When I think of Muslim Twitter, I think of us like a dysfunctional family, we have the creepy uncles, the annoying cousins, the judgemental aunties but we all come together on Eid in the name of Islam and love for each other. Sometimes Muslim Twitter can get a bit much.  Earlier this week we saw a sister take her shahada and upload the recording on Twitter. Muslim Twitter did its thing, the video was retweeted over 30,000 times with over 700,000 views. Soon after, speculation that the new convert was Shia arose, Muslim twitter did its thing again and a number of derogatory comments were made as well as inappropriate DMs from brothers.

The moment got Tareq (@ibnabitareq) talking about why we shouldn’t RT and like new Muslim conversion announcements and videos. He pointed out that the faith of a new Muslim is often in a fragile and volatile state which can also give rise to well-intentioned but poorly-informed decisions.

I get worried when new Muslims post their shahadah videos & blow up on social media. We know the cliche "Islam is perfect, Muslims aren't." Nothing proves that quicker than thousands of Muslim followers judging you, flirting with you, or convincing you to join their sect.

— tareq (@ibnabitareq) March 14, 2018

Controversial take: Stop RTing & liking new Muslims' conversion announcements & videos. The faith of new Muslims is likely in a fragile, volatile state. They will likely make emotionally-charged, well-intentioned, but poorly-informed decisions.

— tareq (@ibnabitareq) March 14, 2018

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Common issue: A person converts to mainstream, orthodox Sunni Islam. A week later, they convert to Shi'ism, often having done little research beyond speaking w their new Shia internet friends & consuming what they share w them. (FYI this is not takfeer or critique of Shi'ism.)

— tareq (@ibnabitareq) March 14, 2018

If Shias thought Sunni Islam is correct, they'd become Sunni. If Sunnis thought Shi'ism was correct, they'd become Shia. I believe Sunni Islam is correct, so I would not want someone leave it. It doesn't make me sectarian. I'm not promoting hate or violence towards Shias.

— tareq (@ibnabitareq) March 14, 2018

Advice to new Muslims: Seek out reliable teachers in person. Build relationships w Muslims in your community. Avoid the internet spotlight that can misguide people even more knowledgeable than us. Beware of laypeople, no matter how kind they are. They may be more lost than you.

— tareq (@ibnabitareq) March 14, 2018

Dawah doesn't end when a person says their shahadah. We have a responsibility to befriend & care for new Muslims. Yes, invite them for iftar in Ramadan, but also make them a part of your friend circle. They may be more worthy of your time & friendship than your other friends.

— tareq (@ibnabitareq) March 14, 2018

I'd also like to add that attacking or mocking a convert who becomes Shia might be the best way to guarantee that they don't change their opinion. Strive to speak with Prophetic manners & be considerate of people's circumstances, or keep silent.

— tareq (@ibnabitareq) March 14, 2018