed but you feel entitled to give advice because you were born Muslim or have been Muslim for many years.

My advice to you. Stop pushing reverts away with your tribalism, culture and part time practising. If you want to help a revert please make sure you ask yourself am I following the Sunnah I am giving advice on. Make sure you be gentle, respectful and patient with the new reverts. Stop preaching everything is Haram. Those things that are Haram comes with time of learning. Start preaching things that are acceptable and beneficial to the reverts growth vs what is wrong. STOP IT.

Still a proud Muslim.