Reminders of how much I don’t fit in with the local Muslim community slaps me in the face each time I see a veiled lady or a man clad in his kurta or shelwar-kameez (however that is supposed to be spelt). 

I made a conscious decision not to wear my kurta/thaub/cloak anymore because it has become a symbol of religious elitism rather than the modesty that the sunnah supposed to invoke. I don’t want to be a symbol that represents outward piety but hollow intentions. 

So I’ve chosen a lonely path. May Allah strengthen me and have mercy on me…