Assalam Alaikam

Assalam Alaikam :sl:,

Greetings dear brothers and sisters. My name is Lyndon, I am an American living in Okinawa Japan. In the U.S, Navy. Born and raised christian and have been practicing Buddhism for the last 3 years. I am a spritual seeker. Recently I have read large portions of the Quran and watched several videos on youtube about Islam. I have been very surprised to find that Islam is a very open and tolerant religion. It is a religion of peace and submission to the one and only god. I was also surprised to find out that Muslims, Christians, and Jews all refer and pray to the same god. This also confirmed my own personal belief, that there is one and only one god. I want to learn more about Islam.

I have one problem though, with the American stereotypes of islam. Also my dad hates Muslims and thinks the Quran is written by satan. I have detested this to my dad, and asked have you ever read the Quran? And I try to smash some delusions about islam before my father. Also, my wife has detested against queries in Islam. SO it is hard for me to pursue. I try to look past these types of ignorance and know I must keep seeking truth. There is a Masjhid here and I hope to go to one of the Friday prayers. Actually I work at the chapel which the Masjhid is in. I have spoken to the Imam in the past about my interest in Islam and on of the lay leaders, I told him i would come to their Arabic class last Saturday. However there was a large wedding going on in the main chapel, with whom most people know who I am. So I was scared to go in the Masjhid that day, because I didn't want people to think I am a muslim. I hope I didn't disappoint the lay leader as to my word to be there. I even speculated that most of the community showed up that Saturday to welcome me, Im not sure. So I feel kind of bad for not going. But, I plan on going next Friday to observe pray.

I really want to learn. And have come to find out that Islam, is really spiritual and devine faith. Most of what I have read in the Quran has made sense, and unlike reading a bible it is not confusing.