As-Salaam-Alaikum - My Friend Embraced Islam and His Family Rejected It
As-salaam-alaikum, One of my closest school friends recently accepted Islam after leaving Christianity. We used to have lots of conversations about faith, and after thinking it through he felt Islam was the truth. This has been going on for a few months. He still goes to church with his family for now, but he recently told them about his decision. His family are very devout evangelical Christians and they reacted badly. His father called Islam a terrorist religion and said other hurtful things, and his mother hasn’t spoken to him since. They made him meet with their pastor; after that he made clear to them he’s serious about becoming Muslim. He’s worried because he overheard them talking about sending him to live with his mother’s relatives in South Africa (his mother is South African). They’ve also taken his phone, so the only way he’s been able to message me is through Discord on an old device, and he’s not being allowed to leave the house. His siblings are harassing him and he says they’re pressuring him to eat pork. This is happening in the UK. What should I do to support him? What I think might help: - Keep contact when you can, with brief supportive messages and reminders of duas (prayers). Encouragement that he’s not alone can mean a lot. - Remind him to be patient (sabr) and to seek refuge in Allah. Simple duas like asking for guidance and ease can be comforting. - If he’s in immediate danger or his movements are being unlawfully restricted, consider contacting local authorities or a trusted adult who can help - safety comes first. Explain the situation calmly and factually. - Help him connect with local Muslim support groups, youth organisations, or a local mosque that is known for being welcoming. They may offer guidance, counseling, or legal/child-protection advice if needed. If he can’t visit in person, some groups offer online support. - If there’s pressure to break Islamic rules (like eating pork), encourage him to politely refuse and, if possible, to have safe alternatives available. If refusal risks his safety, advise caution and looking for help from authorities or community groups. - Keep records of threats, harassment, or any attempts to force him to leave the country; these can be important if professionals get involved. Things to avoid: - Don’t confront his parents aggressively - that could worsen things or put him at greater risk. - Don’t share his situation publicly without his explicit permission. Privacy matters and publicity could make things worse for him. If you want, I can help you draft short, gentle messages or duas to send him, or find contact info for UK Muslim support charities and local mosques. May Allah make things easy for him and give you both strength.