dealing with non muslim families

Dealing with Non-Muslim Families

Undoubtedly, the greatest blessing Allah can bestow upon a person in this life is opening his heart to the guidance of Islam.

The new Muslim is one chosen by his Lord to be enlightened and purified due to divine knowledge of the good within his or her soul. Then, in return for acceptance of the truth and commitment to Him, Allah immediately cancels all the sins and errors of that person’s previous existence, no matter how numerous or grave they may have been, giving him a clean slate with which to begin a new life.

“And if not for the favor of Allah upon you and His mercy, not one of you would have been pure, ever, but Allah purifies whom He wills, and Allah is Hearing and Knowing.”  (Quran, 24:21)

The new Muslim is often one who has just emerged from a stressful period due to agitation by Shaytan, who had tried his best to dissuade him with every kind of negative suggestion: How can you make such a drastic change in your life? Are you really certain? Can you do everything that is required? What will people think of you?

His decision to take that step and declare his Islam was a major victory that brought him relief after days, months or even years of inner struggle. And now he is gaining confidence, learning and becoming accustomed to his new way of life. He is also immensely happy.

But Allah has said:

“Do the people think that they will be left to say, `We believe’, and they will not be tried? And We have certainly tried those before them, and Allah will surely make evident those who are truthful, and He will surely make evident those who lie.”  (Quran,29:2-3)

And the Prophet (ﷺ) added, “A person is tried according to his faith – if it is firm his trial is increased, but if there is weakness it is lightened.” (At-Tirmidhi – saheeh) Trials are an inherent part of human life, but for the believer they are opportunities to obtain a great reward through effort and patience.

One of the first trials a new Muslim may face is the reaction of his close family members as well as his friends and associates. A few may be amused or surprised but generally accepting. Most, however, are more negative in their responses. This was experienced even by the prophets, not only with those they invited to Allah but with close relatives as well. One may recall the stories of Noah’s son, Lot’s wife, Abraham’s father and Prophet Muhammad’s uncles, Abu Lahab and Abu Jahl.

Opposition is often anticipated even before conversion, but once he defeats Shaytan and pronounces his shahadah, the new Muslim has pretty well resolved not only to defend his decision but to convince others of its benefit as well. The question is how to go about it.

Between two extremes lies a wide range of possible reactions from those close to him: acceptance with interest, with disinterest or with reservation, curiosity, disappointment, sadness, shame, anger, disgust and total rejection. Combine these with a wide range of circumstances and personality differences and it becomes evident that no one method or plan can be effective in dealing with every family or every individual. Indeed, failures can be expected; even the prophets were unable to influence defiant family members, because in the end, the result is up to Allah.

When expecting animosity and mistreatment, should the Muslim conceal his belief, keep a distance and practice his religion secretly for a time or should he meet the challenge openly with a show of strength and determination, whatever the consequence? The first option might be seen as necessity, as, for example, in the case of a young Muslimah living at home with a hostile family likely to abuse her for praying, wearing hijab or expressing her beliefs. Allah has said:

“Fear Allah as much as you are able.”  (Quran, 64:16)

And ability varies with each situation.

The Prophet’s companions were also new Muslims; they, too, were opposed. Caution was exercised by some of the early converts who encountered danger in Makkah, but feared less for their persons than for losing the opportunity to spread Islam.

On the other hand, bold self-assurance was shown by many of the prominent companions, such as `Umar, Hamzah, Bilal, and `Abdullah bin Mas`ud. Mus`ab bin `Umayr practiced both. Knowing his mother’s hatred for Islam, he first concealed it from her and later stood firm through all her attempts to bring him back to pagan religion by imprisoning him, by depriving him of his wealth, by hunger strike and finally, by disowning and evicting him. He parted from her weeping at his failure to save her and hastened to join the Prophet (ﷺ) in Madinah.

The effort to bring about reconciliation and influence family members is, in fact, a form of da’wah, which could ultimately be successful or unsuccessful. It is perhaps more difficult than da’wah to others due to the emotions involved which are often difficult to suppress.

However, every da’wah worker benefits from understanding the other party’s concerns and addressing them in a sincere and sympathetic way. He will discover at an early stage just how far he can carry a discussion – when to continue and when to stop, when to give in, when to remain firm and what values are important to both sides.

What happens to people when a loved one suddenly or perhaps predictably, embraces Islam? Knowing the reasons behind certain reactions can help the new Muslim to reassure others through words and actions.

Parents often perceive their child’s transition as a rejection of them and of all they have taught and worked for over the years. They fear they might have failed in his/her upbringing.

Practicing Christians are particularly fearful since they believe that by leaving Christianity a person has condemned himself to Hell. And families that seriously follow any kind of religion or ideology, even atheism, will feel anger at what they see as betrayal.

Those knowing little about Islam may have been thoroughly convinced that Muslims are fanatics and terrorists. The family member who has never been very accepting of mainstream trends or had spent a portion of his life seeking something may be labeled as mentally unstable once he embraces Islam. His motives may be doubted, and women are usually assumed to have converted for a man. Muslim husbands are often targeted as the cause of this calamity.

At the very least, Islam is thought by most westerners to be something strange, foreign or Arab. Many see Muslims as uncivilized and backward, and the un-Islamic behavior displayed by a number of nominal Muslims unfortunately helps to reinforce the stereotype.

All this contributes to the shock, fear, anger or embarrassment felt by non-Muslim relatives and associates. Where there is extreme loathing and outrage, families might feel it is easier to break off relations completely than to deal with the new Muslim. Those who are grieved and hurt initially withdraw but may later make efforts to understand. In many cases time heals to a certain extent and relations improve if avenues of communication have been kept open, even partially. Some reconsider due to external factors, such as the birth of a baby, a death or some other event.

And of course, da’wah efforts by Muslims often play an important role. Some are actually able to bring others into Islam, which is the fervent wish of every Muslim toward a non- Muslim. Others, if not completely successful, can do much to alleviate strained relationships, win respect and tolerance and effect a change of heart. The following are a few suggestions to assist the new Muslim in his endeavor:

  1. Believe in the possibility of change through well directed efforts and supplication. Sit down and plan out a course of action – what to say or what to do, how and when. Consider the possible consequences of each initiative, both good and bad.
  2. Think positively and optimistically. This is a challenge and an opportunity. You cannot lose because you will reap the reward of your efforts from Allah whether you actually succeed.
  3. Make yourself an example of Islamic morality – of tolerance, patience and good manners. Strive to act rather than react. Show sincerity, honesty and concern for the other party. Remain calm and self-assured in the face of accusations and emotional outbursts. Observe the ethics of conversation – listening, understanding and building bridges without compromising basic principles.
  4. Measure how far you can go in a religious discussion and stop short at the first sign of emotionalism. Seek the aid of Allah in practicing patience and tolerance on such occasions, and allow time for information to soak in.
  5. Reassure them through your behavior, as well as words, that you still love and care for them. Let them see that you are a better person than before, living by morals and universal values, mentally happy and at peace. Kindness to parents at this stage is especially important; make them aware that this is part of your religion. It may take time for them to observe and absorb all of this, but the result cannot be but positive.
    Eventually they will realize, whether they admit it or not, that the Muslim is in no way a threat, that he has no violent tendencies, that he has not been brainwashed by sinister elements, that he is neither mentally disturbed nor a weirdo, that he has not rejected his family and friends, that his Islam is not an experiment or a fad but a permanent commitment, that hers is not to please a husband or boyfriend, but to please Allah. These facts will become evident to them, even when unspoken. Whether or not they are motivated toward further investigation depends upon their own tendencies.
  6. Those who at some stage become more open to discussion can learn much about Islam, leading to increased tolerance and acceptance, respect for Muslims and perhaps even conversion. In presenting Islam as a faith and a way of life, concentrate on belief, especially the fact of deliberate creation and the concept that the Creator of this existence is alone worthy of worship to the exclusion of all His creation. Make it clear that the Muslim obeys Allah (God) out of love for Him and fear of His displeasure. Whenever one of them becomes more curious, show him appropriate verses from the Qur’an or give him a translation of the Qur’an’s meanings. If you are not always able to answer his questions seek help from other Muslims or encourage him to visit a mosque or an Islamic center. Allah will do the rest.
  7. Keep a balance between the ideal and reality. If the family or certain individuals do not respond or persist in severing relations, it is surely unfortunate but not the end of the world. Allah is with you, hearing and seeing. Persevere in patience and in supplication for their guidance. Allah is testing you, not in achievement but in conduct. If opportunities arise, make the best possible use of them, but if they do not, accept that this world is full of disappointments and look to the Hereafter. Recall the mercy expressed by Allah to His Messenger(ﷺ) when comforting him over the obstinacy of his people:

    “So do not let yourself perish over them in sorrow. Indeed Allah is Knowing of what they do.”  (Quran, 35:8)

    You are responsible only for your best effort but not for the result.

Ask Allah to compensate you and He surely will. Ask Him to fill your heart with purpose, enthusiasm and forgiveness. And ask Him to make you self-sufficient, free from the need of anyone but Him. Mus`ab bin `Umayr wept at the loss of his mother, but then he moved on.

[Also read: Personal Responsibility: Every one of us is a shepherd]

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