The more I learn about Islam and the Qur'an, the more I feel loved and accepted

As-salāmu ʿalaykum - maybe I just got lucky with the masjid I found, but a sister who works there and the imam have been so supportive. I’ve been able to open up about my past, the trauma and abuse I went through, and why I do the work I do. No one called me a sinner or told me to stop or threatened me with hellfire. Instead, they showed kindness, didn’t try to use me, and offered genuine care and support. It’s strange - those same compassionate teachings were what I heard in a Christian church, but there I never felt accepted. There I felt judged. Here, with these people and through learning more about Islam and the Qur’an, I finally feel understood and welcomed.