Can You Guide Me as a Secret 12-Year-Old Convert to Islam?
Answered by Ustadha Shazia Ahmad
Question
I’m a 12-year-old girl whose family disapproves of Islam. Can I get some guidance on where to start, I’ve already learnt some of the basics from one of my sisters who became Muslim. I’ve asked her for help, and she said that would help me learn to become a proper Muslim, but my mother keeps saying no, so she can’t teach me. I’ve already taken my shahada in private. My mother is a Christian and strongly disagrees with the idea of me being a Muslim which she believes is the wrong path. I became a Muslim because of how Islam has brought so much joy, peace and guidance into my life and because of how truthful it is. Please let me know if there’s any website that could help me improve.
Answer
Thank you for your question. Your conversion to Islam brought me much joy and happiness and I pray that Allah chooses you as among those whom He brings close to Him, and spreads the truth and goodness to others.
Mother
Allah Most High has told us in the Quran, “And We have commanded people to ˹honour˺ their parents. Their mothers bore them through hardship upon hardship, and their weaning takes two years. So be grateful to Me and your parents. To Me is the final return.” [Quran, 31:14]
Abu Huraira reported that a person came to Allah’s Messenger (Allah bless him and give him peace) and said: “Who among the people is most deserving of a fine treatment from my hand? He said: ‘Your mother.’ He again said: ‘Then who (is the next one)?’ He said: ‘Again it is your mother (who deserves the best treatment from you)’. He said: ‘Then who (is the next one)?’ He (the Holy Prophet) said: ‘Again, it is your mother.’ He (again) said: ‘Then who?’ Thereupon he said: ‘Then it is your father.’ [Muslim]
Learn
Given that the mother deserves much respect in our religion, I recommend that you learn secretly from your sister when possible, you still have much time to learn, in sha Allah. You have a right to learn your new religion, and it’s best to avoid fights about it until you tell her you are Muslim. Otherwise, you should read books on Islam, and learn online. Browse our website, and check out our hundreds of free courses, and thousands of commonly asked questions about religion and general counsel.
Start with the reader linked below and follow the advice on which classes to take first. They are self-paced so you won’t feel pressured or rushed, in sha Allah. Beginners should learn the basic beliefs, how to purify their bodies, how to pray and fast, how to read the Quran and learn about the noble character that Islam seeks to instill. Please don’t hesitate to follow up with us with any questions or concerns that you have.
In sha Allah, with time, you will have the freedom to attend the mosque, go to religious circles, and find a great group of Muslim girls to frolic and flourish with. May Allah elevate you and aid you in all that you do.
Please see these links for many useful tips:
[Ustada]Shazia Ahmad
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.
