Declare Shahada, pray 5 times a day, fast in Ramadan, wear hijab, avoid mixing with men, do not commit zinah, do not drink alcohol or eat pork, be kind and patient.

These are the things that i was taught and practiced for 5 years since my conversion (reversion as some say) at 18.

Pretty simple, everything was supposed to fall into place and life was supposed to be a waiting for death and the gathering of paradise credit through the above plus marriage and charity.

Marriage. Housewivery (i just invented that word). Motherhood, Obeying one’s husband. No career, no work. Days and days and years filled with shopping, cooking, looking after the housemaids and husband. Sounded good, still sounds tempting.

Except i have to earn my own living. I have to pay all my bills. I have to deal with male students and colleagues.

So it’s not easy and simple. Not pure and genius. Not the perfect deen.