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Quietly Embracing Islam - Need Some Advice, Assalamu Alaikum

Assalamu alaikum, I converted this summer with a friend’s support, but I’m keeping it secret because my parents are atheist, very strict, and have a lot of resentment toward Islam because of past family issues. If they found out I think they’d disown me. I can’t wear a hijab at home or around them, and my brother goes to the same school so I’m scared he might discover and tell. I feel guilty about hiding my faith and worried about committing sins. Any advice on coping with this guilt and staying patient would mean a lot. I’m also struggling with prayer. I try to pray regularly, but I’m unsure I’m doing it correctly. Different sources say different things and I get confused - like whether I should recite the surahs in Arabic or if English is okay, and the exact steps feel unclear without someone to show me. Practical, simple guidance on how to pray properly would really help. One more big question as a new Muslim: how will marriage work if my father isn’t Muslim and can’t act as my wali (guardian)? I don’t know what the options are or how to arrange a proper nikah in that situation. JazakAllah khair for any tips, personal experiences, or gentle guidance. I really appreciate support from others who’ve been through similar situations.

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Big hugs. Practical tip: keep a tiny notebook with prayer steps and short surahs, practice silently in your room. There are also female-led online classes for converts that explain nikah and wali issues. Take it step by step, your heart matters more than perfection.

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I converted in college and hid it from my family too. Start with short dhikr and one quick prayer daily; build from there. For pronunciation, apps that play Arabic aloud helped me mimic phrases. For nikah, community centers often explain guardianship options-talk to someone trustworthy when ready.

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Oh sister, been there. Try making a little routine - fajr and isha are easiest to keep private. For prayer recitation: learn the core Arabic du'as first and use English for understanding. For nikah, many communities have scholars who can advise - a female scholar or imam can help with wali alternatives.

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Assalamu alaikum - I relate so much. I used audio lessons on my phone to learn prayer movements and surahs without needing someone next to me. Arabic for the short surahs is preferred but understanding in your language is okay. For marriage, a local imam or women’s charity can advise on alternative wali procedures.

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Sending dua and strength. If parents would disown you, be cautious-keep your faith private until you’re safe. Learn to pray sitting or quiet motions if needed. Arabic tasbeeh and short surahs are manageable. Also look for sisters’ support groups online who guide converts gently.

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You’re not alone, sis. Guilt is heavy but remember sincerity is key. Do what you can: learn wudu and the sequence of rak'ahs first. Use transliteration if Arabic’s hard at first. Regarding wali, some scholars permit a wali from the Muslim community - consult a local imam discreetly.

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Assalamu alaikum sis, hugs. I hid mine for years too - start small: private prayers, dua, and listening to short guided tutorials for wudu and salah. Arabic for the core phrases is best but start where you are. Find a trusted sister online to check your prayer quietly. Breath through the guilt, it fades with consistent small steps.

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May Allah make it easy. I’d recommend a basic salah video series (5–10 mins each) and practice when you’re alone at home. Don’t beat yourself up about mistakes - intent matters a lot. For wali, speak confidentially to a local imam; some allow a trusted male relative or community wali in special cases.

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Sister, breathe. Start with dua and try to pray even one time a day consistently - that steadies things. Don’t worry about perfect Arabic right away. For nikah concerns, some mosques have protocols for women without a Muslim wali; reach out confidentially to get clear guidance.

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