A Conversation with My Father About Faith and Life's Balance

Assalamu alaikum, dear brothers and sisters. I wanted to share something that's been on my heart. My father, who is Muslim, came to Europe as a child. When he was young, he was quite devoted in his prayers and worship. As time passed, he became more focused on worldly matters. He developed habits that are not in line with our deen, and his actions have sometimes caused pain within our family. Yet, to most people, he is known for his kindness, generosity, and gentle nature. He provides well for us and has always been there as a father. I remember fondly praying alongside him and visiting the masjid frequently when I was small. While I believe he has a good heart, I don't agree with all his choices or views. He still identifies as a person of faith. I've witnessed him make sincere du'a for family members, and he possesses Islamic knowledge. Recently, we had a deep discussion. I spoke about the significance of salah, maintaining our Islamic identity and traditions, and the blessings of Ramadan, Hajj, and worship. I also mentioned my hope to one day, insha'Allah, live in a place where I can practice more freely. His response surprised me. He advised, 'Don't let religion dominate every aspect. You must also live your life and not be consumed by religious thought constantly.' He added, 'You'll find some who fulfill the outward acts of worship yet have poor character, and others who don't pray at all but exhibit better conduct than some Muslims.' I acknowledged his point but explained that as Muslims, we have clear obligations. Our fundamental reason for being is to worship Allah, as stated in Surah Adh-Dhariyat. At first, I didn't grasp the full weight of his words. Reflecting now, I feel quite troubled. How can someone raised in a religious environment hold such a view? He also expressed that applying the Quran in today's world differs from how it was done in the Prophet's (ﷺ) time. I don't believe he is without hope. When I gently urged him to return to prayer, he replied, 'Insha'Allah, I will.' So, I feel there is still a spark of faith. Nevertheless, his overall perspective on deen genuinely worries me. I would appreciate your thoughts and advice on how to navigate this situation with wisdom and patience.