Do I Have to Live with My Parents?

Ustadh Tabraze Azam is asked if a Muslim child is obliged to live with their parents and if not, how to conduct oneself toward them in the best of ways.

Question:

Assalam alaykum wa rahmat Allah wa barakatuh.

I am 23 years old and live with my parents. I am the only son in the family. As a Muslim do I have to live with my parents? I don’t like to live with my parents.

Throughout my teenage years I had to live with my aunts and grandparents since my parents used to live in another country to make a living. My mother is not a Muslim and doesn’t always allow me to practice Islam to the fullest.

My father started praying couple years ago, but he has more of a communist mentality. Is it obligatory upon me to live with my parents?

Jazak Allah Khayr.

Answer:

Wa alaykum assalam wa rahmat Allah wa barakatuh.

No, you aren’t obligated to live with your parents. Rather, the expectation is to be good to them (birr al walidayn).

If you feel that living away from them will be more beneficial for your religious practice, then take some time to consider the positives and negatives of such a decision, consult with an upright elder or scholar and pray the Prayer of Seeking Guidance (salat al istikhara) before any next steps.

I’m not sure what you’re referring to when you state that your mother doesn’t let you practice Islam to the fullest. Take gradual steps. Ensure that you’re eating what is halal, avoiding what is unlawful, and praying on time. And ask Allah Most High to increase you by His Grace.

Please read: When May Parents Be Disobeyed and How.

And Allah Most High knows best.