How to Build Your Own Support Network as a Muslim Woman

As Muslim women, we often play many roles: daughter, wife, mother, sister, professional — yet still sometimes find ourselves feeling lonely and disconnected.

In fact, loneliness is a worldwide issue, leaving many people feeling unsupported, disconnected, and isolated. Organisations like the World Health Organisation have reported that one in six people globally are affected by loneliness — linking this to major mental and physical health impacts.

For Muslim women, barriers such as cultural differences, lack of community, or simply not having the opportunity to build meaningful connections can intensify the feelings of loneliness. Having your own support network is crucial for your well-being. Here are some ways you can build it.

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1.        Awareness and Intention

Before working on your support network, it’s important to reflect on your needs and the kind of support you need most. Are you seeking sisterhood? Are you looking for emotional support? Are you looking to socialise and meet like-minded people who you can build friendships with?

Knowing your ‘why’ helps you create connections that are sincere, meaningful, and lasting. Journalling using prompts like:

• What do I need most?

• What kind of support do I wish I had from others?

can help you understand what might be missing and guide you towards the support you need most.

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)told us "Actions are but by intentions, and each person will have but that which he intended.”

2. Building Support Within

Seeking outward support can feel daunting — especially when your cup is empty. You are also a part of your own support network, and it’s essential to build inner support through taking care of yourself and your relationship with Allah.

Acts of worship such as salah, dhikr, du’a, and Qur’an reflection ground you mentally, physically, and spiritually, whilst also nurturing inner strength and comfort through your faith. Whilst you seek support through the actions that keep you connected to Allah, your acts of worship will bring you support and strength from your Creator.

Allah tells us in the Qur’an:

“Surely in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find comfort.” (13:28)

Creating self-care rituals also plays an important role in building inner support. Regular check-ins with yourself can help you notice when you most need support and how to meet your needs yourself first. Practising self-compassion and making space for your emotions can help you build inner trust and validate your experiences. Showing up for yourself every day (even if it seems small) will cultivate support within, helping you meet people from a place of fullness.

You are deserving of your own love too.

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3. Seeking Out Safe and Supportive Spaces

There are many ways you can connect with communities and build meaningful, supportive connections, both online and in person:

• The local masjid and community centres — an easy way to connect with sisters is to pray jama’at at your local masjid. Praying next to each other is a beautiful way to create closeness and provides the opportunity to talk to new people. You could arrange a coffee meet-up at your favourite café after prayer!

Many masjids and community centres hold events and sisters’ circles. It’s a good idea to join the local masjid’s update group (if it has one) or to keep an eye out on their social media. Masjid events are posted regularly for the community to join. Joining these will help you meet more people whilst also giving you the chance to learn and seek knowledge. Signing up for these events might guide you to the people you need around you.

• Online communities — there are many online communities made for Muslim women to feel connected and supported. At Maryam Support Line, we have our own online community — currently with 177 members! A safe space for those who need it — sisters supporting each other.

On social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook, there are online communities for sisters with shared struggles. Knowing who you want to connect with and the support you need will direct you to the right support groups — support for single mothers, support for reverts — there are online communities that are creating the space for it, like Muslim Women’s Support Network or Revert Muslimah Support.

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4. Keeping Ties and Connections

“Six are the rights of a Muslim over another Muslim. When you meet him, offer him greetings; when he invites you to a feast, accept it; when he seeks your counsel, give him; and when he sneezes and says: ‘All praise is due to Allah,’ you say, ‘Yarhamuk Allah’ (may Allah show mercy to you); and when he falls ill, visit him; and when he dies, follow his bier.” — Hadith, Sahih Muslim 2162b

Islam heavily emphasises the importance of community and maintaining connections — so much so that every Muslim has six rights over another. This principle is key when building and upholding your support network.

Reaching out regularly and checking up on one another is an important practice that will strengthen your network. Being there for one another in times of need, inviting each other to events and into each other’s homes — are acts that keep your support network strong and meaningful.

In today’s world, keeping connected to each other can be as simple as just sending a check-in message or dropping a call when you’re free.

Final Thoughts —

Building a support network can be challenging, but with sincere intention and the right tools, it’s possible. Be gentle with yourself as you find your network.

May we be surrounded by people who remind us of Allah and support us with love, respect and kindness. Ameen.