If My Parents Prepare Meat That is Not Halal, Should I Avoid Eating It?

Answered by Ustadh Torab Torabi
Question: My parents get mad at me for eating halal. They yell at me for this. Although, I secretly am still eating halal. For example if they make haram meat at the dinner table, I say I am too full or my stomach hurts. It is really hard to keep this up because they are starting to catch on and realize that I am trying to eat halal. What should I do?
Answer: Walaikum Asalaam Wa Rahmatullah Wa Barakatuh.
Anytime one is dealing with his parents, he should be very careful not to transgress the bounds placed by Allah. Islam is a religion which fervently espouses filial-piety, and so we must be cognizant of how we interact with them, regardless whether we are on the side of truth or not. Alhamdulillah it seems that you have chosen the correct way to approach this common problem, which is to do so with the utmost adab and respect.
With all this being said, we also have a very important axiom in our religion which says, “There is no obedience to creation in disobedience to the Creator.” You are correct for not eating Haraam meat and should strive to continue doing so.
My advice is to sit down with your parents and ask them why they are upset that you eat Halaal. Let them know that you love them and that after Allah and His Messenger, they are the most beloved people to you. But also mention that you don’t want to disobey Allah and that eating Halaal is very important to you. Try to understand why they are upset and address the issues. Most problems between people actually stem from miscommunication.
Here are some related answers that should prove to be beneficial inshaAllah.
Growing a Beard
Dealing with Parents
Parents and Practicing
May Allah allow us to worship Him in the the way that is most pleasing to Him and may He grant us Prophetic wisdom.
Ameen.
And Allah knows best.
Torab Torabi
Checked & Approved by Faraz Rabbani