How Should One Handle Rejection After Leaving A Group?
Answered by Shaykh Irshaad Sedick
Question
How can I navigate harsh treatment and social rejection after leaving a strict religious group, especially when I must continue interacting with them?
Answer
In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate.
Leaving a strict religious group can bring difficult social consequences. Islam teaches us to respond to such hardship with dignity, patience, and compassion, without compromising truth.
Allah Most High says,
“Repel (evil) with what is better, and your enemy will become like an intimate friend.” [Quran, 41:34]
This verse (and others) encourages us to remain gracious, even when treated harshly. You are not accountable for how others behave, but for how you respond.
The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) endured rejection with patience and mercy. At Ta’if, though severely mistreated, he prayed for the guidance of his abusers — a powerful example of prophetic forbearance.
Set healthy boundaries if needed, and maintain only respectful, minimal interaction. At the same time, seek sincere, balanced companionship that supports your growth in faith and character.
Remember, these trials are not without reward:
“No fatigue, illness, sorrow, sadness, hurt, or distress befalls a Muslim… except that Allah expiates some of his sins for it.” [Bukhari]
Hold firm to your relationship with Allah, focus on what pleases Him, and know that hardship endured with patience is a sign of strength, not weakness. Allah sees your struggle, and He is sufficient.
And Allah knows best.
[Shaykh] Irshaad Sedick
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
Shaykh Irshaad Sedick was raised in South Africa in a traditional Muslim family. He graduated from Dar al-Ulum al-Arabiyyah al-Islamiyyah in Strand, Western Cape, under the guidance of the late world-renowned scholar Shaykh Taha Karaan (Allah have mercy on him), where he taught.
Shaykh Irshaad received Ijaza from many luminaries of the Islamic world, including Shaykh Taha Karaan, Shaykh Muhammad Awama, Shaykh Muhammad Hasan Hitu, and Mawlana Abdul Hafeez Makki, among others.
He is the author of the text “The Musnad of Ahmad ibn Hanbal: A Hujjah or not?” He has been the Director of the Discover Islam Centre, and for six years, he has been the Khatib of Masjid Ar-Rashideen, Mowbray, Cape Town.
Shaykh Irshaad has fifteen years of teaching experience at some of the leading Islamic institutes in Cape Town. He is currently building an Islamic podcast, education, and media platform called ‘Isnad Academy’ and has completed his Master’s degree in the study of Islam at the University of Johannesburg. He has a keen interest in healthy Prophetic living and fitness.
