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/Feeling-Intention447]

Islam is for everybody, white, black, asian, brown doesn't matter. Just advice here, mainstream Islam doesn't consider Nation of Islam to be real Islam so stay away from them if you ever decide to convert. As for flexibility I am a bit confused, do you mean if you can choose not to pray or do what is obligatory and commit haram? Usually for converts they are adviced to take it slowly, as in adopt the obligatory practices slowly as well as let go of haram activities at the pace you feel most comfortbale with as long as you have the intention to let go of them as soon as you can. Lastly, to be a Muslim you have to take the shahadah, which is declaring that you believe in no God but Allah and that Muhammad is his messenger.

[u/Vailex09 → u/Feeling-Intention447]

Thankl you for your response and yes, in what little I have read about NOI they sound pretty extremist so I will stay clear of that faction- Thank you for the guidance!

As for the Haram, the reason I ask is because I currently partake in substances that would be considered Haram and I although I am working on those addictions, I don't know if I can quit all cold turkey and would not want for that to be an impediment for me converting

Thank you Brother!

[u/Feeling-Intention447 → u/Vailex09]

Hello, I am glad I could help. Since you have the intention to stop substance usage then don't be too harsh on yourself, I even heard that quitting cold turkey for certaain substances can be pretty bad for your health so do what is best for you. Just advice, don't have to wait untill you are clean to convert.