Hiding Conversion to Islam: Permissible for Reverts?

15 November, 2019
Q I am afraid to tell my family about my conversion to Islam because they will disown me. Can I hide it?

Answer

In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful. 

All praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger.


In this fatwa:

There are enough challenges when it comes to conversion to Islam. So make it easier for yourself by not telling your family about your conversion to Islam right now.


Answering your question, Sheikh Mustafa Umar, President of California Islamic University, states: 

First, we would like to welcome you to the fold of Islam. May Allah the Almighty help you pass this transition period successfully.

Try to find a nearby Islamic center or a mosque to get to know the Muslim community in your neighborhood who will help you observe the rituals of Islam.

It is permissible for converts to hide their conversion to Islam. In some cases, it is even encouraged to hide their Islam. This is when conversion to Islam will cause harm to them, especially in the beginning where they are getting accustomed to being a Muslim.

Challenges of Conversion to Islam

There are enough challenges when it comes to adopting Islam. So make it easier for yourself by not telling your family right now.

You can tell your family about your decision of conversion to Islam later when you are more independent and stronger in your faith.

We pray to Allah the Almighty to accept your good deeds.

Almighty Allah knows best.