Not Going To a Protest Due to Parents
Answered by Shaykh
Question
Recently there has been a surge in support for the Palestinian cause in the Muslim community all over the world and many Muslims urging other Muslims to do everything they can for peace in the region.
Nearby, where I live, there will be a Palestinian demonstration which I want to go to, however, my mother is not as keen to me going. Although she has said yes, she clearly does not want me to go due to various reasons such as safety (although I believe it is safe) this is because I am the only child and thus my parents’ future economic caregiver — a reason I fully understand.
I do not want to give my parents hardship, but I also want to make sure I do the right thing by my religion, please provide guidance.
Answer
I pray you are well.
It’s commendable that you wish you take part in the protests. Such support for moral causes goes a long way. May Allah reward you abundantly for that.
As for attending, this depends on the safety issues you have raised, and how the matter will affect your mother. If she is going to be distressed by your attendance then it would be better to remain home and do something else that will bring light to the plight of the Palestinians, such as sharing information on social media.
We’ve been told to be excellent to our parents in many places in the Quran: : Worship Allah and don’t worship anything besides Him; and be excellent to your parents.” (Quran, 4:36) This excellence would include allaying their fears on this matter, or just not attending if they are uncomfortable with it.
You’ll be rewarded either way, and through the blessings of your intention, it will be as though you went and helped.
May Allah give you ease and well-being.
[Shaykh]Abdul-Rahim Reasat
Checked and approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat began his studies in Arabic Grammar and Morphology in 2005. After graduating with a degree in English and History he moved to Damascus in 2007 where, for 18 months, he studied with many erudite scholars. In late 2008 he moved to Amman, Jordan, where he continued his studies for the next six years in Sacred Law (fiqh), legal theory (Usul al-fiqh), theology, hadith methodology, hadith commentary, and Logic. He was also given licenses of mastery in the science of Quranic recital and he was able to study an extensive curriculum of Quranic sciences, tafsir, Arabic grammar, and Arabic eloquence.
