How Can I Convince My Family Members to Wear the Hijab?

Answered by Ustadha Zaynab Ansari

Question: As salaam alaikum, If one tells a lady to cover, i.e. mother, and she says no i dont think it is required or obligatory does the son get this share of punishment on himself in front of Allah because of his mother rebelling and also how should we convince our sisters and mothers to wear hijab?

Answer: In the Name of Allah, Most Compassionate, Most Merciful

Dear Brother,

Assalamu alaikum,

Thank you for your question.

It is not your responsibility to make your mother wear hijab. Every adult Muslim is personally responsible for carrying out the commands of Allah and no one else is blamed where they fall short.

Allah Most High says, “Whosoever goeth right, it is only for (the good of) his own soul that he goeth right, and whosoever erreth, erreth only to its hurt. No laden soul can bear another’s load. We never punish until We have sent a messenger.” (17:15)

Nonetheless, being of encouragement to your mother is important. The Prophet, Allah bless him and give him peace, said, “The one who points to the good has the reward of the one acting upon it.” (Sahih Muslim)

So you should remind your mother, in a gentle way, of the religious necessity of wearing hijab and how it is a gift for the Muslim woman, but once you have spoken, you should leave it alone.

May Allah reward you,

Zaynab Ansari