Struggling with Modesty and Feeling Unsupported - JazakAllah for Listening
Assalamu alaykum 🤍 I reverted to Islam on May 31, 2025, and I’m 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 aren’t very religious - they identify as Protestant - and even if they’re not strict, I constantly feel judged. I’ve asked them to knock before entering my room so I can pray, but it still doesn’t feel right; I get so anxious I feel like I’ll 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 don’t 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 didn’t seem bothered when I dressed revealingly or lived carelessly. But once I told them I was Muslim, comments started: “So you’re oppressed now?” or “Is this for a boy?” When I stopped wearing tight or short clothes, they didn’t like it. I’d hear things like, “Why can’t you just wear shorts?” or “Why not a tank top?” My family isn’t big on talking about feelings, so I usually keep quiet. I don’t 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, I’ll wear a hoodie and make sure my hair isn’t showing - it feels like a small win. I don’t 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. I’ve 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. I’m sensitive about my faith and I’ve asked them many times not to joke, but they don’t stop. I know it might sound silly that my family’s words affect me so much, but they do. My confidence is fragile, and when they mock me I usually back down. I’m scared that if I begin dressing more modestly I’ll be pressured or picked on into changing back. I feel behind, even though I remind myself everyone’s path is different. I just don’t know how to move forward feeling so unsupported at home. If anyone has advice, encouragement, or has faced something similar, I’d be grateful to hear from you. JazakAllah khair for reading 🤍