What Should I Know Before Moving In With Hindu Roommates?

Answered by Ustadha Shazia Ahmad

Question

I will be soon going to another country for my higher studies and will be living with two Hindu roommates. My dad wants me to stay with my classmates because of safety reasons and finding an apartment has become difficult in the university’s area.

Is there anything that I need to keep myself apprised of when moving with them so that I can be careful?

Answer

Thank you for your question. May Allah reward you for being concerned about your religion and may He always keep you on the right path.

Safety

I understand your father’s concern about having you live with classmates because it would likely be safer for you, and safety is the top priority. That being said, living with Hindus may pose some challenges, but nothing is difficult if discussed beforehand and agreed upon. Perhaps over time, you can meet new classmates, and move in with Muslims.

Steps

• House rules: no pets, no alcohol, no boys, no music;
• Pork and unslaughtered meat must be kept in a separate section of the fridge and never come near your section;
• Don’t use pots, plates or cutlery, or cups that have touched the above meats;
• You should explain that you will keep a jug in the bathroom for washing that should remain there;
• You should explain that any filth that affects the apartment should be washed properly with soap and water, and not just dried up or wiped. You can offer to wash it, as you cannot pray on a spot of filth;
• Hopefully, the girls are modest, but you will have to speak up if they think it’s OK to undress in front of you;
• If they wear short shorts or skirts in the house, or just stay in their bras, as some non-Muslims like to take their shirts off at home, you should speak up, or stay in a different room, if they don’t listen;
• If they are religious and perform their Hindu ceremonies in the house, you should consider finding new roommates as soon as you can;
• Most importantly, they should know that you will be praying in the house, so they might hear an alarm before sunrise, so explain that is just part of your routine. They should give you space to pray;
• Last but not least, show them the beauty of Islam and teach them when they ask. You might spark something that will result in them converting.

May Allah give you the best of this world and the next and give you success in your studies.

[Ustadha] Shazia Ahmad
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Ustadha Shazia Ahmad lived in Damascus, Syria for two years where she studied aqidah, fiqh, tajweed, tafsir, and Arabic. She then attended the University of Texas at Austin, where she completed her Masters in Arabic. Afterward, she moved to Amman, Jordan where she studied fiqh, Arabic, and other sciences. She later moved back to Mississauga, Canada, where she lives with her family.