How Do I Obey My Parents If They Follow a Different Madhab?

Question: If one has different fiqh positions to one’s parents, does one still have to obey them in that which is sinful in one’s own opinion or madhhab?

Answer:

Wa alaykum assalam wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh,

Dear questioner,

Thank you for your important question.

No, one does not have to have to obey them in that which is sinful in one’s own opinion or madhhab. (Al- Fatawa, Bulqini)

However, it is far superior to try one’s best to do what they ask as long as what they are asking is not sinful or offensive across all schools of fiqh.

For example, your father wants you to eat with your left hand. You should not do that. However, if he wants you to join prayers while you are traveling, and he is Shafi’ and you are Hanafi, you should just join following one of the other schools.

Please also see:
https://seekers.flywheelstaging.com/articles/prophetic-guidance/parents-rights-to-children-muwasala/
https://dev.seekers.flywheelstaging.com/answers/general-counsel/how-to-deal-with-overbearing-parents-who-want-control-of-my-money/
https://seekers.flywheelstaging.com/answers/parents/being-a-daughter-a-woman-and-living-this-life/
https://seekers.flywheelstaging.com/articles/prophetic-guidance/serve-parents-now-late/

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.