How Do I Inform My Family I Converted?
Answered by Ustadha Shazia Ahmad
Question
I have recently converted to Islam and started my journey to understanding the teachings of the Quran and living as a Muslim. My family is white British, some of whom are closed-minded and Islamophobic. What is the best way to tell everyone? The more I learn about Islam, and the closer and more fulfilled I am in my life. My relationship with Allah is above all else.
I listened to your podcast ‘flying with faith about fear’; there is a fear of losing everything I currently have, especially with my parents. I know that if my family doesn’t accept me, that’s their issue, not mine; I will always be open to them. But it doesn’t make the fear any easier. Where in the Quran should I look for guidance or support?
Answer
Masha Allah, I want to congratulate you on your conversion, and I pray that Allah Most High increases you in every good and closeness to Him! Having no experience with conversion myself, I have linked below some excellent advice and tips on how to tell your family:
A Convert Dealing with Non-Muslim Parents
Muslim Convert: Would My Family Be Okay With Islam?
How Should I Tell Parents About Becoming Muslim?
Please also see this link for a collection of articles for new converts:
Muslim Convert: What would people think of me?
I have also listened to the same podcast that you mentioned. The only way to overcome this fear is to tell your family at the right time but do it gently and kindly, making it a personal story. Don’t intimidate them with all the details about Islam. The laws of Islam came down slowly and gradually when the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) was teaching his Companions.
Du’a is the best thing you can do throughout the whole process. Here are some du’as from Quran and hadith; say what you can daily:
Selected Prophetic Prayers for Spiritual, Physical, and Emotional Wellbeing by Chaplain Ibrahim Long
10 Powerful Duas That Will Change Your Life
The best guidance for you, and one that you can relate to, are the stories of the Prophets in the Quran. They suffered greatly emotionally and physically at the hands of disbelievers yet increased in their faith steadily and constantly. Nothing is more inspiring and comforting than that. The best example for us is the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace). Allah told us, “Indeed, in the Messenger of Allah, you have an excellent example for whoever has hope in Allah and the Last Day and remembers Allah often.” [Quran, 33:21]
I pray you to find every success and ease in this life and the hereafter.
[Ustadha] Shazia Ahmad
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
Ustadha Shazia Ahmad lived in Damascus, Syria for two years where she studied aqida, fiqh, tajweed, tafsir, and Arabic. She then attended the University of Texas at Austin, where she completed her Masters in Arabic. Afterward, she moved to Amman, Jordan where she studied fiqh, Arabic, and other sciences. She later moved back to Mississauga, Canada, where she lives with her family.
