How to Overcome Your Biggest Struggles When Converting
Converting to Islam is a deeply transformative journey, one that brings peace, purpose, and a sense of coming home. But let’s be honest, convert to Islam struggles can also be one of the most challenging periods of your life. You’re not just changing your beliefs. You’re reshaping your lifestyle, your identity, and often your relationships too.
I recently came across a thread asking converts — especially those coming from atheism — about the biggest struggles they faced after embracing Islam. The responses were raw, real, and deeply familiar. Whether you’re a new Muslim or someone supporting one, I want to share these struggles and offer reflections and solutions rooted in both faith and sisterhood.
1. Struggling With the Five Daily Prayers
One of the most common hurdles? Salah (prayer).
One revert shared that the biggest adjustment was praying five times a day. “I’m not used to doing things at consistent times,” they wrote. And if you’ve come from a lifestyle of complete freedom over your time, the structure of salah can feel like a shock to the system.
But here’s the thing: that structure is one of the greatest gifts of Islam.
Overcoming Convert to Islam struggles:
Start with one prayer. Build a habit slowly. Don’t guilt yourself if you miss one. Instead, make a sincere intention to improve. Create a visual tracker or set alarms. With time and sincerity, prayer becomes your peace, not your pressure. And remember even missing one doesn’t erase your status as a Muslim. Allah knows your journey.
2. Loneliness After Converting
Another common pain point was loneliness. Some converts spoke of the silence that followed their shahada, the awkward distance from friends and family, the loss of shared rituals, and the feeling of being emotionally stranded.
Overcoming Convert to Islam struggles:
Know that this is a test, but not your destination. Actively seek community, even online. Local mosques, revert WhatsApp groups, or safe sister circles can make all the difference. Also, talk to Allah about your loneliness. Seriously turn that ache into du’a (supplication). He hears you when no one else does.
If you’re reading this and know a new revert, be the one to reach out. A message can mean the world.
3. Navigating Family Tensions
Multiple commenters shared the pain of strained relationships with parents, especially mothers. One said, “Ever since I told her I was a Muslim, it’s like there’s a barrier between us.” Others mourned the loss of shared memories, humor, and cultural bonds.
Overcoming Convert to Islam struggles:
Be gentle. Stay connected. Islam never asks you to sever ties with your family even if they disapprove of your choice. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ maintained respectful, loving relationships with non-Muslim family members.
Focus on being a source of light in their lives. Sometimes it takes time for hearts to soften. Let your character be your da’wah.
4. Feeling Pulled by the Past
Some converts reflected on how certain freedoms like sleeping in, dating, or partying seemed easier before Islam. Even the act of submission itself felt like ego death.
Overcoming Convert to Islam struggles:
Yes, Islam asks a lot from the soul. But everything it removes, it replaces with something purer. Real freedom comes through boundaries that honor your soul. There’s nothing more liberating than living for your Creator.
If you’re struggling with what you’ve left behind, know this: you don’t have to pretend those things never existed. Instead, remind yourself why you chose Islam. Was it peace? Purpose? Truth? That same reason still holds.
5. Cultural Barriers Within the Ummah
This one hurt to read, but it’s real. Some reverts shared the difficulty of being accepted in certain Muslim communities. Either they were put on a pedestal or met with suspicion.
Overcoming Convert to Islam struggles:
You belong in this ummah. Islam is not tied to any ethnicity. The Prophet ﷺ said, “All of you are from Adam, and Adam is from dust.” (Tirmidhi)
If you feel out of place, it’s not your fault. You don’t have to prove your worth, Allah already accepted you. Seek out inclusive spaces, and don’t be afraid to walk away from ones that aren’t. You deserve brotherhood and sisterhood rooted in sincerity.
6. Information Overload and Sectarian Confusion
“I just want to follow the Qur’an and Sunnah,” one user said. “But people keep warning me about other groups.”
It’s true that many new Muslims feel pulled in different directions, each claiming their version of “real Islam.”
Overcoming Convert to Islam struggles:
Stick to the basics: shahada, salah, halal, sincerity, learning. Build slowly. Choose a trustworthy teacher or resource grounded in traditional knowledge. Don’t let others’ warnings overwhelm your heart. Islam is clear, simple, and beautiful – don’t let noise drown that out.
7. Fluctuating Faith (Iman)
Some converts described how a dip in faith felt terrifying like a sign that they were losing Islam altogether.
“I feel that if my iman goes low, I’d be tempted to leave Islam totally,” one commenter wrote. “But I know that’s just a trick of Shaytan.”
Overcoming Convert to Islam struggles:
Faith isn’t a straight line. Even the companions of the Prophet ﷺ experienced highs and lows. What matters is what you do during those lows. Keep showing up, even if all you can do is whisper “Ya Allah” through your tears. That is worship.
Build your iman by connecting with the Qur’an, reflecting on your blessings, and surrounding yourself with positive influences. And always seek Allah’s help. He is closer than you think.
A Final Reminder: You Are Not Alone
If you’ve converted to Islam and are struggling, know this: your struggles are valid, but they don’t define your faith. You are on a sacred path, and every difficulty you face for Allah’s sake will be rewarded.
The Prophet ﷺ said, “Islam began as something strange and will return to being strange, so give glad tidings to the strangers.” (Muslim)
You are part of a beautiful legacy of believers who chose Allah over comfort. That makes you beloved in His sight.
Be patient. Be kind to yourself. Seek support. Make du’a. And never forget — you didn’t find Islam by accident. Allah chose you.
Let’s Inspire Each Other
If you’re a new Muslim reading this, I’d love to hear from you. What has your biggest struggle been? And what has helped you cope? Share your thoughts in the comments below or tag me in your journey on Instagram ❣️
