Converts & Keeping the Peace with Family

Question:

Salam aleykoum wrwb respected Shaykhs and Scholars,

My question is about Muslim converts. Since keeping family ties and good family relations are very important in Islam (I’m assuming this means the extended family as well- cousins, aunts, uncles, etc), do you have any advice for converts trying to follow their new faith yet facing opposition from their family? Many converts end up having to completely cut off from their family to protect their faith, while others must completely hide their Islam in order to keep ties. How can one find balance; making their family happy and staying close to loved ones, yet staying firmly rooted and committed to following the principles of Islam?
Baraka lawfikum

We hope to become sincere servants of Allah Almighty and Sayiddina Muhammad (s) and of our Sheikhs.

Answer:

Wa`alaykumussalam,

Family ties cannot be broken. Should you be staying with your family, respect their beliefs while you keep your faith. You are still family to them, and the only difference Islam makes you is that you’ve become a better person. Remember that Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.) and his companions faced tremendous hardship and opposition, but they did not react to them but prayed to Allah for His protection and love.

Abdul Shakur

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