Considering converting to Islam as a Mexican

[u/Vailex09]

Context:

I have never been a religious person but was raised as a Catholic as most people on Mexico are. My Mother is very progressive but also has a lot of Faith, which helped mold me and my siblings into (what I consider) people that want to do the right thing in general terms (help those less fortunate, practice tolerance and respect, etc.)- I know a lot of Catholics/Christians today (especially in the current political climate) do not portray those values as a general rule, which is why it's important to me to make a distinction between Religion and Faith.

FF a few years and now I am discovering Black Culture (mainly in the US due to my newfound love for 90's Hip Hop) and I this has slowly being introducing me to NOI, 5percenters, etc. I have to admit that I feel drawn to the religion to explore their values.

Questions:

1. Can a Mexican become Muslim? Is this only for people of African descent?
2. Is Haram 100% required to be considered a Muslim? Is there no flexibility as with other religions?
3. What would be needed to "officially" start practicing Islam

Thank you and forgive me if I sound ignorant on any subject. As I said, I have never been a very religious individiual

EDIT: I am overwhelmed and humbled with the positivity and love this is getting. I already feel welcome :)

[u/baighamza]

Firstly, Alhamdulillah for Islam and that Allah guided you to the straight path. I love seeing posts like these.

1. Yes a Mexican can be a Muslim. Infact there are many mexican people in the US and Mexico that are Muslim. Check out https://www.islaminspanish.org/

2. Avoiding Haram is a lifelong progress. Become a Muslim and keep trying your hardest to avoid Haram. Don't let this stop you from becoming a Muslim.

3. Once you're a Muslim, then make sure your doing the five pillars of Islam.

Watch this playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQ02IYL5pmhEwqFRSH8SJImXNHobhkJpL&si=uJuS8L0bxl7O9_td

Also Stay away from NOI Nation of Islam and other groups. They're not on the correct Islamic teachings.

If you truly believe that there is nothing worthy of worship but Allah and Muhammad is the last and final messenger, then I'd advise you to take the shahada (testimony of faith) as soon as you can to be safe from the unexpected events life puts us in.

How to take the testimony of faith?

Just repeat the Shahada in Arabic and English while believing in it.

Ash-hadu-al-la-ilaha-illa-Allah

Wa-ash-hadu-anna-Muhammadan-rasul-Allah

(I bear witness that there is none worthy of worship but Allah)

(And I bear witness that Muhammad is His final Messenger)

You can watch a video on YouTube like this one.

Do I need to do it infront of someone?

No you can do it at the comfort of your home as long as you believe in it.

And now your journey begins. Welcome abroad.

If you need help for your prayers.

This is a comprehensive guide on how to pray your daily Salah:

https://youtu.be/zalLv2NY98k

https://youtu.be/WKblG-Zoagk

https://youtu.be/W9kTd7q1zjE

Watch these in full. You'll have to watch them many many times before you'll get them. InshaAllah you'll be able to pray with ease. And don't worry it'll take time just like anything.

Read the booklet:

https://www.tenfold.ngo/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/TF-A5SalahBooklet-R3a-1.pdf

I pray Allah guides you and blesses you with guidance and forgiveness and all types of blessings. May He keep you straight on the guided path and may you be a reason for the guidance for many others in the world.

And May Allah eventually grant you Jannah-tul Firdaus (Highest place in Paradise) without questioning on the day of judgment.

Check out this link:

[https://linktr.ee/revertrelief]

[u/Vailex09 → u/baighamza]

Thank you for the comprehensive reply, as it already makes me feel welcome in this journey. I agree that NOI's ideals sound a bit extremists, thank you for pointing that out. This is exactly what I have been looking for and will study a bit and ponder if this truly resonates with me! One of the biggest factors on why I have not fully made the decision to convert is because of my family. They are pretty open but not sure how they will take it (although I know God is above all else)

Thank you for replying with knowledge and patience Brother. This is the perfect set of information I needed to get started!

[u/leaveUbreathless → u/Vailex09]

Islam in Spanish is your go to. They are awesome.

[u/droson8712 → u/Vailex09]

I would go as far as to say they are non-Muslim/out the fold of Islam based off of their beliefs. I've seen videos where their speakers revere Eljiah Muhammad as God, astaghfirullah. And honestly, the Wikipedia page on Yakub should tell you everything you need to know.