How Can I Find Muslim Friends in This Non-Muslim Village?
Answered by Ustadha Shazia Ahmad
Question
I live in a non-Muslim country and, in addition to that, in a small village where my family and I are the only Muslims. I know that we should move, in sha Allah, one day, it’ll be possible. The point is that there are no women at the masjid we go to and also at the other masjids near me. I feel really lonely, and I’d like to have female Muslim friends. What shall I do?
Answer
Thank you for your question. I empathize with your loneliness, and I pray that you can come to meet sisters who benefit you and you benefit them.
Isolation
The first thing that comes to mind is the aphorism of Ibn ‘Ata’ Allah, “Your desire for isolation, even though God has put you in the world to gain a living, is a hidden desire. And your desire to gain a living in the world, even though God has put you in isolation, is a comedown from lofty aspiration.”
He also said, “Bury yourself in the land of anonymity. A seed that is never buried underground will never produce. There is nothing more beneficial to the heart than the isolation that allows it to enter a state of reflection.”
The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) was the source of this great wisdom when he said, “There is no wisdom like reflection and no honor like good manners.” [Ibn Majah]
In other words, if you have been placed in this situation for the moment and currently have no way to leave it, then you should take advantage of it. Busy yourself with good deeds, reflection, contemplation, and reading and memorizing the Quran. Not having too many people around is a great time to gain knowledge, so, naturally, I must urge you also to take free classes here at SeekersGuidance on your personally obligatory knowledge online.
Company
One way of picking up Muslim friends is through these new courses online at SeekersGuidance. Social media is also useful if you navigate it well and don’t waste time online. Also, picking up the phone and calling the Muslims you know is an easy way to keep in touch with people. One must be careful not to just make friends with any Muslim, but rather pious ones. So I would encourage you to choose carefully, and until that time comes, that you busy yourself with as much goodness and charity as you can.
Please see these tips as well:
Where Can I Find Good Company?
Discussion on Sulami’s Adab of Keeping Company
May Allah give you the best of this world and the next.
[Ustadha] Shazia Ahmad
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
Ustadha Shazia Ahmad lived in Damascus, Syria, for two years, where she studied aqidah, fiqh, tajweed, tafsir, and Arabic. She then attended the University of Texas at Austin and completed her Master’s in Arabic. Afterward, she moved to Amman, Jordan, where she studied fiqh, Arabic, and other sciences. She later moved back to Mississauga, Canada, where she lives with her family.
