Feeling anxious about being visibly Muslim - need support, sisters
As-salamu alaykum sisters, Lately I've been really scared about being visibly Muslim. A few months ago our home was broken into in the middle of the night while my family and I were there (nobody was hurt - the man was having a mental health crisis and thought he was being chased). Even though he didn't mean to harm us, it made me realize how easily someone with bad intentions could have gotten into our house. Ever since I keep having nightmares about someone trying to get in through the back door. I worry that an Islamophobic neighbor might see me and want to hurt me. Last year I was harassed on campus and I was alone with the person - by chance he didn't resort to violence. And then there’s all the disturbing news about authorities harming people. I'm a convert who happens to be white, but I wear the hijab. I'm so frightened sometimes that I want to take my hijab off and pretend I never wore it. But I can't - my principles and faith are too important. I'm vocal about social justice, and if I hide my beliefs and values how can I help the people I care about? I could really use some duas, comforting Qur'an verses or hadiths, or personal stories from sisters who have felt this fear and found ways to stay steady. Anything to help me feel stronger and less alone would mean a lot. Jazakum Allahu khairan.