Living Islam Today
A Magazine for Muslim Americans
Vol. 1 Issue 2            Winter 1421/ 2000

Internet
IFNA

In the name of Allah, the Compassionate Source of All Mercy

New Muslims Websites

      Upon first starting this article I soon realized the huge task that I had set before myself.  There are literally thousands of Muslim web-sites; moreover, there are hundreds of "new" Muslim websites.  This is a good thing.  The web is becoming the default method for acquiring information.  A web site allows organizations, businesses, and individuals to present their information in a succinct way so that "visitors" may access said information at a leisurely pace.
     Now, I ,in no way, will attempt to list EVERY site that's out there; however, I will give a head start on where to look to get your dose of Islamic thought.  I would also like to add that I have not contacted any of the sites that I will discuss for one simple reason: the site should speak for itself.  Any information, mission statement, FAQ's should be addressed by the site itself.



Islam on the World Wide Web!
     One of the biggest problems for a new Muslim is dealing with the choice that he or she has made.  Your heart is filled with a sense of peace and relief because you have finally found the answer to the questions that puzzled you about life. Unfortunately, most people (friends or family) may not be too keen on the choice that has been made; therefore, one might "run" to the web to get some sort of validation or consolation.  What's needed is an outlet where new Muslims can go to share their experiences and bond with people who are in a similar position.  One site does a great job with that.
  One of the first sites that I came across was www.convertstoislam.org. This site takes into consideration the stress or desire for more information about Islam.  The site offers sections where converts can post the personal feelings and insights about Islam.  It also provides a variety of links that focuses on the new Muslim.  Links to other new Muslim sites are given as are links to salat procedures and prayer times as well.  There are several sites offer great starting points for other basics.
     Women, especially, have many important issues that need to be addressed, marriage, hijab, polygamy, etc.  There are several great sites that focus greatly of primarily on these topics.   www.jannah.org. is probably one of the most comprehensive sites on everything Islamic.  If the topic isn't discussed, there is a link to it!  Another great site for woman's issues is- www.angelfire.com/me/anneesa/index.html.
     There are even sites that give simple introductions to Arabic:   http://i-cias.com/babel/arabic/index.htm and step by step instructions on performing salah: http://www.webb.net/sites/muttaqun/salahframes.html 		What's actually out there?

You'll be surprised by the amount of information that the web has to offer all Muslims!  Here is a list of some services that you can use.

Online Hadith and Online Qur'an:
www.al-islam.com
www.islamicity.com
Clothing Apparel:
www.alhediya.com
Muslim Schooling Info:
www.arabesq.com
www.ifna.net
Book, tapes, cd's:
www.itsibts.com
www.astrolabepictures.com
Travel Agencies:
www.al-usrah.com
Housing for Muslim Sisters:
www.geocities.com/homs99/

     Now for the bad news.  Yep, you knew it was coming.  In our last issue, the shortcomings of Muslim web sites were addressed briefly.  When it comes to new Muslims, however, there seems to be a greater concern.  Remember, someone new to Islam has more obstacles (for lack of a better term) than those who were "born into it."  Therefore, the confusion of culture and belief is possible.  The amount and type of information that is out there is overwhelming.  I have visited many sites where there seems to be countless arguments about the most minute detail about something.  Now, I understand the need to be clear as to why something (the positioning of hands during Salat)  is done; however, when you begin to argue as to whether your hands are high or low while you're in qiyam seems petty.  
     There was even a site that began to call certain Muslims kafir!  I don't not want to name said site, but suffice it to say that this is the wrong impression a new Muslim needs to see.  Islam is about unity not division.  Unfortunately, some people have not learned that. They label sites according to countries, political affiliations, etc.  If you are interested in such material, that's obviously your business.  But as a new Muslim, remember, focus on your foundation before you branch out into  other agendas, which brings me to my next query.
     There are some sites that are dangerous. One site in particular (whose name I shall not mention for fear that people may patronize them) distorts the concept of Islam.  Let's put it this way, they don't even say "Allah." They use "God" instead and state that the wearing of hijab is wrong.
     This may sound very esoteric, but all of you new Muslims out there, if you visit a site that doesn't sit well with you, leave.  If questions are raised that you're unsure of, ask a close Muslim friend, an Imam, or visit a "reputable" Muslim site for an answer.
Problems with sites:

Links: More often than not, some links lead to nowhere.  This could be avoided if the programmers or the visitors of the site could let the webmaster know.
Design: Things are getting better, but some sites are still aesthetically unappealing.  This tends to ward people away who don't want to struggle with a daunting interface.
Old Information: I visited a sight that is still talking about Clinton's impeachment! Please, let's get with the program.  Try to be up to date.
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