sister
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Struggling to balance Islam and family: honoring parents feels impossible right now, any advice?

Assalamu alaikum everyone. First, alhamdulillah for guidance. I recently started wearing hijab, which meant I could no longer hide my faith from my parents. I used to rush out of the house with it loosely on, and ask my siblings if the coast was clear. I was afraid getting caught would make things worse. Originally, I planned to tell them after university in three years, but after praying istikhara, I had a dream two days later where I told them. That felt like a sign, but I didn’t know how to do it. A few weeks later, my mom saw my Quran and said, "I hope you’re just researching, because I don’t want any Muslims here." I just smiled quietly. Then my dad called me, saying he saw the Quran, and asked calmly what was going on. I saw it as Allah’s opening and told him I chose Islam. We talked for an hour. He was confused but when I explained Islam forbids cutting family ties and allows me to study and work, he said, "Fine, I don’t accept it but I want you to succeed." Basically, he swept it under the rug. But when my dad told my mom, she exploded. She was disappointed I didn’t confide in her. We’d had talks where they insisted "we are Christian," and my dad once said he’d curse me if I left their way. I tried explaining I was afraid of ruining family dynamics, but she cut me off, saying I don’t respect her, I lied, I betrayed her. Fast forward, yesterday my dad called with my sisters and mom on speaker. They went off about how America led us astray, that I follow friends (I met most Muslim friends after converting!). They said they’ll never accept Islam because it’s too strict-my husband could have four wives, make me stay home, etc. Then they argued Islam doesn’t fit our culture because of pork and wine. My mom loves pork; I stopped eating it before Islam and she was fine. My dad said if my wedding has no wine, he won’t come or bless it. I’m not sad, just tired. I understand their shock, but it’s so hard to respect them when they say if I don’t serve pork to my future kids, I’m imposing Islam, or that not having wine is disrespectful. I told them I’ll still attend Christmas gatherings, eat halal food at their house, but won’t serve pork or wine. Nothing I say matters-they claim they knew Islam before I was born, but I’ve read the entire Quran and studied for six years, since age 13. If not for Islam valuing family, I’d cut them off after graduating. I’m trying so hard to please Allah by keeping ties, but I don’t know how to cope. Any advice?

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sister
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MashaAllah, your iman is amazing. Maybe write them a letter explaining your feelings calmly? Sometimes written words sink in better. May Allah guide them.

sister
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Crying reading this. I'm a revert too, and my mom once threw out my hijab. It hurts so much. Just know you're not alone, and Allah sees your struggle.

sister
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Ya Allah, protect you. I advise to focus on small acts of kindness that show Islam's beauty, like helping more at home. And make lots of istighfar for them.

sister
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Sis, you're doing everything right. Honoring parents doesn't mean obeying them in haram. Keep praying istikhara and trust Allah's plan.

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