Topic

Faith & Identity

Belief, doubts, repentance and finding your identity as a new Muslim. Short, honest answers for new Muslims.

What if I forget how many rakat I prayed?

If you forget how many rakat you prayed, take the lower number, finish, and add two prostrations of forgetfulness. Doubts after prayer and waswasa.

Yes, most scholars say Muslim athletes can stand for and sing the national anthem. Some stand silently; here's what players do and why.

Yes, wudu is valid with a tattoo because the ink is under the skin and doesn't block water. What about new, henna and stick-on tattoos?

Yes, in Islam humans have real free will and are accountable for their choices, while Allah knows and wills all that happens. Here's how both fit.

Qadr is the Islamic belief in divine decree: Allah knows, wrote and wills all that happens, while people still have real choice.

Yes, palm reading is haram when used to predict your future or luck. Only Allah knows the unseen, and asking fortune tellers is forbidden.

Yes, tarot reading is haram in Islam, including apps and reading just for fun, because only Allah knows the unseen. What to do instead.

Yes, a Ouija board is haram, even as a joke: it seeks hidden knowledge and contact with spirits. Why, and what to do if you used one.

Black magic (sihr) in Islam is sorcery using devils, and a major sin. It harms only by Allah's permission. How to protect yourself.

The evil eye in Islam is real harm from an envious or admiring look, by Allah's permission. How it works, how to protect yourself, and nazar.

To find a convert-friendly mosque, look for English khutbahs, new Muslim classes and a good women's space, ask other converts and try a few.

At Friday prayer you arrive at midday, pray two rakat, listen silently to a two-part khutbah, then pray two rakat behind the imam. Here's each step.