Hi everyone, i'm Shannon from California  I joined a week or two ago but I haven't really had time to write anything here.

Not sure if i'm writing in the right spot, but I didn't know where else to ask. After reading the Quran, i've been interested in converting. The only problem is, is that my family isn't to fond of Muslims. I'm 17..so I obviously still live at home and i'm still in High School. I know my mom and dad won't respect my choice. I'm really close to my parents, and i'm worried that if I tell them they'll treat me differently. And i'm worried that i'll lose the relationship I have with both parents.

I'm just really confused about what to do, and how to tell them. I know i'd eventually have to tell them, it's not something I can hide from them. Thanks to anyone who's willing to help.

Hey Shanon! Salam Alaikom (peace be upon you).

Well, Ive spoken to many people who embraced Islam and they too are afraid to tell their parents too and they are even afraid to pray, you can find them here www.turntoislam.com on the fan forums most of the members are Muslim reverts (if you become a Muslim you wouldnt be considered a convert you would be considered a revert because the word Muslim means one who surrenders his will to God so technically you were born a Muslim. So if you become a Muslim you would be considered a revert because you have came back to the path you were born into =D )

My advice to you is become a Muslim and dont tell your parents if u think they would take a hard position against you. But u can also try to throw in some facts about Islam as if you're just making conversation. For example you can say "did you know that Muslims believe in Christ" (which of course we do). Or something like that. Then from their go to the islamic ethics and how manners are very important. You can also tell her any story of the prophet Mohammed peace be upon him such as when the pagan leaders of the Quraish went to him and told him:

“...If you want money, we will collect enough money for you so that you will be the richest one of us. If you want leadership, we will take you as our leader and never decide on any matter without your approval. If you want a kingdom, we will crown you king over us...”

In return? In return he would have to give up calling people to Islam. What did he say?

{I swear by the name of Allah, O Uncle!, that if they place the sun in my right-hand and the moon in my left-hand in return for giving up this matter (calling people to Islam), I will never desist until either Allah makes it triumph or I perish defending it.}(Al-Serah Al-Nabaweyyah, Ibn Hesham, vol. 1, pp. 265-266.)

"So this is very weird mom" or something like that lol that "why would he refuse if he was a fake prophet".

Hope my suggestions were an good insha Allah.

And the link I gave u i very good I hope u would visit it too :) and welcome to the forums, may Allah bless u.

Here r some nice Quranic recitations hope u like em =)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FURNQf3BtFE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A0z_X26qxcU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dgyXIj_xTF4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=46MgimudbGQ

Peace be unto you.

K, i'll check those websites out.

Thanks for the help and suggestions!

Salam Alaykum Shannon-

I understand your situation as my mom and her side of the family is not Muslim. My mom's family does not think fondly of Islam and doesn't like that all their grandchildren have embraced Islam. My advice to you would be that converting to Islam is a gradual thing and you must introduce Islam gradually to your parents. It is very important in Islam to treat non-muslim relatives with the upmost respect. If you remain steadfast in your pursuit to embrace Islam then hopefully with Allah (swt) help, they will respect your decision. Understand that their (your parents) acceptance of your choice might not be over night as I was born to a Muslim father and was raised Muslim for the most part but only have been practicing devoutly for about 6 years (I am 24 now) and my mom's family still has deep-rooted resentment towards our (my brother and I's) lifestyle. But remember that anything is achievable or doable with Allah (swt) on your side.  If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask!