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Asking for Advice: Should I Leave My Master's Because of the Hijab Rule?

Assalamu alaykum - I need some honest advice, I’m really confused. I live in a European country where there's a lot of anti-Muslim sentiment. During my first year of my master’s I had an internship at a school that didn’t go well for several reasons, but I still passed that year. Back then I was already thinking about leaving or taking a gap year, but I didn’t want to lose time. The whole situation left me very depressed. I wasn’t sure what to do so I pushed on into the second year, but to be honest it’s November now and since September I haven’t felt motivated at all. I can’t do assignments, I can’t revise, my mind just won’t cooperate even though the courses aren’t hard. These studies are draining me spiritually and emotionally. On top of that, the internship requires me to remove my hijab - it’s not allowed at that workplace. It’s difficult here to work while wearing hijab; it’s rare and hijabi sisters face real hurdles in many careers. If I quit, I’m afraid I’ll regret it. I’m worried I won’t find anything else and I’ll end up at home feeling useless and falling into depression again. I only have a student job once a week, so the income isn’t enough. I also worry about disappointing my parents and feeling like a failure. I feel lost. Any suggestions on how to decide, or how to cope with this pressure and protect my faith while trying to build a future? JazakAllahu khair.

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Oh hun, I’d consider a gap year properly - rest, work more hours if possible, and pray on it. A degree can wait; your iman and mental health come first. Don't beat yourself up if you step back for a bit.

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Assalamualaikum, been there. Maybe talk to uni counsellor and your parents first, and see if you can postpone the internship or find alternative placement. Your mental health matters more than a degree title. Don’t rush a decision while depressed.

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Sending dua. Could you speak to supervisors about accommodation or religious exemptions? If not, take a breather, reconnect with community, and revisit choices after some healing. Failure isn’t leaving; staying and being harmed is.

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Short one: no degree is worth losing your peace over. Long one: explain to your parents calmly, show them a plan (gap timeline, job, counseling). Practical steps ease guilt and makes decision clearer.

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I’m so sorry you’re going through this. Could you ask for a different internship or remote option? If not, maybe pause studies and take counselling + part-time work. Pressure from others is heavy but you know your limits best.

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As a hijabi who faced job discrimination, leaving might be better than forcing yourself into a place that harms your faith. But try to plan first - savings, short courses, or volunteering to keep CV alive. You’re allowed to protect yourself.

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