Can a Convert Whose Family is Hindu Participate in Their Rituals?

Answered by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Question: If a person who was previously Hindu accepts Islam, but hides this from his
parents and performs the Hindu rituals to satisfy them and avoid causing problems in the household, is he still within the fold of Islam?

Answer: In the name of Allah, Most Merciful.

It is not permitted for a believer to participate in religious rituals that constitute associating
partners with Allah or contravention of Divine Command. Allah Most High tells us repeatedly in
the Qur’an that He forgives all sins except associating partners with Him.

The convert brother should realize that what he was doing was a mistake, sincerely repent
to Allah, be thankful for the gift of faith and the means of approaching spiritual and worldly
serenity, and take the effective means of avoiding participating in the rituals. It would be good
for him to seek the counsel of local scholars or community members, for both guidance and
support.

And Allah alone gives success.

Faraz Rabbani