Struggling with Modesty and Feeling Unsupported - JazakAllah for Listening
Assalamu alaykum š¤ I reverted to Islam on May 31, 2025, and Iām still trying to get my bearings. I know I can do better, and sometimes that thought feels heavy on me. One of my hardest things is praying at home. My family arenāt very religious - they identify as Protestant - and even if theyāre not strict, I constantly feel judged. Iāve asked them to knock before entering my room so I can pray, but it still doesnāt feel right; I get so anxious I feel like Iāll jump if I hear footsteps. I was drawn to Islam because of the modesty, the structure, and the values. Before I reverted, my life was messy - I donāt want to go into details, but from around middle school I coped in unhealthy ways and it even landed me in hospital. Deep down I know I want a better life. What hurts is that my family didnāt seem bothered when I dressed revealingly or lived carelessly. But once I told them I was Muslim, comments started: āSo youāre oppressed now?ā or āIs this for a boy?ā When I stopped wearing tight or short clothes, they didnāt like it. Iād hear things like, āWhy canāt you just wear shorts?ā or āWhy not a tank top?ā My family isnāt big on talking about feelings, so I usually keep quiet. I donāt wear hijab yet, but modesty matters a lot to me. I avoid going out much because of how they react. When I do go out, Iāll wear a hoodie and make sure my hair isnāt showing - it feels like a small win. I donāt have Muslim friends or in-person support, only online scholars and influencers. I want to start wearing hijab, and one day I hope to wear niqab - I really love it. Iāve told a few close family members and they reacted poorly, making jokes and saying modest clothes look like pajamas, not taking me seriously. When we go shopping and I point out modest options, they laugh. Iām sensitive about my faith and Iāve asked them many times not to joke, but they donāt stop. I know it might sound silly that my familyās words affect me so much, but they do. My confidence is fragile, and when they mock me I usually back down. Iām scared that if I begin dressing more modestly Iāll be pressured or picked on into changing back. I feel behind, even though I remind myself everyoneās path is different. I just donāt know how to move forward feeling so unsupported at home. If anyone has advice, encouragement, or has faced something similar, Iād be grateful to hear from you. JazakAllah khair for reading š¤