During the Holiday season, Muslim reverts are tasked with maintaining the delicate balance between upholding their identity as Muslims and managing the practical realities of family, school, or workplace settings that may celebrate traditions unfamiliar or even in direct conflict with Islam. They may encounter questions, unsolicited advice, or pressure to “join in,” all while striving to honor the deen they are learning to live fully. This balancing act can be exhausting, turning “the most wonderful time of the year” into a constant reminder of the challenges of belonging.

These challenges aren’t only experienced in the moment; they also occur beneath the surface. For reverts, the holiday season is often tied to feelings of nostalgia and happy memories from cultural or familial traditions. Upon accepting Islam, however, some of these practices may be seen as incompatible with their faith, changing how they relate to those memories. This shift can create feelings of guilt whenever family members reminisce about the “good old days,” leaving reverts caught between love for their family and a newfound understanding of their faith.

So, What Can Be Done?

Alhamdulillah, Islam provides guidance for almost every challenge in life. With the right intentions, the holiday season, while challenging, can become an opportunity for growth, learning, and dawah for reverts and born-Muslims alike.

Strategies to Navigate the Holiday Season

1. Maintain Amicable Relationships with Family

Even if loved ones encourage practices outside of Islam, it is still possible to maintain kindness and respect.

In the Quran, Allah reminds us to “accompany them in [this] world with appropriate kindness”
when speaking about how to interact with Non-Muslim family members

(Surah Luqman; 31:15).

Even without following their practices, showing compassion and being present preserves ties and demonstrates the beauty of Islam.

2. Use Moments of Discomfort as Dawah

As noted, participating in practices that conflict with Islam is not recommended. However, moments of curiosity or gentle pressure can be opportunities for dawah. Asking questions such as, “Is there a deeper purpose behind this tradition, beyond the celebration itself?” can spark meaningful, non-confrontational conversations about beliefs and may open the door to discussing Islam.

3. Release Past Guilt

It is common for reverts to feel weighed down by memories of their life before Islam, especially during family gatherings where past behaviors may be discussed or even celebrated. In spite of this, it is important for reverts to remember that the journey to Islam, with all its twists and difficulties, has ultimately led to the gift of Allah’s guidance.

Anas ibn Malik (RA) narrates that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said that Allah the Almighty said: 

“O son of Adam, so long as you call upon Me and ask of Me, I shall forgive you for what you have done, and I shall not mind.

O son of Adam, were your sins to reach the clouds of the sky and were you then to ask forgiveness of Me, I would forgive you.

O son of Adam, were you to come to me with sins nearly as great as the earth and were you then to face Me,

ascribing no partner to Me, I would bring you forgiveness nearly as great as it,”

(Hadith Qudsi 34 of the Forty Hadith Qudsi).

This is a reminder that hope in Allah’s mercy is woven into the core beliefs of Muslims. Past mistakes do not diminish one’s present commitment. Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala opens the door of repentance again and again. He loves those who return to Him. One’s steadfastness, striving, sincerity, and turning back to Him (irrespective of what family or friends may remember or say) are what truly matter.

4. Increase in Islamic Knowledge

When we experience loneliness or isolation, it can serve as an invitation to draw nearer to Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala. Throughout the lives of many prophets, their moments of greatest distance from community, family, or supporters were often the very moments when Allah ‘Azza wa Jall answered their dua or opened a door they could never have opened on their own. In this light, feelings of isolation may signal a divine call toward closeness with Allah. 

This is especially true during the holiday season, when reverts may face heightened emotional and environmental challenges and need that nearness to Allah for strength and steadfastness. One of the most beautiful ways to respond to this invitation is by seeking beneficial knowledge.

In the Quran, Allah teaches us the dua:

“Rabbi zidni ‘ilma” meaning “My Lord, increase me in knowledge,” 

(Surah Taha; 20:114).

Engaging with Qur’an, hadith, lectures, or beneficial books, can strengthen imaan, particularly during times of uncertainty or emotional difficulty.

Abu Huraira (RA) reported that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, “and he who treads the path in search of knowledge, Allah would make that path easy… mercy would cover them and the angels would surround them and Allah mentions them in the presence of those near Him,” 

(Sahih Muslim).

Seeking knowledge nurtures clarity, confidence, and a deep sense of conviction in one’s deen. Remaining mindful of Allah’s closeness and support during overwhelming moments can ease emotional strain and help return the heart to a state of tranquility and serenity.

5. Connect with the Local Masjid and Community 

Even as women, participating in communal activities and praying in jama’ah carries immense reward. Building connections with other sisters can create a vital support system that strengthens imaan and helps ease the sense of isolation that often comes during the holiday season. For many reverts, visiting the masjid can feel intimidating. 

Small steps can help:

• Attend a short lecture or weekly class.
• Join a sister’s halaqa (discussion circle).
• Volunteer with local food drives or community programs.

Many masajid and Islamic organizations offer women-only study groups, social gatherings, and support circles that foster a sense of belonging in a safe and welcoming environment. Assisting the community allows one to serve others for the sake of Allah while alleviating loneliness through purposeful action. These acts of service often bring together like-minded individuals and cultivate a sense of fulfillment, connection, and shared values.

For sisters seeking supportive, female-friendly spaces (in the UK and Canada) the Muslimah Prayer Space Finder can be a helpful tool in locating masajid and community spaces that are welcoming to women. Finding environments where sisters feel comfortable and supported can make all the difference in building lasting community ties. With each small step toward community, Allah places barakah in the journey, reminding reverts that they are never truly alone on the path to Him.

6. Increase Acts of Ibaadah (Worship)

Voluntary acts such as dhikr, dua, sunnah prayers, and voluntary fasting are also sources of sweetness and barakah throughout the day, especially when practiced privately.

Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala reminds us that,

“Those who believed, and whose hearts find rest in the remembrance of Allah:

verily, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest,”

(Surah ar-Rad; 13:28). 

These acts of worship can transform emotionally difficult moments into spiritually uplifting ones. They anchor the heart, renew clarity, and demonstrate that even when one feels alone, Allah is near and attentive to every whisper of devotion, however small.

7. Draw Inspiration from the Prophet ﷺ

When holiday pressures feel especially heavy, remember the courage, resilience, and unwavering tawaakul of the Prophet ﷺ and his companions. Their lives serve as a reminder that holding firmly to the truth (especially when surrounded by opposing norms) is a form of strength that Allah loves. 

Maintaining one’s commitment to Islam, even in small and private ways, is not insignificant. It can be a quiet form of dawah to soften the hearts of others. Whether among family, friends, or colleagues, having calm confidence in one’s deen may open conversation and curiosity otherwise untapped.

From Isolation to Inspiration

The holiday season may amplify feelings of loneliness, pressure, or uncertainty for reverts, but it can also become a time of deep spiritual clarity and growth. By leaning on Islamic knowledge, nurturing private acts of worship, seeking community, and remembering the resilience of those who came before us, reverts can navigate December with dignity and peace. Every step taken (no matter how small) is seen by Allah, rewarded by Him, and woven into the beautiful story of one’s journey back to Him.

Ya Rabb, please grant us perseverance and courage to navigate the trials of this season. Please strengthen our faith, and grant us clarity, patience, and steadfastness. Please bless our actions, words, and relationships. Please increase us in beneficial knowledge, and help us share the beauty of Islam. Ya Hay, Ya Qayyum, please guide hearts inclined toward goodness to Islam, and please continue to draw us ever closer to You.

Ameen.