Islam teaches us that we were all born good and pure, because when we are faced with a decision, we seem to have this ability to know what we should and shouldn't do. And by consciously changing ourselves such that we 'naturally' do things for the sake of Allah... That is the ideal state of being.

No, we did not become Malay, we are still Chinese. We don't eat pork, but that doesn't make us any less 'Chinese'. As much as we appreciate your concern, we'd rather you see that we've chosen Islam for the beauty of the Faith rather than for the misconceptions which you hold of it.

As I will be soon starting a new life in a place with a very small network of Muslims, I am constantly in fear that my iman and taqwa will be compromised. As such, this post is a reminder to myself to constantly seek knowledge no matter where I am, for the sake of Allah.

Isn't Mary the mother of Jesus/Isa. shown everywhere wearing the hijab, even in paintings, statues of her? I wish I'd said, "How is Mary the mother of Jesus any different? How is it that you can respect her so much, yet you don't respect me?"

It has been slightly more than a month since I made the promise to Allah (s.w.t) that I'd be in hijab for good. I've come far from being concerned about physical appearances because I can now see the glow (Nur) in the faces of the women who are truly at peace and joy with their faith, and that is the most beautiful appearance of all because it shines from within.

This Eid, there is still a cause to celebrate. Because with terror and evil, goodness and hope is not only just present, it becomes stronger. And as the lines of humanity in the world become more and more blurred, I'd just remember to look to the normal civilians, the kids, the everyday people. The ones who smile despite all the hardship. They are the ones who are displaying the purest examples of love, peace and unwavering faith.

As Muslims, we are always told to see difficult events in our lives as tests from God. He gives us these tests because He knows we are capable of overcoming it, and in turn, become closer in our journey to Him. And we should NEVER ever get angry with Him or cry "Why, God? Why did You do this to me?" because that insults the Plan that He has for us.

Around sometime last year, I backbit someone, thinking it was the right and 'moral' thing to do. But ever since knowing that backbiting and slandering is a major sin in Islam, how do I distinguish what to say (being truthful) from what not to (slandering and backbiting)?

If I were still a kid, looking at my life superficially, I'd question, "Why do I have to study? I just have to pray every day, and that would make Allah happy." Because I'd see my formal education as an entity that is completely different from what I know as to how to worship God. But could excelling in design, math, science, engineering, psychology and so on... worship God?

Many non-Muslims may be prone to thinking that Islam is strict with many rules, because we Muslims are so easily insulted, with an "everything-is-not-allowed-until-said" attitude. The challenge is to learn to distinguish the issues which, according to Islam, are haram, and to be firm, whilst at the same time not overdoing and make it seem as if everything is haram.

I had been to Korea once before, before I reverted to Islam. This time when I returned, I experienced a different side of Korea, the Muslim perspective.

It's a fact- Muslim converts in Singapore are left to fend for themselves after their conversion. It's easy to be misguided, since I don't know where to start, or how to proceed.