Recently, I was having a conversation with a new Muslim. He was complaining about the lack of Islamic adult classes in Leeds. In particular, he complained about lack of support for new Muslims.
That is true. We dont have much structured classes for adults in Leeds, specially for new Muslims. But I think this is where organisations such as Leeds New Muslims should be able to provide better support and assistance to the new Muslims as most of their members would have gone through the same experience.
Leeds New Muslims offer both classes and one to one support for anyone who can benefit. At present they have got a weekly fiqh class teaching purification and prayer in partnership with Shaykh Taher of Leeds Grand Mosque. They also have a 12 week beginners Arabic course in partnership with Utrujj. They also have one-to-one sessions with individuals and organise social gatherings and talks, as well as the shahadah gifts packs.
However, the most sad comment he made was that he was getting confused about our internal differences. He was becoming unsure about what to believe in and who to trust.
He said that initially he was attending Mosque A. Then when he attended Mosque B, he found out that Mosque B did not have good views about Mosque A. He then went on a Jamat and found out that the Jamat did not have good views about Mosque B.
He said that he was so confused about what to believe and what not to believe. What to do and what not to do. Everyone is telling different things to him.
I could really understand his situation. This is the same terrible situation that most of the new Muslims face when they enter the fold of Islam.
May Allah Almighty give patience and strong Iman to the new Muslims and to us all. Aameen.