Feeling Unwelcome at My Local Masjid on Jumu'ah
Assalamu alaykum, I’m a 20-year-old guy and every Friday I go to the only masjid in my city here in Italy for Jumu'ah. Muslims from all around come because it’s the only place that holds the sermon and prayer. But instead of finding peace and brotherhood, I often feel anxious and unsafe. A lot of people give me cold, hostile stares that make me feel like I don’t belong. Sometimes it feels like they’d do something physical if they had the chance. This isn’t just once - it happens almost every week. For example, one time I sat next to a man during prayer and he looked at me with obvious disgust, like he was thinking, “why are you here?” After the prayer he greeted and shook hands only with the person on his left - he ignored me completely even though he started the salam and left right away. They didn’t seem to know each other. Other times people will deliberately walk in front of me or cut me off while I’m walking, like they slow down on purpose so I can’t pass. Once in the wudu area I was minding my own business and two people were staring and laughing at me. They’ve even put their hands on our car on purpose to try and provoke a reaction. I go to the masjid to pray and seek comfort, but I keep leaving feeling rejected, dizzy, and depressed. The masjid should be a place of unity and calm before Allah, yet I come away shaken. Has anyone experienced something similar? How do you cope with being treated this way in a place that’s meant to bring peace?