Do I Have to Move Out if My Parents Get a Home by Contemporary Mortgage?

Answered by Shaykh Faraz A. Khan

Question: My parents recently bought a house on mortgage. I tried to advise them against it, but they won’t listen. Sheikhs I’ve asked have given me two main alternatives, (1) live with my parents and refuse to pay any of the mortgage payments, just paying the basic bills (my parents are fine with this) or (2) live alone (my parents are not so fine with this). I need further advice.

Answer: Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullah,

I pray this finds you in the best of health and states.

Your responsibility is to advise them with gentleness and wisdom, yet you are not obliged to move out. And if they are upset with your moving out, then it is definitely not advisable. Live with them and treat them with excellence. Show them the beauty of a life of piety (taqwa), through your behavior and character more than your words.

You can also direct them to viable shariah-compliant alternatives in the Islamic finance sector, by which they may still gain ownership of a home. Lastly, a scholar should be consulted to assess their personal situation and what options they might have.

And Allah knows best.
wassalam
Faraz A. Khan

Checked & Approved by Faraz Rabbani