Finding My Place as a Newcomer to Islam
Assalamu alaikum, everyone. I embraced Islam on my 18th birthday, and it's been a significant journey for me. Alhamdulillah, I had a supportive friend who answered my questions and even gifted me a Quran, and I took my shahada at his place on that special day-it was an amazing feeling. But now, two months in, I have to admit I'm struggling. That same friend seems to have drifted away, possibly dealing with his own issues, and many of my other Muslim friends also feel a bit distant lately. I know everyone has their own lives and challenges, so it's understandable, but the loneliness is hitting hard. I have a close Muslim friend, but when I bring up topics about Islam, he doesn't seem too keen on discussing them. I also asked a neighbor, who is Muslim, if he could accompany me to the local masjid since I'm a bit nervous about going alone for the first time, but he mentioned he usually prays with his family and apologized. That made me feel a bit envious-I wish I could share moments like that with my own parents. Recently, I told a cousin about my conversion, and her reaction wasn't very positive, which makes me worry about how the rest of my family might react. Sometimes, I wish I had been born into Islam from the start. I'm still learning to pray properly and recently memorized Surah Al-Fatihah, but I don't have anyone to recite it to for feedback. On top of that, I'm at an age where many crave companionship, and though I've stopped pursuing relationships to avoid haram, it's tough seeing peers enjoying social events. I also worry about future prospects-like, if I ever do meet someone, would my non-Muslim background be an issue? Even my name feels like a hurdle. Has anyone else who reverted found ways to feel more included in the Muslim community? In sha Allah, things might get better when I start college next year and gain more independence, but right now, it's just really challenging.