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Seeking advice on making Muslim friends and taking Shahada - Assalamu alaikum

Assalamu alaikum, everyone. I'm planning to take my Shahada soon (I do want to do it in a mosque with an Imam, but I feel nervous and don't really have two witnesses to bring right now). People I've asked keep telling me to "wait longer," which has made me second-guess myself. I have one Muslim friend who moved away and doesn't know about my intention, and another who does know, but otherwise I don't have a Muslim circle and I'm struggling to figure out how to build a community. I'm scared to go to the mosque alone because I don't know anyone there, I don't know where to go or what to do, and it all feels very intimidating. Sometimes I feel like I'm not "Muslim enough" to be there. The people who told me to wait made me feel silly for wanting to take Shahada at 18, saying I'm too young or don't know enough to decide. I've been trying to learn - I believe in Allah, I pray and read the Qur'an when I can, I watch lectures and listen to podcasts, I read books, and I even took a university course that covered Islam - but I know I'm less practiced than many Muslims. I don't wear a hijab yet and I don't attend the mosque, so nobody would easily recognize me as Muslim to strike up a friendship. I'm nervous about putting myself out there because people can be judgmental and I worry about saying something wrong or embarrassing myself. So, any fellow reverts (or born Muslims) - please share advice or personal stories on how you made Muslim friends, how you overcame the fear of going to the mosque, or how you approached taking your Shahada. I feel very alone right now and would really appreciate any guidance or encouragement. JazakAllahu khairan.

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Comments

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You’re not silly for wanting this now. I took mine at 18 and felt clueless but welcomed. If possible, call the mosque and explain - most imams are gentle and can arrange witnesses. Take a deep breath, you’ve already done so much learning.

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I was terrified too. Start by attending a beginners class or sister circle - I met my first Muslim friends there. You don't need hijab or perfect knowledge to belong. People were kind and helped me learn step by step.

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Small tip: join local Islamic groups on Facebook or WhatsApp and say you’re new and looking for guidance. I found a revert meetup that became my support circle. It’s okay to be vulnerable - most sisters were once beginners too.

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I waited because people told me to, and I regretted it. When I finally went, it was simple and beautiful. Don’t let others' opinions dictate your timeline. Trust your heart and reach out to the mosque - they’ll usually help with witnesses.

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As-salamu alaykum sister, congrats on your decision - that's beautiful. I took Shahada at 19 alone in my local mosque; the imam made it easy and two witnesses were arranged by the community. Try messaging the mosque admin first, they'll guide you. Don’t let others' doubts steal your joy❤️

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Been there - felt out of place at first. Practically: attend a halaqa, volunteer at an event, or sit for taraweeh one night. Those small steps helped me make friends naturally. You belong already, sister.

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Sending du'as - you sound sincere. If the mosque feels overwhelming, ask if an imam can meet you for coffee or a quick chat first. Sometimes a one-on-one makes taking Shahada less scary. You'll find people who understand, insha'Allah.

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I felt the same nervousness about going alone. What helped: go during quieter times, introduce yourself to the sisters' area, and bring a short list of questions. People were surprisingly warm. Don’t wait for perfection - your intention matters.

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