Q&A about my experience with Islam

My friend sent me an email with a list of questions about my experience with Islam last summer, and I forgot and also did not have time to answer them for a long time, but alhamdulillah I did last week. So I thought of sharing it here so that someone might be able to benefit from it inshallah.

Q1. Introduce yourself (country, parents , wife etc).

I am originally from Japan, and live in Canada now with my wife. My parents live in Japan, both Japanese.

Q2. Say about study

I am a Ph.D. student in the Department of Earth and Ocean Sciences. My research work is mainly related to climate change. 

Q3. When did you tern to Islam?

I have given my shahadah in August 2009. 

Q4. How did you guided to Islam, by whom?

My initial encounter to Islam was in September 2007. I happened to be in the same class with my wife (she is a born-Muslim). We became friends and at times she explained to me about Islamic teachings and practices.

Q5. How did you inspire?

I first admired the practical aspects of Islam, such as praying five times a day, fasting continuously during the month of ramadan, preventing from drinking alcohol, etc.

Q6. Which book of Islam did you read first time?

I cannot remember which was the first book I read to learn about Islam, but I find the book called “A brief illustrated guide to understanding Islam” really helpful (the web link is: http://www.islam-guide.com/).

Q7. Now how do you enjoy Islamic life?

It feels great!

Q8. How do you enjoy halal food now?

I enjoy it very much. It is always good to know what I am eating (e.g. how the animals were slaughtered).

Q9. How do you face problem when you turn into Islam?

I had not faced any problem with turning into Islam. My parents are open-minded, and they are happy with whatever decisions I make in life.

Q10 Say some thing about your future plan for Islam?

Currently I am studying the Arabic grammar, so hopefully (Insha Allah) I will be able to understand each word in the Qu’ran as I recite.

Q11. Say some things you feel free to inspire people.

I believe that people tend to stay away from any religion nowadays. Perhaps “being religious” sounds scary? If you think that way, consider Islam as "a way of life", as it is in fact a way of life (Read the first few lines on Page 7 of Drs. Mahmoud and Yaser Haddara’s article, "Introduction to Islam": http://www.manal.ca/sites/default/files/IntroductionToIslam.pdf). For me, it is a successful way of life: I feel healthy both physically and spiritually and always find myself at ease by implementing Islam in everyday life.