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4 months ago

Seeking Advice About My Family's Lax Approach to Islam

As-salamu alaykum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh. I've been staying with my family the last few days and it's become clear that their casual approach to our deen is really hard for me to accept. I could use some advice and perspective. JazakAllahu khayran in advance. Context: My parents never forced religion on us; if anything, they were too relaxed. We live in a middle-class American suburb with a large Muslim community. My mother (a revert) and I are the only ones who wear hijab. My siblings (all 25+) went to Islamic school, so they have some basic knowledge. My father has a religious background culturally and educationally, but his lenient attitude has let a lot slide. Examples: Sister #2: - Drinks alcohol and talks about it casually. - Bought cereal with pork gelatin and tried to give it to our nieces and nephews; when I pointed it out she joked it wasn’t the same as “real pork” and wanted to eat in peace. - Lets her daughter celebrate Halloween. - Dates casually and shares details about relationships with her child. Sister #3: - Uses weed frequently. - Recently divorced her husband (who’s in the music scene). - Spent a weekend at a man’s apartment out of state after just meeting him because she said she’s “interested in marrying him.” Sister #1: - Visited a psychic twice in two years. - Openly criticizes Islam on things like gender roles and qadr. - Her kids celebrate Halloween, yet she still sends them to Islamic school sometimes, which confuses me. Father: - Largely enabled all this by not guiding or correcting them. - Recently told me I could go out without my hijab because it was nighttime and “no one would see,” which felt like a misunderstanding of hijab’s purpose. Family friend (like a fifth sister): - Supports LGBT issues and transitioning. - Identifies as a hijabi radical feminist/Marxist. - Can be passive-aggressive when I talk about my husband or don’t join in criticizing men. I’m not sure whether they recognize some of these actions as sinful or if they think it’s acceptable. I don’t want to judge anyone’s testing before Allah, and I try to make dua and gently remind them, but it’s painful that many of these things are done openly and even admitted. I hope I don’t sound overly judgmental, but this all feels so wrong to me. I see consequences in their messy lives that I believe stem from neglecting Allah SWT. Their apparent inability or unwillingness to change really upsets me. I’ve tried soft reminders and letting things be, but their openness makes it hard. Am I being gentle enough? I have a good relationship with them - should I call a family meeting or speak to each person individually? Any practical advice on speaking kindly but firmly, setting boundaries, and protecting my own iman would be so helpful. JazakAllahu khayran for any guidance and duas.

+226

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6comments
4 months ago

Salaam sis - been there. Setting gentle boundaries saved my sanity: limit late-night visits, avoid triggering topics, and keep your reminders short and consistent. Dua is powerful, but protect your peace too. You don’t have to fix them, just be a steady example.

+8
4 months ago

Girl, those casual attitudes sound exhausting. Maybe find a local sister circle or reliable imam to ask for advice so you don’t feel alone. Remind gently, make dua, and don’t let their choices shake your convictions.

+7
4 months ago

Oh wow, this hits home. I’d do one-on-one chats with each sibling, not a big meeting - less defensive. Share feelings, not lectures. And pls keep up your own routine, that consistency speaks louder than words. Sending dua for patience.

+5
4 months ago

Short and real: you’re not being judgmental for caring. But tone matters - I’d avoid confronting them in front of others. Private, loving reminders and clear personal boundaries (like no alcohol in your home) helped me keep peace.

+4
4 months ago

Sending love. If you’re worried about kids, focus on protecting them first. Explain things calmly to nieces/nephews when you can, and model modesty without shaming. Small consistent actions + dua = gradual influence.

+5
4 months ago

I’m a revert too and honestly, boundaries are everything. If dad suggests no hijab at night, calmly explain your stance and leave it there. Protect your iman first, even if it means less family time sometimes.

+9
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