The New Muslim's Field Guide Paperback – February 1, 2018

Theresa Corbin and Kaighla Um Dayo have written the book they wish they had when they converted to Islam. Drawing on decades of experience and focusing on practical advice rather than information-dumping, The New Muslim's Field Guide discusses the major issues a new convert to Islam will have to contend with in a fun and friendly way.Written in a conversational tone, with lots of humor and real talk, this book is for both new brothers and new sisters.The guide begins in a great place; the first two chapters talk about culture and remind converts that becoming Muslim does not mean that they have to stop being themselves. Islam is something that enhances who you are; becoming Muslim doesn’t mean starting from zero in terms of your life, your experiences, and your personality.Like the first two chapters, most of the other chapters are practical ones: should you change your name? How should you deal with your non-Muslim family? What do you need to know about hijab, and what should you know about going to the masjid? There are only two information-heavy chapters: one on the six pillars of faith and one on the five pillars of action.There is also a chapter about sex and marriage and then chapters for sisters and brothers about marriage. An example of the practicality of this book is the fabulous list of deal breakers in this section. Corbin and Um Dayo offer a list of people a new convert should not consider marrying, including someone who “drinks alcohol and parties” or conversely, someone who “is religiously harsh and demands you become perfect overnight.” These are just two examples; the list is long, and warns against pitfalls that many people fall into in an easy-to-navigate list.Each chapter also includes sections where Um Dayo or Corbin tell a story from their own personal experience. These sections are a fun break in the text and either show their advice in action or demonstrate first hand the importance of that advice.This book is full of useful information, but it is more interested in being a tool of support and encouragement than necessarily throwing tons of information at new converts. Verdict: I intend to buy lots of copies of this book to keep on hand for converts I meet and to stock masjids and community centers. I highly recommend it for converts to Islam and for heritage Muslims who grew up not practicing and want to begin. This is a book that you can feel good about handing to both people you know well and strangers. It is well-written and articulately provides support for those wanting to commit themselves to a moderate Islam.

This book was so easy to understand and was exactly what I was looking for in regards to basic information about Islam and how to even begin scratching the surface of this religion that has so much depth to it that even an entire ocean would shiver with envy.I adore the writing style which makes me feel like I’m actually having a personal conversation with the authors. The short stories of The Prophets (PBUT) and personal stories shared really penetrated through to my heart further than if I hadn’t found this book, as Islam really is intimidating to someone that has no idea. This book sheds light on major truths that are hidden under judgement and ego, especially in America which is where I’m plopped.Thanks to this book, my mind has been opened even further to gaining as much knowledge as I can while remaining as humble as possible in regards to Islam and my connection with Allah. Life is really all about balance, and even finding balance within the way we practice religion/our beliefs as this is where I find faults within myself. This book really made me stop and think about what I’m doing wrong and what I can continue to do right to the best of my ability. I try to think twice before my actions and my words so the information in this book will definitely keep me in check when my ego flares up.So eye opening. Thank you!!

Thank you for writing such an easy to digest, uncomplicated primer. Grateful for this and such a better understanding of not only the concepts but also the Arabic words used with such frequency.

The authors (both converts, thus offering a unique and practical perspective on the matter) explain in the introduction that this book is not only for new converts but also for anyone who wants to help another or needs help themselves, and this purpose is fulfilled. While the main focus is on advice for new Muslims, there is also a lot of advice for dealing with culture and society issues.I was dubious at first about whether this text would truly be helpful or would lack substance. However, it was very useful indeed, and I determined this early on. Here are some of my favorite quotes from the first couple chapters that assured me of the merit:1. "There is no reason you must give up your own culture or heritage to embrace Islam" (16).2. "In the 21st-century, Western society, it's more socially acceptable to be an atheist than it is to be a Muslim" (17-18).3. "You get the picture: culture is relative" (19).These are all good examples of the stance and tone the authors adopt: open, accepting, and understanding. Thus, more than merely a guide for a new convert, this book makes a good resource for any Muslim who may be struggling in Western life and needs some reassurance.The footnotes and recommended readings are also very useful. Finally, there is a glossary at the back to help with vocabulary that may be unfamiliar.My images are screenshots from the Kindle version; it's very to navigate and annotate.

She is such a fun writer. I had myself giggling the entire ride even when she was teaching us about the rougher parts of becoming a practitioner of Islam. Which includes navigating through the false things people of your new founded community will try to teach you. You don't need to change who you are and you don't have to abandon everything! What you need to do is become closer to God A.K.A. Allah. The ways to get closer to Allah is by practicing the Five Pillars which includes charity and ECT. This book guides and informs anybody interested about what a Muslim does, goes through and believes. I read this to defend against people saying nasty things about this community and now I am more armed to defend these kind people. Great place to get an understanding of and a great place to start your Islamic practice! Spread kindness no matter what your beliefs are! A true follower of Muhammad would!