Not a new muslim, but I feel like one...

As salamu alaykum,

I wasn't sure where to post this, but I figured this was a good place to start. I am struggling greatly in my life lately, with my faith and with unhappiness with my employment and other parts of my life. I feel so lost.

I grew up in a home with a non-muslim mother, and a muslim father. Alhamdulillah, they were loving and did the best they could to raise us. But now, as an adult, I realize that there is so little I know, so little that they taught me. And now, trying to be a "good muslim" feels foreign to me, as though I don't really know how to be a "good muslim." I didn't grow up in a muslim community or with muslim peers, and at the masjid or with other muslims, I feel like an outsider, sometimes even unwelcome.   And then with non-muslim friends, I am also an outsider, because I don't do all the things they do. I feel like I have no identity, no connection, and I feel alone.

I don't know what to do?...

Welcome BintAbuAdam! In our religion knowledge proceeds action, so you are wise to ask questions. It is also great that most of the troubles you've mentioned are not constants, moreover, we all experience unhappiness at times. Is it your job you dislike or the work environment? At any rate, take heart, because you can look for a more desirable situation - patience. Volunteering is a great way to integrate yourself into an Islamic community - masjid group, meet people, and learn Islam. I would also suggest, if you're still living at home, to discuss your moral and ethical feelings of isolation with your parents. You are among the fortunate to still have loving parents who are alive, and having raised you from a child, they can offer poignant advise. All the best, and once again, welcome.