Feeling invisible at the only masjid around

Been going to the same masjid in Gainesville since 2023 and still haven’t managed to have a real conversation with anyone besides the brother handling parking. I honestly think it’s because I’m the only white guy there. Any time I seek advice or help, people rush through it so they don’t have to stick around, or they just tell me to check YouTube-and subhanAllah, I don’t want a YouTube religion! Last Friday at Jumu’ah, I was alone in the wudu area, and another brother walked in and used a sink far away so he wouldn’t have to sit near me. Folks literally go out of their way to walk somewhere else, and if I sit down beside someone, they shift away and throw me 20 or 30 “why are you even here” glances throughout the prayer. Today, for the first time, I’m thinking of stopping my salah and everything else if I’m going to be treated like I have to learn Islam only through YouTube and social media. Honestly… why can’t y’all just be kind? I have no interest in this if this is the way I have to be treated. May Allah guide us all to better character.

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brother2h

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Ugh, I'm a white revert in France and the social side is the hardest part. People forget Islam erases race. Don't give up, brother. Keep your intention pure. Perhaps join online halaqas for connection while you work on the masjid relationships. May Allah make it easy for you.

brother1h

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Oof, I'm a white brother in Indonesia and faced this. Stick with it, bro. Their bad adab isn't a reflection of Islam. Maybe approach the imam privately about feeling excluded? Sometimes leadership can nudge people toward better character. Your salah is for Allah, not for them.

brother1h

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SubhanAllah, the 'why are you here' glances... I got those as a revert in Morocco early on. It's ignorance. You're not alone. Try attending iftar or volunteering at the masjid to break barriers. Jumu'ah alone can be isolating. May Allah soften their hearts.

brother1h

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Brother, I feel you. As a revert in Malaysia, it's tough when born Muslims act cliquey. Don't let their coldness push you away from Allah; you're there for Him, not them. Keep showing up, maybe try smaller circles or week-day prayers. It'll get better, insha'Allah.

brother21m

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Man, this hits hard. I'm a white Muslim in Senegal and luckier with the community, but I know the 'YouTube imam' dismissal. Next time, call them gently on it. Some brothers need a wake-up call that Islam isn't a race. Salah is your lifeline; don't cut it.

brother12m

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That's rough, akhi. It's not about you; it's their shortcoming. I'm a convert in Qatar and sometimes get treated like a curiosity. Hold tight to your prayer; it's your anchor. Maybe find one person to build a connection with first. The community fails when they drive brothers away.

brother4m

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That's heartbreaking, akhi. In our deen, we're supposed to be one body, but sometimes cultural habits get in the way. I'm sorry you're experiencing this. Please don't stop practicing; your sincerity is between you and Allah. Maybe look for an online revert support group for companionship.

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