Is It Permissible for Me to Move Out Because My Parents Prevent Me from Wearing Hijab?

Answered by Ustadha Shazia Ahmad

Question

My parents forbid me to wear hijab. I want to make hijra, but my parents forbid me to move out alone. What should I do in such a situation? Can I move out without their permission?

Answer

Thank you for your question. May Allah reward you for your absolute sincerity and determination; I am certain that Allah will pave the way out for you.

Given the considerations in such cases, we urge you to please consult reliable local scholars or counselors about the specifics of the situation.

Hijab

The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, “There is no obedience to any created being if it involves disobedience to Allah, may He be glorified and exalted.” [Bukhari; Muslim]

However, only you know how much harm will come if you put it on against their will. Is the harm real, or is it perceived?

If you find it impossible, my instinct is to tell you to be patient and trust in Allah (Most High). He knows your intention and what you would do if you were able. There are so many ways around this that I see moving out as extreme and unnecessary. Use logic, wisdom, and trust in Allah fully and remember this Quranic verse, “(…) And whoever is mindful of Allah, He will make a way out for them.” [Quran, 65:2]

Steps

• Wear hijab when you are able, when you are outside and not with them;
• Teach them about the hijab through lectures or through teachers whom they respect;
• Speak to them about it gently, explaining how important it is to you;
• Make dua that Allah turns their hearts and makes a way out for you;
• Wear modest clothing to the point that you are able, wear a scarf around your neck;
• Choose a like-minded spouse so you can wear hijab as soon as possible;
• If you can, plan to move out for your studies or career and wear hijab then;
• Don’t let this stop you from studying what is obligatory in your religion;
• Worship well, pray on time, read Quran, and give charity asking Allah to help you;
• Wear hijab at home for an hour here and there so they get used to seeing you with it.

Please see these links as well:

• Pressured by my Parents to Take Off my Hijab: How Should I Respond?
• Parents won’t let me wear hijab until I respect them more
• How Do I Cope With My Parents’ Fear and Disapproval of Hijab?
• How to Share with My Parents about Secretly Wearing the Hijab?
• Should I Wear the Hijab? – My Parents Don’t Agree
• Can I Obey My Parents If They Forbid Me to Wear the Hijab?

May Allah give you the best of this world and the next.
Ustadha] Shazia Ahmad
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Ustadha Shazia Ahmad lived in Damascus, Syria, for two years, where she studied aqidah, fiqh, tajweed, tafsir, and Arabic. She then attended the University of Texas at Austin and completed her Master’s 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.