How to Nurture Faith and Belonging in a New Community 

Parenting Perspective 

They Are Seeking Reassurance 

It is very natural for a child to question why their life has changed so much, especially when they feel disconnected in a new environment. When your child asks why Allah moved you here, what she is really asking is whether she is still safe, loved, and valued in this unfamiliar place. A parent’s role here is to validate her feelings of loneliness while gradually helping her rebuild a sense of belonging. 

Acknowledge Her Emotions Openly 

Begin by acknowledging her emotions openly. You might say, ‘I can see you feel like you do not fit in yet, and that must feel heavy.’ This tells her that her feelings are real and not something to hide. At the same time, remind her that belonging takes time. Encourage her to notice one or two small opportunities to connect at school or in the community, instead of expecting her to feel settled all at once. 

Keep Aspects of Your Old Routine Alive 

It may also help to keep aspects of your old routine alive at home, whether through family traditions, foods, or ways of connecting. This creates a sense of continuity that reassures her she has not lost everything familiar. Gradually introduce her to new friendships or activities by being alongside her in the beginning, so she feels supported rather than pushed. 

Hold Space for Her Sadness 

By holding space for her sadness while gently guiding her to take small steps towards connection, you show her that she is not alone in carrying this transition. 

Spiritual Insight 

Perhaps You Dislike a Thing and It Is Good for You 

In moments of change, Islam teaches us to anchor ourselves in trust that Allah’s wisdom is always greater than what we see.  

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al-Baqarah (2), Verse 216: 

‘…And perhaps that which you are repelled by (may in fact) be for your betterment; and perhaps that thing which you love to undertake, and that might be bad for you; and (the reality is that) Allah (Almighty) is fully aware of everything that you do not know.’  

This Verse reminds us and our children that even when something feels uncomfortable, it may hold unseen benefit. 

Believers Are Like One Body 

It is recorded in Sahih Muslim, Book 45, Hadith 84, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘The example of the believers in their affection, mercy, and compassion for each other is that of a body. When any limb aches, the whole body reacts with wakefulness and fever.’  

Sharing this Hadith with your daughter can help her see that communities in Islam are meant to care for one another, and that her presence also brings value to others, even if she has not felt it yet. 

By linking her experience to the Quran and Sunnah, you nurture her faith by showing that feeling unsettled is not a sign of weakness, but part of the journey Allah has written. Over time, she can come to understand that Allah placed her in this new community with purpose, and that by trusting Him while taking steps to connect, she can find both belonging and growth.