Martha says:

I believed that there was another way besides Christianity ever since I was a small child. I asked my mother why do we worship Jesus instead of God, or with God? I would say that I was about nine or ten years old. She really could give me no answer other than that is what we have been taught. Do not misunderstand me, I believed that Jesus was sent but I didn't understand why we should hold him up with God.

At any rate, I always knew that I believed without a question in God but I didn't understand or agree with the doctrine we were taught. I prayed to God during my life and He answered my prayers. At a young age I was exposed to the Nation of Islam. I agreed with the social issues that were addressed but I knew even as a young person that I could not worship a person or believe that Allah had come in the person of anyone. I continued to attend churches on and off during my life. I went to a Christian recovery center and I have been clean for ten years due to the Grace of Allah. I did what was asked of me because I was in the program, but I still had the same questions in my mind.

I took the shahadah the first time in 2003. However, I can honestly say that I didn't take the steps to learn more and practice. I have recently renewed the shahadah and even before I renewed it I was reading Quran every day. I am continuing to do so along with the books I have been receiving. I do not know how to offer my prayers. If anyone has any suggestions I would appreciate an email. There is a small Muslim community here and have to make myself a part of it.

I can proudly and honestly say that Allahu Akbar. He is the One True God and Muhammad is His messenger. I want to continue to grow and become a good Muslimah. My heart has always told me that this is the Right Path.

I also believe that Islam is the answer to the ills in our community, the African American community. I do realize that Islam is universal however, I do believe that this was our original religion before we were brought to this country as slaves. Because of Islam I have become more tolerant so I don\'t waste my energy focusing on others yet I do believe in justice. I am thankful that I finally feel content in my spiritual life. I just know that I must continue to grow and to always put Allah first. In closing let me say that Islam always attracted me because Islam is a way of life.