Building a Support Network: Finding the Right People in Your Community

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You Are a Part of the Ummah

Before we begin discussing how to build a support network as a revert, I want to commend you for taking the step of reverting, whether recently or years ago. Choosing Islam is not an easy decision, and it means Allah (may He be praised and exalted) has instilled in you courage and dedication—traits you are blessed to have. Every revert was selected by Allah to find Islam and be the first among their families to have their hearts opened to the truth. Since Allah has guided you to Him, you can be sure that He loves you and is always with you.

The Quran says, “We are closer to them than [their] jugular vein”[^http://quran.com/qaf/16], meaning Allah is nearer to you than the vein closest to your heart.

Depending on how long you’ve been Muslim, you’ve likely experienced many feelings in this new chapter: excitement, happiness, contentment—but also sadness, loneliness, confusion, and stress. All your feelings are valid and something every revert has experienced. Typically, when reverts first choose Islam, they feel eager to learn, but as time goes on and the excitement fades, loneliness and stress can set in, especially without Muslim companions for support. That’s why it’s important to build a support network filled with Muslims who can help you and be there for you.

Now that you’re Muslim, the whole Muslim community (ummah) is your new family. So even if you lost support from your biological family, which many reverts do, there is a Muslim community ready to support you—as long as you find the right people. Muslims are supposed to support and rely on one another. You’re not alone, and you’re not meant to do this journey alone. Being around other Muslims helps you feel more connected to people walking the same path, which matters because you may feel isolated from your family and non-Muslim friends. It’s also easier to practice Islam when those around you are doing the same.

Stepping Into the Community

The first step is to visit your local Islamic community and meet as many people as possible without overwhelming yourself. You can do this by searching up mosques in your area and contacting them online before visiting in person. This helps if you’re worried about not knowing anyone or what to do. Let them know you’re a revert and ask to be introduced to the community. You can also ask to speak to the imam (the prayer leader), who can answer your questions or offer advice. If you’re more extroverted, you can just show up and tell someone that you’re a revert and would like a tour. When you’re comfortable, try attending events regularly to form connections, like Friday prayers or volunteering.

If you’re in school or work somewhere with other Muslims, ask them to take you to their mosque or gatherings. Most colleges and universities have Muslim Student Associations (MSAs), so if you're a student, you can reach out to them to connect with other Muslims. 

Sometimes, your experiences as a revert will be different from born Muslims since you’re navigating Islam without family support. It can help to connect with fellow reverts who share similar experiences as you. Reverts can be harder to find, but they are out there. You can ask your mosque, MSA, or other Muslims if they know any reverts. 

How Can You Build Your Support Network?

Once you've explored your local community and met some Muslims, you’ll likely find that you connect with certain individuals more than others. That’s completely normal. Now it’s time to create your own personalized support network with specific people to help you—because not everyone will be able to offer the kind of support you need. Your needs will depend on where you are in your journey. A new revert might need guidance with the basics of Islam, while someone who has been Muslim for five years might seek a more knowledgeable mentor to deepen their understanding.

Let’s divide your support network into five categories: scholars/teachers, reverts, mentors, local supportive peers, and emotional support confidants.

Types of People to Include in Your Support Network

1. Scholars and Teachers

Scholars (sheikhs) and teachers (ustadhs) are your source of Islamic knowledge. A sheikh is a knowledgeable leader with a background in Islamic studies and the Quran. They can give rulings and offer guidance. An ustadh is anyone who can teach Islamic knowledge or help with Quran recitation. These trusted individuals are grounded in authentic sources and compassionate teaching. You can turn to them with questions, for Islamic advice, or structured learning (classes, workshops, etc.). Even born Muslims learn from them!

To find a sheikh or ustadh, search online, ask your imam, or ask around at the mosque for local teachers. Having a teacher ensures that your understanding of Islam is correct and helps you build a strong foundation.

2. Fellow Reverts

Fellow reverts can understand your unique transitions and offer relatable advice. They often carry a sense of being “in-between worlds” with a non-Muslim background and a new Muslim identity. This is something born Muslims might not fully understand. Connecting with other reverts can give you belonging, motivation, and companionship on this path.

You can find them on social media in revert-specific groups, through your mosque, or via organizations like Revert Reach.

3. Mentors and Companions

Mentors are Muslims (either born or reverts) who have more Islamic experience and can guide you in your personal growth. They don’t have to be scholars or teachers, but they should be compassionate, trustworthy, and dedicated to helping you stay on the right path. A good mentor will check in regularly and support you through setbacks.

You can find mentors by looking within your current network, asking your imam or community members for suggestions, or through services like Revert Reach’s Companion Connect app.

4. Local Supportive Peers

These are Muslims in your community who can help with practical matters, such as shopping for hijabs, finding halal restaurants, moving homes, and more. Local peers are essential, especially if your family is not supporting you in your Islamic pursuits. These small acts of support from other Muslims can make your transition much easier.

If you need someone to attend an event with you or help you find halal food, don’t hesitate to ask. Muslims are encouraged to help one another, so don’t be shy in seeking help.

5. Emotional Support Confidants

Reverting and living a new lifestyle on your own can be emotionally exhausting. Bottling up your struggles will only make things harder. Try building trust with someone in your community over time. Once you feel safe, you can begin to confide in them. Finding someone with whom you feel safe and not judged will take time, but it's worth it.

If you haven’t yet found a confidant, consider seeing a Muslim therapist. Islam values mental health, and Muslim therapists can give you support grounded in Islamic teachings. Struggling emotionally doesn’t mean you have low faith — it means you’re human. Even the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) went through despair during times when he felt disconnected from Allah. So if even our Prophet (the best of creation) had emotional struggles, we will too. To find a therapist, search online, or ask your imam or mosque community for recommendations.

Taking the First Step of Reaching Out

Now that we’ve covered the five categories, it’s time for you to take action. Reaching out to other Muslims can be daunting, but remember, you already took the hardest step by reverting. That courage is still in you. To aid in this process, be sure to pray your five daily prayers and make lots of dua. Prayer and duas are the keys to success for Muslims.

Here are two powerful duas you can make:

• “O Al-Mujeeb (The One Who Responds), grant me righteous companions who remind me of You and help me draw closer to You.”
• “O Al-Wakeel (The Disposer of Affairs), bless me with sisters/brothers who make my heart feel at home in this deen.”

A tip: call on Allah using His 99 names. Each name has a deep, beautiful meaning that you can use when asking for His help. You can always talk to Allah. He is always listening and always watching.

Finally, remember: this life is a test. Every hardship is a test from Allah, and the best way to get through it is by having patience and having trust in Him. Allah is the Best Disposer of Affairs. He will handle your worries, even if it takes time. Keep making dua, keep having faith, and InshaAllah, with time, your prayers will be answered. And if you ever don’t know who to turn to, turn to Allah, and feel free to turn to us at Revert Reach. We’re here to help you, InshaAllah.