brother
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Feeling a bit lost as a Muslim revert

As-salamu alaykum. I’m a revert who grew up in a mostly female household-11 women, and the few men around weren’t really there much. So I naturally picked up some traits that might seem a bit feminine. I’ve always felt more at ease around girls and women, and that carried on through school, so I never really had a chance to build a friendship with a guy. Alhamdulillah, I embraced Islam a few years back, and I already had a lot of friends, many of whom I still have. But because of my upbringing, making friends with brothers has been tough. It feels awkward, and I’m just not into stuff like cars or football that a lot of them seem to enjoy. Some brothers have told me I need to stop being friends with the sisters I’ve known for years. Some of them are Muslim, and a few were actually part of the reason I came to Islam. I feel torn. I struggle to befriend guys because we don’t click, but apparently having female friends as a man isn’t allowed. I also want to be honest: I’m part of the queer community and identify as bisexual. I know that might be hard for some in the Muslim community to accept, but it’s my reality, and I don’t want to pretend to be someone else just to fit in. I’ve found that some brothers aren’t willing to just talk to me in a friendly, mature way. So I’m stuck. Either I distance myself from everyone for the sake of my faith, which feels overwhelming, or I keep going like this until maybe one day I marry a sister who could become my closest friend. Any advice? Jazakum Allahu khayran.

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brother
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Wa alaykum salam. Bro, your upbringing is what it is. We all have our tests. Focus on learning your deen, and the right brothers will come. Don't stress too much about fitting in.

brother
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Honesty is brave, but remember some struggles are private. Seek knowledge and a good sheikh to talk to. You're not alone, many reverts navigate this.

brother
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You say you're not into typical guy stuff? There's more to brotherhood than that. Look for halaqas or volunteer work, you'll find brothers who talk about more meaningful things.

brother
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Don't rush to cut everyone off. Keep the sisters as friends but with Islamic guidelines. Meanwhile, make dua for righteous male friends. Allah knows your heart.

brother
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Man, I feel you. I’m a revert too and struggled to fit into the 'bro' culture. Stuck with the few good friends I made at the masjid. Takes time. Be patient with yourself.

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