When a person makes the decision to embrace Islam as a faith and way of life, it is a life-changing event. The initial period as a new Muslim can exciting, a bit scary, and profoundly uplifting. It is important to prepare one's self for the challenges, and find support for the many questions one faces.

1. Make du'a for the innocent victims of this ongoing conflict. Islam teaches that God listens to the cries of those who call on Him.

2. Respond to the emergency appeals of humanitarian aid workers in the region. Many Islamic charitable organizations have permanent programs in Gaza, and are among those currently on the ground trying to get aid through.

3. Learn about the background and proposed solutions of this conflict. An excellent place to start is the About.com Middle East Issues site.

4. Familiarize yourself with the laws of Islam with regard to armed conflict. Muslims are to follow Islamic standards which are in line with international humanitarian law, regardless of the actions of one's opponent.

5. Join us in the Islam Forum to discuss your views on the conflict. Do you think Israel is justified in its actions? Do you want foreign news media to be allowed in to cover the story? Discuss these issues and more.

While people around the world ring in 2009 with celebrations, Shi'a Muslims are observing several days of mourning leading up to the Day of 'Ashura. The New York Times reports that in Iraq, New Year's Eve parties were cancelled by order of the government out of respect for the observance. Why do Shi'a Muslims mourn at this time?

It is difficult to see the ongoing crisis in Palestine escalate into yet another bloodbath. One feels powerless to do anything, and anger for those who have the power to stop bloodshed but choose to do nothing.

At such times, we must remember the words of the Prophet Muhammad: "When any of you sees an evil act, let him change it with his hand. If he is not able to do so, then let him change it with his tongue. And if he is not able to do so, then let him condemn it in his heart, although that is the weakest of faith."

May we all try, in our own way, to bring about an end to the fighting and establish peace for the people who are suffering.

More Coverage From About.com:

• Islamic Charitable Organizations - list of groups that provide ongoing humanitarian support to Palestine and other parts of the world
• Jihad in Islam - why Palestinians feel that resisting occupation is a "just" cause
• Profile of Palestine - from the About.com Guide to Middle East Issues
• Basics of the Arab-Israeli Conflict - from the About.com Guide to World News
• Resumption of Barbarism Over Gaza - latest from the About.com Guide to Middle East Issues
• Bloodletting in Gaza - back in March 2008, during another Israeli bombardment of Gaza that killed over 100 people, the About.com Guide to Middle East Issues predicted "another round of bloodletting" in the future
• Conflicts in Gaza: Causes and Solutions - the About.com Guide to Middle East Issues gives an overview of the issues and possible solutions
• Hamas-Israeli Conflict: Background, Primers, and FAQs - from the About.com Guide to Middle East Issues
• What/Who is Hamas? Two profiles from the About.com Guides to Middle East Issues and Terrorism Issues