The confusion, complexity and frustration of learning Prayer

Over fourteen years ago I accepted Islam and was overwhelmed and underserved in my quest to learn how to worship my Creator. I was bombarded by books, pamplets and conflicting information that left me dazed, confused and feeling hopeless. Thank God I was given a one page sheet called The Essentials of Prayer wriiten by the American Islamic scholar, Imam Bilal Hyde. The sheet listed the bare minumum of what must be performed to make my prayer valid. This sheet wiped away the fog of confusion and gave me information that was not intimidating and undoable.

Almost fifteen years later as the director of Fitrah Fellowship, a convert support group, I serve new muslims by teaching them the basics of theology, prayer and manners.* Unfortunatly the resources for this endeavor haven't changed much over the past decade. Poorly worded translations of encyclopedic information is what I find when searching for material to help new muslims.

Make it easy - and beautiful - for New Muslims to pray

With your support, we will solve this problem! (insha'Allah)

Fitrah Felowship has reached out to Muhammadan Press to create a beautiful, oversized postcard with the transliteration of the vocal aspects of prayer and illustrations of the physical postures along with beautiful illuminations throughout. Please check out some of the hearftfelt art produced by Muhammadan Press below.

We are consulting our local scholar, Mufti Manzar al Islam, to ensure the prayer guide is accurate and easy to follow. Mufti Manzar is authorized by Al Azhar University to issue fatwah in all four sunni schools and is a beautiful exemplar of the gentleness needed for working with new muslims. Mufti Manzar is an invaluable resource to draw from as convets progress in their studies.

Muhammadan Press has agreed to give us a major discount, and all the other work will be volunteer driven.  With just $1000 we can prepare these sheets and make them freely available for anyone who can benefit from them.

About the Fitrah Fellowship

Fitrah Fellowship provides spiritual seekers and converts to Islam positive content and ongoing support. Our Holistic approach stays true to tradition and addresses the Mind, Body and Soul of each individual.

Here is what people are saying about our efforts:

"Now, as never before more and more people are turning to Islam. Alhamdulillah this is something to be thankful for, yet this does not come without a set of challenges. As a revert (convert) I can testify that there are not a lot of resources to help new reverts, especially if they happen to call small town America, home. The ummah is worldwide, yet in many small towns, the presence simply is not there. Shane has performed for me many of the duties an Imam would perform. He has given me spiritual guidance and has answered many doctrinal questions I have had. It is not easy being a Muslim in a small town, but Shane has given me a sense of what it is like to be a part of the Ummah." 

Yusuf W.  from Henderson, North Carolina

"Nearly 10 years ago I walked into and then out of my first Masjid. I didn't stay because the people were very unwelcoming. After years of studying faiths I still felt called to Islam, so I reached out to a Muslim friend and he sent me Shane. Masha'Allah! Shane blew me away! He was kind and welcoming and took me under his wing immediately. With his help I began studying Islam again and went to Masjid to say Shahada. Shane has been a great source of knowledge and support. His family has even taken my family as their own! Converts need a space because they aren't alway made to feel like they belong in a traditional Masjid. I believe Shane is the perfect person to provide this service. Please consider giving to the Fitrah Fellowship. We need your help."

Adam H. from Durham, North Carolina

* Shane Atkinson has Ijaza to teach Al Rislah al Jamiah, a text covering the basics of theology, worship and spirituality.