Reflections on a Year in Islam

Just recently I thought to myself, if I were to meet me a year ago, what advice would I give? So I've come up with a personal compendium of practical everyday manners and works which I have gathered in my first year practicing Islam. Creating this list has let me reflect on where I started and where I want to go in the next year. Taking stock in what I've learned and realizing where I need to go. Please forgive me and correct me if anything that is said here is wrong. Inshallah I will have another update like this at the end of my second year as a muslimah with more refinement, perfection and community involvement to list and discuss.

1. Once you have taken your Shahada, your past sins are forgiven. You start fresh from this point on. Try your best to keep yourself out of trouble and maintain this state. But also remember, Muslims aren't perfect, Islam is perfect. If you don't believe in Allah's forgiveness, what is the point?
2. Learn how to make wudu. The ritual preparation of washing before each prayer. Make a print-out of the steps and leave it in the bathroom for quick reference. Practice.
3. Firstly, take time to learn how to pray. Access YouTube and view UiKViDs prayers. Follow along as best as you can. This is great because it shows the agreed upon form as well as a translation of the prayer. Repeating Arabic words you don't understand won't help your Iman (faith). Practice makes perfect. Check out Nouman Ali Khan's video describing the meaning of the first part of every salat, surah fatiha: http://www.nakcollection.com/uploads/7/7/7/4/7774039/surah_fatiha_points_to_ponder.pdf
4. As a Muslim you must pray 5 times a day. Download an app on your phone that will remind you of the prayer times throughout the day (the times will change throughout the seasons). A good app is called Salatuk. It includes options to set different styles of adhan (call to prayer), vibrate mode, a neat qibla direction finder compass, names and directions to your nearest masjids (mosques).
5. Friday is a special day and the start of the weekend. It's the chance to go to congregational prayer called Jumma. Check out this nice routine: http://productivemuslim.com/jumuah-routine-for-women/ If you can't manage this routine because of work, then read sura Al-Kahf and perform the noontime prayer. Go out with friends for a healthy snack or maybe a kebab.
6. The tasbeh are Islamic prayer beads. The purpose is to glorify Allah. Say Allahu Akbar (God is the greatest) 34 times, Alhamdullilah (thanks be to God) 33 times, Subhanallah (God is glorious) 33 times while counting each bead. Amazingly you can do this by counting the joints and tips of each finger on your hand which also adds up to 33. There are other prayers using tasbeh but start with this one.
7. Don't worry if you don't take to Islamic dress and hijab right away. As you grow in understanding and Iman you will find yourself drawn to express outwardly what you feel inwardly. Take time to discover what wearing hijab means.
8. You'll hear phrases in Arabic that you don't understand. Here are the standards you will use frequently: Asalamoalaikom = Peace and blessings be upon you. Used as a hello. Your response should be Wallikom Salaam which means and also upon you. Alhamdulilla = praise and gratitude belong to God. Use this when expressing how a problem was solved or some trouble has passed. Insh'Allah = God willing. If you say you plan or will do something, always follow with Insh'Allah because it's not your will, it's God's will that anything actually happens. Mashallah = appreciation, joy or praise. Usually said when someone expresses goodness in thought and/or deed. Bismilla = in the name of Allah. Used at the begining of an undertaking for example before the start of wudu or before begining a meal. Halal = everything good for you. Haram = everything forbidden or harmful. Jazakallah khair = may Allah reward you with goodness. Use to thank someone. A response to this is wa ʾiyyākum which means “and to you”. Whenever you refer to the Prophet Mohammed, say peace be upon him. (it's proper and polite).
9. You will be called “Sister” by fellow Muslims. The idea is that we are all brothers and sisters as we share common ancestors in Adam and Eve. Get the warm fuzzies, it's ok.
10. You might feel like there is a lot of etiquette to follow to be a good Muslim. This is true, however you are new and everyone will realize this and help you out. Don't let it make you feel weird. Keep Calm and Muslim On.
11. The Qur'an is about belief and proof, it teaches the articles of faith so it is Imaan. Read it first. Learn about our Prophet's life. Read “The Sealed Nectar” by Abdul Malik Mujahid. After the Qur'an, the teaching, deeds and sayings with verbal or non verbal approvals and disapprovals of Mohammed (pbuh) should be the cue for how we live our lives. This is Islam. When faced with our everyday lives we can always ask ourselves WWMD (what would Mohammed (pbuh) do?)
12. Learn about all the Prophets before our Prophet Mohammed. Read and understand their stories. This is following the “Fatherly” school of teaching and is agreed upon to be a correct way of learning by the majority of scholars.
13. Learn about the Sahaba. The companions of our Prophet. They were each skilled in different but equally important Islamic Sciences.
14. Learn about the Mothers of Islam. How they behaved and their characteristics and qualities
15. Learn about the hadiths and what is meant by strong and weak hadiths.
16. In conjunction with this, have a teacher. This will help you with refinement and purification (Isam).
17. Don't worry about divisions in Islam. If someone is telling you to be Shi'ia or Sunni or Wahabi or anything else, hold fast to the fact that Islam is the Truth and the teachings are universal. The first year is too soon to think about these divisions, but you should know the historical reasons they came about. (see The Sealed Nectar)
18. You will always ask yourself “what is halal?” “what is haram?” Some things are obvious, others not so much. It will take time. Read, ask knowledgeable people and learn.
19. Discover what is meant by the reference to the Qur'an as Noble. This is a very important key to improving your character, having taqwa (fearing god) and polishing your heart (loving god).
20. Remember to be grateful in everything you have, say and do. From the moment you open your eyes, to getting dressed, to eating and walking out the door to begin your day.
21. Learn what is meant by “rewards” and “good deeds”. This is very important to your everyday practice. Islam is in everything you do and say.