Sheikh Muhammad Al-'Ansi ḥafidhahullāh responded:
15 July 2024 • 4.3K views
وعليكم السلام ورحمة الله وبركاته
The situation you mentioned, inshaAllah, does not prevent you from seeking knowledge, nor does it prevent you from embracing Islam. There are many who are guided by Allah to Islam while living in non-Muslim societies or families, and they continue to embrace and declare their faith. One should consider the nature of the harm they might face. If it is merely verbal abuse or anger, then he should be patient and endure it. For example, when Sa'd ibn Abi Waqqāṣ رضي الله عنه embraced Islam, his mother said she would not eat or drink until he renounced his faith. He told her, according to some narrations, that he would not abandon Islam even if she starved herself to death. She eventually ate and drank when she felt weak. It was regarding him that Allah revealed the Ayah (interpreted meaning), "But if they endeavor to make you associate with Me that of which you have no knowledge, do not obey them but accompany them in this world with appropriate kindness." (Quran 31:15).
Therefore, one should accompany their parents with kindness. If the harm is limited to verbal abuse, one should be patient and treat them well, as Allah has commanded. However, if the harm is unbearable, such as imprisonment or threats to one's life, it is better to conceal your faith, my brother, and seek to migrate to a Muslim country where you can pursue knowledge and be in the company of righteous people. Then, inform your parents through a kind message or call: O my parents, I desire good for you. I love good for you as much as I love it for myself. From the duties upon me in terms of dutifulness towards you is to invite you to Islam. Islam is the true religion of Allah. Islam brings happiness in this life and the Hereafter. Islam is a means of salvation from Hell and entry into Paradise. Islam is a religion of mercy. Islam is a religion through which one recognises the right of his Lord as well as the right of the people/creation, and so on from that which you are able to address your parents with. There's no issue with you travelling, nothing will harm you. Continue to maintain family ties by contacting them and sending them support if you are able, sending them messages filled with good words and prayers for their guidance. Pray to Allah for their guidance and for Him to make things easy for you. Be determined and diligent in your efforts.
GIVE SOME THOUGHT TO THE ISSUE OF HIJRAH (before committing yourself), as you may need to return to them if they embrace Islam or other members of your family embrace Islam. Make intention to travel for the sake of seeking knowledge, then if you see no reason to return to a non-Muslim country, stay where Allah makes it easy for you.
Do not renounce your religion for worldly desires or threats!
If you see a benefit in returning for da'wah or a brief visit, the affair is easy. But if you travel with the intention of Hijrah, you are not allowed to return to a non-Muslim country without necessity. Perhaps you are aware of this ruling.
May Allah grant us and you success.
@madrasatuna