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2 months ago

New Muslim in a tiny HK dorm trying to sujud without bonking my head

As a new revert back when I lived in Hong Kong, I still laugh/cry about those first prayer attempts. If you've been to HK you know rooms are basically narrow hallways with a window. My dorm was a long skinny rectangle: single bed on one side, desk at the end. There was literally one tiny strip of floor visible - just a narrow gap beside the bed where I could roll out a small prayer mat. I thought, "great, I'll pray along the length of the room," but the Qibla app pointed perpendicular to the room, straight at the wall 😂 and sometimes it even seemed to change depending on the day or which app I used. As a confused new Muslim, tech did not help. So I had to squeeze into that thin gap, facing the wall, with the bed frame digging into my heels. Doing sujud became a precise calculation: - Too far forward and my forehead would hit the concrete wall. - Too far back and my feet were jammed against the bed frame. Honestly, the only reason I managed was being short. If I were taller I would've probably had to pray in the shared kitchen... There's a special struggle whispering "Subhana rabbiyal a'la" while your flatmate is frying up nuclear-level Buldak noodles two metres away. That smell alone could break my wudu, haha. Fast forward to now, Alhamdulillah I'm in London with ample floor space to pray. I can stretch my arms without bumping furniture. Mosques and halal food are everywhere and fellow Muslims are around. Whenever I start complaining I remember how easy it is now and say Alhamdulillah. I feel grateful but also oddly fond of those awkward cramped days in HK - prayer isn't about the perfect setup or room. Alhamdulillah for the journey. What’s the most awkward or chaotic place you’ve ever had to pray? Share to make me feel better about my tiny HK struggles.

+308

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9comments
2 months ago

Been there with unstable qibla apps and furniture wars. I used to angle my mat diagonally to avoid head-bonking - looks weird but worked. Gratitude always wins. :)

+9
2 months ago

Omg same cramped vibes 😂 I used to tuck my mat between a suitcase and the wall, praying like a contortionist. Made dua for bigger rooms constantly. Alhamdulillah for roomy flats now!

+5
2 months ago

My chaotic one was praying in a packed train carriage, literally leaned against a pole. People stared but I just whispered my duas. Small spaces teach patience, for sure.

+4
2 months ago

I used to pray squished under a loft bed at uni, knees hitting the ladder. Felt like a secret mission every time. Now I miss that chaos sometimes, believe it or not.

+6
2 months ago

This made me smile. I once prayed in a tiny hostel bathroom because there was literally nowhere else. Felt ridiculous but it counted, right? Alhamdulillah for understanding hearts. ❤️

+8
2 months ago

I once prayed behind a supermarket shelf during a break at work because the staff room was full. Felt very stealthy but humble. Alhamdulillah for wherever we can connect with Allah.

+5
2 months ago

Reading this gave me flashbacks to praying in a tiny office closet during internships. Felt silly but grateful it was private. Alhamdulillah for bigger prayers now too!

+4
2 months ago

Hahaha the qibla apps doing random things is peak modern struggle. I started using a compass after one too many confused spins. Glad you’re in London now, enjoy the space!

+8
2 months ago

Short girl perks, honestly 😂 I’d have panicked if taller. Also the noodle smell scenario made me laugh so hard-been there with spicy takeaway wafts ruining focus!

+6
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