From ‘Fake Muslim’ to Fully Me: Conquering Imposter Syndrome

April 20, 2025

By Mel Dean – Canadian revert, artist, writer, and small business owner.

When You Don’t Feel “Muslim Enough”

I remember one of the first gatherings I attended after taking my shahada. Sisters were quoting hadiths in Arabic, discussing tafsir, and rattling off dua like they’d known them since childhood. I sat quietly, nodding, smiling—and inside, I was sinking.

“You’re not really Muslim.”
“You’re faking it.”
“They can all tell you’re an outsider.”

Those weren’t their voices. They were mine. The imposter in my head was loud—and relentless.

🧠 The Psychology of Feeling Like a Fraud

Imposter syndrome isn’t unique to Islam—but it hits converts in an incredibly specific way.

In a 2021 study published in Mental Health, Religion & Culture, researchers found that many reverts experience chronic self-doubt around their religious identity, especially when surrounded by born-Muslims. This leads to feelings of religious inadequacy, anxiety, and withdrawal from the community.

A sister in a Reddit revert forum put it plainly:

“When I wear hijab, I feel like I’m cosplaying. When I don’t, I feel like I’m failing.”
That hit me hard—because I’ve felt both.

😢 Why Reverts Struggle So Deeply

No Islamic childhood foundation
We didn’t grow up fasting every Ramadan or attending Islamic school. That gap is wide and hard to ignore.
Constant correction or comparison
“Oh, you said the dua wrong.”
“You don’t know this surah?”
“You should know more about your faith by now”
While usually not malicious, these comments chip away at our confidence.
Fear of judgment or being “exposed”
What if I say the wrong thing? What if they think I’m a bad Muslim?
No mentors
Many reverts have no one guiding them on this path—and we end up feeling like we’re always doing it wrong.

🛤 How I Rebuilt My Confidence in Islam

Accepted that Islam is a process, not a performance
Allah doesn’t expect perfection. He loves effort. The moment I stopped trying to “catch up,” I started growing.
Surah Al-Baqarah reminds us:

“Allah does not burden a soul beyond that it can bear.” (2:286)

Found relatable scholars and voices
Mufti Menk, Omar Suleiman, Dr Bilal Philips, Bilal Assad, Nouman Ali Khan and others made me feel seen. They spoke about Islam in a way that didn’t feel foreign—it felt real, practical, and forgiving.
Owned my story
Yes, I came to Islam through a different door. But it doesn’t make my faith less real. In fact, it makes it deeply intentional. Make sure the story you tell yourself, about yourself, is one that is kind, and forgiving.
Turned imposter feelings into curiosity
Instead of shame when I didn’t know something, I started saying:

“Teach me.”
And people responded with kindness.

🧩 What You Might Need to Hear

You don’t need to know every Arabic word to be a good Muslim.
You don’t need a perfect hijab or accent to be accepted by Allah.
You don’t need to compare your Chapter 1 to someone’s Chapter 20.

🎥 Video That Spoke to Me Regarding Imposter Syndrome and How to Overcome It

“ The Surprising Solution to the Imposter Syndrome”
Watch here

One quote stayed with me:

“You are enough because you said yes to Allah when it was hardest.”

✨ My Truth Now

Some days I still fumble through prayers or forget how to pronounce certain phrases. But I know this:
I’m not a fake or bad Muslim. I’m a constantly evolving and improving Muslim.
My struggle doesn’t disqualify me—it proves me.

🖌 Let’s Rewrite the Narrative

If you’re a revert reading this and you feel like an imposter…
I promise you’re not alone. This blog, my art, my platform—they all exist to remind us:
You belong.
You are a real Muslim. And your Islam is just as beautiful, valid, and sacred as anyone else’s.

Elevate with Purpose