FAQ

Prepared by Zahra Ibrahimi

Q: I converted to Islam last month, because I saw very nice behavior and very lovely life-style in my Muslim neighbors who are two religious families, one family is Lebanese and the other one are Iraqi migrants. By the Grace of God, I was able to receive very useful guidance and teachings from them, among these guidance was acquainting with the esteemed magazine of yours Mahjubah. But the problem I am facing now is that I have not let my family know about my conversion yet, and now that I have decided to wear a head covering in obedience to Islamic teachings, I have to tell them the truth. I do not know what their reaction will be and I feel somewhat worried. Shall I continue to appear as a non-Muslim and keep my faith as a secret or shall I summon up all my courage and let my parents know that I have converted to Islam?  Aida, Canada

A: Dear Aida, First of all, we are glad that you found our magazine useful, thank you for your remarks. But concerning your question, as the very text of your letter shows, your faith in God and your intellectual power are at a high and admirable level. So, there is no reason why you should worry about any matter regarding revealing your conversion to Islam which took place with God’s help, so you can rely on Him and go ahead with practicing your faith. Rest assured that Allah, The One and Only God – in whom you believe, will be by your side and as the Holy Qur’an declares, Allah is sufficient as a helper and supporter for those who rely on Him.

Q: I am 45 years old; I have given birth to two children. Since six months ago I am feeling as if my knees are running, something like the knees cannot carry my weight any more. I need some information on it. Thank you for your time. (Shakiba, Turkey)

A: Dear Shakiba, as the researchers say, Weak muscles may be the cause of the painful and debilitating condition known as “runner's knee”. People who develop the condition tend to have “weaker quads and hamstrings,” As a result, these people don't bend their knees as much when doing tasks, such as running or jumping. That means the contact area between the kneecap and the femur is smaller, so pressure is focused and pinpointed on a smaller area. That, in turn, leads to runner's knee, also known as patellofemoral pain syndrome.  Runner's knee, which affects an estimated one in four people who are physically active, can lead to osteoarthritis. Those with weaker hamstring and quadriceps muscles, a larger “navicular drop” (flattening of arches in the foot) and less flexible knees are several times more likely to develop the condition.