Is It Permissible to Become the Godmother of a Christian Child?

Answered by Ustadha Shazia Ahmad

Question

I am a recent revert to Islam, and my family is Christian and Islamophobic; they recently found out about me accepting Islam. A couple of months ago, when I was still new to everything and didn’t have much knowledge, a relative asked me to become the Christian godmother of their child at a communion.

I tried to refuse, but I was put on the spot, and my father pressured me into it and threatened me. I said yes, and now they will arrange the communion in May.

Answer

Thank you for your question. Becoming a godmother according to a religious context and participating in a religious ceremony/communion/baptism to be appointed as such is not permissible.

Godmother

The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said:

“Whoever imitates a people is one of them.” [Abu Dawud]

Although it is an honor to be asked to be the godmother of a child, you are Muslim and can’t participate in what they require of you or attend that ceremony. Commonly, a godmother’s responsibilities include:

• Providing spiritual and religious guidance.
• Being a mentor and role model for the child.
• Offering emotional support and being involved in the child’s life.
• If specified, stepping in as a guardian if something happens to the parents.

As a Muslim, you can fulfill the latter three but not the first. And you could even play this role without being called a godmother. If you find an opportunity to teach the child about Islam, whether as the godmother or not, it would be the best thing you can ever do for the child.

Ceremony

A ceremony might involve making a vow or promise to support the child’s spiritual upbringing or standing with the family during the ceremony. You may not participate in this, and if you do so with reverse, it is apostasy. Politely decline if this is what they expect. You could say that while you care about your family and the child, you cannot participate in a religious ceremony that goes against your faith.

That being said, some secular families appoint godparents for their children in non-religious contexts. That role is more about being a supportive figure in the child’s life, celebrating milestones (birthdays, holidays, etc.), offering guidance and support as they grow, and being a trusted confidant and role model. In this context, it is permissible and praiseworthy to be a godmother. Have an open conversation with the parents to clarify what they expect of you and see if you can compromise. I pray that they can accept you according to your capacity. Keep in mind that if the child is of the opposite gender, he/she does not become mahram to you in any case.

Trust in Allah

Please don’t worry. Remember that if you stand up for your beliefs, Allah will help you through it. The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said,

“Verily, you will never leave anything for the sake of Allah Most High but that Allah will replace it with something better for you.” [Ahmad]

Please see these links as well:

• How Can I Maintain Good Relations with My Christian Family during the Festive Season?
• Am I Allowed to Attend Non-Muslim Family Gatherings?
• Can I Be the Godmother of My Christian Friend’s Daughter?
• Can I Be a “Godparent”?

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

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.