Why would a non-forced woman choose to become a Muslim or stay a Muslim?

Salaam (Peace). I am a "Western Woman" who embraced ISLAAM 6 years ago (all praise and thanks to Almighty GOD). And I must point out to you that all of what you have said is "incorrect".

You seem to have very limited knowledge of my Faith and what it teaches. You have listed all the classic "misconceptions" that are fed through the media. I would NOT have fallen in love with ISLAAM if any of the things you have listed were true.

Women can't speak: FALSE! Why would I not be allowed to speak? The biggest compilation of teachings of the Prophet Muhammad was narrated from his wife A'ishah.

She also taught the Muslims after his death. She was an extremely intelligent young woman. Can't work: FALSE!

Women may have a career if they choose. As a matter of fact, in the Qur'aan Almighty GOD has commanded that women who work keep every single cent of their earnings and are not obligated to spend any of it for family expenses. Her husband cannot take a cent from her.

It is forbidden. Her money is hers alone, but she is more than welcome to use it to help with the expenses if she chooses, to lighten things for her husband. There are soooooo many Muslim women who are DOCTORS, LAWYERS, ENGINEERS, TEACHERS, etc... In ISLAAM the husband is responsible for caring for the family... shelter, food, clothing, educations for his wife and children!

This is a commandment from GOD. Can't show their face: FALSE! Wearing the "niqab" (as I have been doing the last 4 years) is a CHOICE Muslim women have... and is done solely to go the extra mile in pleasing our Creator, by dressing modestly and not displaying our beauty when outside of the home in the presence of strange men.

This is something I chose to do on my own after looking into the history of my Faith (specifically the wives of the Prophet Muhammad). My husband (who also embraced ISLAAM) did not ask me to wear the niqab.. on the contrary, I am the one who informed him of my decision. It is a choice some women make, and the Scholars of ISLAAM agree that it is not an obligation, but instead recommended.

If a sister chooses not to cover her face, she is no less of a Muslim. Can't go out in public without the company of a male relative: FALSE! I leave my home everyday without my husband!

And just this summer I was in Saudi Arabia for the first time and the women there also leave their homes to do their daily errands without being accompanied by their husband, etc. There are some who would rather have their male relative with them.. but this is 'CULTURAL' and not commanded in ISLAAM. The only time when Muslim women need their male family members with them is when TRAVELING! And this is done for SAFETY reasons.

To protect them from being harassed or harmed by strangers during their travels (it's common knowledge that men are more powerful than women.. so it make complete sense that if a man was accompanying a woman, other men would not think to harass/harm her). My husband and I have 3 daughters (teenagers) and they are in no way being brought up among "backwards, oppressive, sexist" people. Actually, they are very intelligent, outspoken, respectable young ladies who are more "aware" of what's going on in the world around them than the other non-Muslim kids their ages (who's only interests seem to be boys, material possessions and music videos).

I am very proud of my girls and I don't worry one bit about their futures because they are the most responsible kids I know. They are a step ahead of the game, and haven't even reached 15 yet... *smile*. Knowledge is definitely power... so maybe you should sincerely look into ISLAAM and what it teaches if your are going to post about it... and not just follow others blindly.

Because bottom line is one out of every 4 people (almost 3) people in the world are MUSLIM. And the percentage of "WESTERNERS" embracing ISLAAM is increasing every single day! Common sense would tell you that what you have been believing might not be completely true if so many people are running to ISLAAM, changing their entire lives and putting their new Faith and their love for Almiighty GOD above everybody and everything else.

GOD bless. Salaam (Peace).

Your remark about Muslims is ignorant and disgusting to me. Who says women can't speak, can't work, can't show their face, can't go out in public? I'm a Muslim wearing the hijab and not covering my face because it isn't a must in Islam and a soon to be doctor.

I live in a Muslim country and women here are ministers, judges, soccer players and members of the parliament. I go out whenever I want and so do all my girlfriends and female relatives. So before making strong hurtful remarks please educate yourself a little.

I cant really gove you an answer,but what I can give you is a way to a solution, that is you have to find the anglde that you relate to or peaks your interest. A good paper is one that people get drawn into because it reaches them ln some way.As for me WW11 to me, I think of the holocaust and the effect it had on the survivors, their families and those who stood by and did nothing until it was too late.