Answer
Short Answer:
- As a new Muslim, I advise you to take everything slowly. Do not rush into trying to be the perfect Muslim.
- As for your rights in the mosque, you should be welcomed as well as entitled to a clean space for prayer. Islamically speaking, you cannot be barred from a certain space in the mosque.
- In regards to marriage,in Islam, being faithful to one’s spouse is not a man/woman issue. Temptation can fall easily in front of women as easily as men, and we can expect our husbands to be faithful to us just as they expect the same of us.
- If you believe this is going to be a problem in your marriage, please know that you do not have to tolerate it.
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Salaam alaykum sister. Thank you for your question. I am guessing that when you said “new believer,” you meant you are a recent convert? Welcome to Islam!
A Latina’s 5 Questions About What Islam Can Offer Her As A New Convert!
I will try, insha’Allah, to break your question into a few components. Firstly:
What are my rights in the mosque?
You may have heard, sister, that in some places women are not allowed in mosques. I want to state unequivocally that this is absolutely un-Islamic. It is true that this happens in some places and people make a variety of excuses for it, but these excuses are unsupported by the Quran and Sunnah. So, first and foremost: you should be welcomed in your local mosque.
It is also a fairly well-known problem that when mosques do have separate spaces designated for women, they are often poorly maintained, dirty, etc.
Again, you will encounter an impressive variety of excuses for this, but again – this is not supported in any Islamic text. You are entitled to a clean space for prayer.
In the time of the Prophet (saw) there was no barrier between men and women during the prayer. Some women feel more comfortable having a separate space, and that is fine. But please know that Islamically speaking, you cannot be barred from a certain space in the mosque.
These are rights that you should be able to expect. However, they are unfortunately not always given. I do not know the conditions of your own mosque or the local Muslim community. Insha’Allah you have a good, righteous community and will be provided your due rights.
What are my rights within marriage?
Masha’Allah there are lots of great articles on About Islam regarding your rights within marriage!
Are Muslim Women Supposed to be Mindless Slaves in Marriage?
I Can’t Wrap My Head Around Idea of Being Obedient Servant to Husband
Is It the Wife’s Obligation to Serve Her Husband?
What are the Rights of The Wife?
Please give these a look when you have a chance.
What do I do to be a good Muslim?
This, sister, is the question we are all searching to answer. First and foremost I want you to know: Allah knows your heart and your intentions. Even the Prophet (saw) asked Allah for forgiveness on a regular basis – daily!
Not one single human will live a perfect, sin-free life. So please know that as long as you are truly doing your best to do right and please Allah then insha’Allah He will accept your intentions.
As a brand new Muslim, the best place to begin your focus is on the Five Pillars. Take a look at this post from About Islam to get more information (https://aboutislam.net/multimedia/videos/five-pillars-islam-6-pillars-faith/).
As a new Muslim, I advise you to take everything slowly. Do not rush into trying to be the perfect Muslim. Islam was revealed to the Prophet (saw) over many, many years – even the first, most pious Muslims had time to learn slowly! So do not put undue pressure on yourself.
I also encourage you to focus on your interactions with other people. Focus on trying to be generous of spirit and kind to others. This embodies the actions of a good Muslim.
Learn the practices of the faith at your own pace, but you can try being a good person at any given moment. About Islam hosts several live sessions on Facebook weekly where you can get any questions you have answered. And of course, you also know you can submit questions to be answered here anytime!
What about those who want to break up my marriage?
Sister, being faithful to one’s spouse is not a man/woman issue. Temptation can fall easily in front of women as easily as men, and we can expect our husbands to be faithful to us just as they expect the same of us. If you believe this is going to be a problem in your marriage, please know that you do not have to tolerate it.
Have you had a conversation with your husband regarding your expectations for monogamy and faithfulness? If not, I encourage you to do so. It is cliché to say so, but it is true: good communication is key to a healthy marriage.
I will keep you in my prayers, sister. As you continue to learn more about the faith, please feel free to join us in our live sessions on Facebook and to submit more questions to our admins.
And Allah knows best.
I hope this helps.
Salam and please keep in touch.
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