New Converts: Do What You Can, But Strive to Do Better
Answered by Ustadh Abdullah Anik Misra
Question: By the grace of ALLAH (SWT) I along with my friend helped a sister to convert Into Muslim… only very few people know about it, and at present she doesn’t have the courage to tell her parents about it. The question is , she is not able to pray 5 times on time..like she prays at least 2 or 3 on time and rest she doesn’t know what to do… at this point she asks me whether is this correct or not and is there any alternative towards the problem ?
Do let me know if u want know more anything towards this problem.
Answer: In the Name of Allah, Most Merciful and Compassionate,
As salamu alaikum,
Thank you for your question. May Allah reward you and your friend for helping this sister find the truth.
She should carry on doing what you described: praying when she can, while never intentionally missing a prayer out of laziness or without excuse. If she does miss a prayer for any reason, she should make it up when it is safe and easy for her to do so, even if it be more than one at a time.
Below, I link to related answers on the prayer of an absolute beginner, until she learns more.
If she fears for her faith or safety, she should not tell her parents about her decision until her faith and practice is stronger. She should not rush to adopt any certain garb or make any major lifestyle changes, until she learns how to gradually handle more, and can gradually reveal more to her family.
Right now, the most important thing is to find other Muslim sisters to support and advise her in person. Also, introduce her to resources on the internet so she can learn more (see our FREE Online Academy).
The rule of thumb here is to do what one can. She knows her situation best. She must be allowed to go through this experience, make the decisions in her heart, and do what is most beneficial for her faith in the long-term. Through it all, she should feel the love and mercy of Allah Most High enveloping her, and focus on Him. Too many rules and worries all at once can make one lose sight of this sacred relationship, which is the point of it all.
Wasalam,
Abdullah Anik Misra
Checked & Approved by Faraz Rabbani
Related Answers:
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Can New Muslims Hold the Qur’an and Recite from It During Prayer?
