What to Avoid
Sometimes it can be hard to know what to do in order to support a sister you know very little about, but remember:
Withhold judgment
Everyone has two sides: one they show the world and one they reserve for those closest to them.
You might not like a sister initially, but get to know her, invest some time in her and bond with her.
You might find a true friend in her “reserved” side once you both relax around each other.
Don’t assume
It’s very easy to fall into the dangerous trap of making assumptions about people—why they said a certain thing, why they act a certain way, and what they think about certain issues.
But you don’t know what’s in someone’s heart, and you’re not a mind-reader.
Make 70 excuses and give someone the benefit of the doubt whenever possible.
Don’t give up
It can be disheartening to have a bad experience with the Muslim community, but never give up.
Take a step back, by all means. Take time to recover and look after yourself, but once you’re ready, jump back in and keep trying to connect with fellow sisters.
In our current world, so many people are against us that we can’t afford to be against each other as well.
Conclusion
It is sad that these sisters felt so pushed out of a community that is supposed to be known for its support, compassion, and inclusion.
Why do some communities of Muslims alienate their sisters like this, whether intentionally or not?
We all need to make an effort to reach out to sisters around us and provide a safe space that is free from judgment and filled with love and support.
Let’s build a network that emulates the friendships among the companions that we read about in the seerah. Let’s be the sister we would hope to have in our time of need.
This is just one side of the coin. In the next part, we will share the stories of some sisters who have found invaluable love and support from the Muslims around them. Stay tuned…
From the archives.
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