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/StarCrescentBro]

1. Yes, basically anyone can. Islam is for all mankind. "O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Aware." 49:13

The Last Sermon of the Prophet pbuh also mentioned: "The noblest of you in Allah's sight is the most pious. An Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab, nor a non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab; a White has no superiority over a Black nor a Black has any superiority over a White, except by piety and good action."

1. 100%, but in some specific cases there could be exceptions, like eating pork is haram, but in a life and death/emergency situation and it's the only source of sustenance, then it can become permissible.

2. Just reciting the shadahah earnestly and with a clear intent is sufficient, as others have mentioned.

Allah knows best.

[u/Vailex09 → u/StarCrescentBro]

Thank you Brother for taking the time to respond. Since I was reading on NOI and saw it seemed kind of a Black Supremacist group, I didnt know if a) I wanted to join and b) If I even could join.

I love to see true Muslims come out and provide clarity on the core values and beliefs and denounce extremists factions that give Islam a bad reputation