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Difficulties Living Muslim Life With Parents

Question

My parents don't let me go to the mosque in general and especially for the Fajr prayer. My father doesn't pray and I can't lead a Muslim life in my situation. What shall I do?

Answer

All perfect praise be to Allah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah, and that Muhammad  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allaah exalt his mention ) is His slave and Messenger.

You should know, that performing congregational prayer in the Masjid (mosque) is an obligatory act upon every free, adult, male Muslim. This is the predominant opinion among the Muslim scholars. So it is unlawful to miss the congregational prayer. If your parents command you to abandon performing the prayer in congregation, then, in this case, you shouldn't obey them, since the Prophet  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allaah exalt his mention ) said: “There is no obedience to a creature in disobeying the Creator (Allah).” [Ahmad]

In Saheeh Al-Bukhaari, we find that Al-Hasan Al-Basri  may  Allaah  have  mercy  upon  him said: “If someone's mother prevents him from praying ‘Isha in Jamaa'ah (congregational prayer), because of her fear for him and compassion, he should not obey her.” Regarding the ruling on congregational prayer, we have already mentioned this in Fatwa 82264. But if the reason of your parent's prevention to pray in Jama'ah is based on a genuine fear that could harm you, then in this case you should obey them in order to avoid un-doubtful harm. Allah Says (what means): {…and do not throw yourselves into destruction.} [Quran 2:195]

Besides, the Prophet Muhammad  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allaah exalt his mention ) said: “There should be neither harm nor reciprocal harm.” [Ibn Maajah and others] This Hadeeth is authentic. Hence, if your parents are determined on it, then you should talk to them with kindness and in a soft and gentle manner, in order to convince them. But don't frown in their faces and don't get annoyed by their comments. Also, you should give them presents and gifts, to please them and to clear away the displeasure from their hearts.

Allah knows best.

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