Can I Mediate Between Family Members of Different Faiths?

Answered by Shaykh Irshaad Sedick

Question

My sister and I were raised by a Muslim father and a Catholic mother and were told to choose our religion when older. I chose Islam; my sister chose Catholicism. She said the shahada as a child without full knowledge. Now our father is threatening to leave the family because of her choice. Am I sinful for helping her communicate with him to prevent a family breakup?

Answer

In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate.

If your intention is to open the paths of da‘wa, and to facilitate her return to Islam, this intercession would be highly praiseworthy, and Allah knows best.

Allah says:

“Invite to the way of your Lord with wisdom and good instruction, and argue with them in a way that is best.” [Quran, 16:125]

Gently remind your sister of her shahada and the weight of this declaration in Islam, ensure that she understands Islam properly, as many people have misgivings about Islam, primarily based on ignorance, and Allah knows best.

If possible, address your father with respect, wisdom, and patience, and respectfully stress the importance of the potential for your sister’s return to Islam.

May Allah make your efforts easy and guide your family to what pleases Him, Amin.

And Allah knows best.
[Shaykh] Irshaad Sedick
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Shaykh Irshaad Sedick was raised in South Africa in a traditional Muslim family. He graduated from Dar al-Ulum al-Arabiyyah al-Islamiyyah in Strand, Western Cape, under the guidance of the late world-renowned scholar Shaykh Taha Karaan (Allah have mercy on him), where he taught.

Shaykh Irshaad received Ijaza from many luminaries of the Islamic world, including Shaykh Taha Karaan, Shaykh Muhammad Awama, Shaykh Muhammad Hasan Hitu, and Mawlana Abdul Hafeez Makki, among others.

He is the author of the text “The Musnad of Ahmad ibn Hanbal: A Hujjah or not?” He has been the Director of the Discover Islam Centre, and for six years, he has been the Khatib of Masjid Ar-Rashideen, Mowbray, Cape Town.

Shaykh Irshaad has fifteen years of teaching experience at some of the leading Islamic institutes in Cape Town. He is currently building an Islamic podcast, education, and media platform called ‘Isnad Academy’ and has completed his Master’s degree in the study of Islam at the University of Johannesburg. He has a keen interest in healthy Prophetic living and fitness.