I Am a Convert and Live With My Adopted Parents. What Are My Obligations to Them?

Question: I am a convert and live with my adopted parents. What are my obligations to them, and can I take off my hijab at home?

Answer: Wa alaykum assalam wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh,

Dear questioner,

The Prophet (Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, ‘I and he who takes in an orphan are like this,’ and he held out his index and ring fingers with a little gap between them. (Bukhari) And he said, ‘He who is not thankful to people, is not thankful to God.’ (Ibn Hibban and others)

You should tell them these two hadiths and express your deep, deep love and gratitude towards them.

However, you still have to wear the hijab in front of your adopted “father”, and you cannot have skin contact with him.

So just be really, really nice, and don’t get angry if they criticize you or Islam. It is only natural because they love you so much and are concerned for you. But you still have to stick to the rules.

It is good that you are getting married and moving away. Usually, converts need a good few years away from non-Muslim family members to get themselves on their feet in Islam. May Allah give all the best.

I pray this helps.

[Ustadh] Farid Dingle

Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Ustadh Farid Dingle has completed extensive years of study in the sciences of the Arabic language and the various Islamic Sciences. During his studies, he also earned a CIFE Certificate in Islamic Finance. Over the years he has developed a masterful ability to craft lessons that help non-Arabic speakers gain a deep understanding of the language. He currently teaches courses in the Arabic Language