As-salaamu Alaikum, I am 20 years old and in college in the United States. I grew up in the Nation of Islam. I never learned to pray properly and have never been to Jummah prayer. Nor have I learned alot of the basic Arabic words that every muslim should know because this has not been adressed at the mosque that I went to. A week ago, I went to I masjid for the first time in my life and I began reading and studying the Qur'an on my own. I found resources to guide me as I am learning to pray and to be a practicing muslim. I never took Shahadah and Insha-Allah, I will take it very soon, within the next couple of weeks. I don't know how to feel about the fact that I thought I was learning all I needed to know until I stepped outside and saw that no other muslim in the world could understand why I did not know how to make salat when I told them I was muslim. I am going to start going to a new masjid but I worry about my family and the people that I grew up with in the Nation of Islam misunderstanding me and thinking that I am misguided. With Allah's (SAW) guidance I know I am making the right decission in learning how to pray and starting to wear the hijab. I got some funny looks from the sisters of the Nation of Islam mosque the first time I wore my hijab wrapped in the traditional style instead of in a bun at the back of my neck(which exposed curls of my hair). I would like any words of advice on what I should do because I feel that I have missed out on something very precious in my growing up. Also, I am not familiar with joining a masjid where the brothers and sisters pray at certain times, remove their shoes, and anything else that I may not know about, so I would like some pointers on that, as well as what I should do or say when I am ready to take my shahadah. Insha-Allah someone out there will help me to figure this out by the grace of Allah (SAW). -Thank you to anyone offering your words -As-salaamu alaikum, Sister Hannah