Muslim Youngsters In Non Muslim Families

It is a fact that Islam is the fastest growing religion worldwide and in the West a lot of people are embracing Islam day by day. Many people reverted to Islam after 9/11. At first, they wanted to read Qur’an to know the “religion of violence” but as soon as they read the Qur’an, they realized that Islam is a religion of peace and is strongly against aggression.

Many young people came to Islam as well and many of them are facing a lot of problems in their homes as family members are not Muslims and they think Islam is violent and will make their child a terrorist. Some of these young Muslims are strong enough to face any challenge and are trying their best to show their families the beauty of Islam.

Some new Muslim teens are not able to tell their families about their conversion because they do not want their family members to be angry. At the same time some Muslim teenagers helped their family members to revert to Islam.

Take the example of brother Abdul Jaleel who is 15 years old, living in the United States. He came to Islam when he was 14 years old and he is helping his mother to learn about Islam. He is active in his local Masjid and learning about Islam with all his heart.

Another example is brother Abdullah from the United States who is facing a lot of problems from his family members. They hate him and think he is an enemy. His cousins make fun of him but this wonderful brother is strong enough to face all those hardships and is trying his best to tell his family members about Islam.

Sister Rasha, 18 years old from the United States, lost her father when she was young and now she is facing a lot of opposition from her non-Muslim mother and  brother. They do not want her to be a Muslim but Rasha is trying her best to be the best Muslimah and she wears full Hijab and goes to the local Masjid regularly. At the same time she is striving hard to be the best daughter for her mother and the best sister for her brother.

These are only a few of many brothers and sisters who are living with non-Muslim parents and siblings. They face a lot of hardship but they know it is all a test from Allah the Almighty and they have complete trust in Him.

I would like to advise these brothers and sisters about how to deal with these kinds of matters at home.

1. Don’t let your family members feel that you are completely different from them. Show them your best manners. Respect your parents. Remember there are many parents who acknowledge that their child has become more calm and loving after reverting to Islam.

2. Never lose patience even if they abuse you, because the Qur’an asks us to leave ignorant people alone after saying “peace be upon you” (Al-Qasas: 55). Allah the Almighty clearly says in the Qur’an that “Allah is with those who are patient”.

3. Always remember that the Qur’an asks us to repel evil with what is best. Be very nice to your siblings, buy them gifts, spend time with them, and share jokes and stories.

4. Help your mother with the household chores. Tell her some verses from the Qur’an if you get the chance.  First let her know that killing an innocent soul is like killing  all mankind and if she agrees, tell her this is a verse in the Qur’an in chapter 5 verse 32.

5. If someone talks about women rights, tell them that heaven lies at the feet of a mother. If they agree, tell them it is a beautiful teaching of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

6. If they want to debate about some issues, debate in the very best manner as it is asked in Surah An-Nahl verse 125, “Invite (all) to the Way of thy Lord with wisdom and beautiful preaching; and argue with them in ways that are best and most gracious: for thy Lord knoweth best, who have strayed from His Path, and who receive guidance.”

7.  Discuss the subject of science and tell your siblings the amazing facts from the Qur’an.

8. Play Nasheeds (Islamic songs) for them as teens love these songs very much and they contain beautiful messages that are relevant for all people.  

I hope these tips will be helpful. We are so proud of you, our young brothers and sisters in Islam!

May Allah guide us all amen.

Allahu Akbar.