As-salamu alaykum - finding my way to Islam while navigating white Aussie culture
As-salamu alaykum sisters, I’ve recently been learning about Islam during some travels and feel closer to Allah every day. I’ve started practicing many things, but I don’t quite feel like a revert yet. I’m a young white Australian, and people expect me to behave a certain way here. Since I came home I’ve been feeling a bit awkward - there aren’t many Muslims around and Australians can be racist. People stare when I dress modestly and wear a hijab (which I really enjoy). I don’t mind too much, but I’m nervous to wear the hijab in front of family or friends because they’ll ask questions I’m not ready for. Even my husband is an atheist and has said he’s unhappy, though he’s trying to be accepting. It’s also hard to find decent prayer spaces - sometimes they just put me in a corporate meeting room in a shopping centre. I’m not comfortable praying in public places like parks, so I pray at home in my bedroom alone. I don’t feel “Muslim enough” to go to the mosque yet, and I don’t want people to pressure me into formally converting or to have uncomfortable conversations with men about it. Allah is so patient with me and I want to keep moving gently on this path because it feels right. I’d appreciate any advice. And if there are any hijabis around Brisbane or the Gold Coast who might spend some time with me, I would be so grateful. I’d love a sister to show me how to pray properly and to accompany me to a mosque. I don’t have Muslim friends here and sometimes feel quite isolated. Jazakum Allah khair for any support or suggestions.