What Should I Do When I Suspect My Parent Is Being Unfaithful?

Answered by Ustadha Zaynab Ansari

Question: Assalamu alaikum,

My father was unfaithful to my mother in the past, and I suspect the same thing is happening again. I don’t have direct proof this time though. The last time it happened I was disrespectful, I don’t want
to be disrespectful again, but it is difficult. How should I handle this situation?

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

Dear Sister,

Wa alaikum as-salaam wa rahmatullah,

Thank you for your question.

You must proceed with caution. If you don’t have any proof, then it’s best to leave the matter alone. As difficult as it is to accept, this matter is really only between your father and your mother.

If you have evidence of some impropriety, then, depending on your relationship with your father, you might want to go to him and out of a sense of love and concern for his spiritual well-being, advise him on the gravity of engaging in a relationship that has no sanction in sacred law.

Otherwise, please pray for both of your parents and ask Allah Ta’ala to open your father’s heart and cause him to see the harm he may be visiting upon himself and his family. Be strong and supportive of your mother and encourage your entire family to welcome Ramadan as a time of moral and spiritual renewal.

May Allah Ta’ala grant you ease,

Zaynab Ansari
Sha’ban 21, 1433
July 11, 2012