Can a Convert Disguise Their Prayer If Their Parents Are Islamophobic?
Answered by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
Question
I am a 13-year-old convert (or revert), and my parents are Islamaphobic. Specifically, my dad. I will get beaten if I am caught praying, so I usually do salah while he is in another room by pretending to read. I usually sit for Fatiha, then quickly stand and bow for Ruku‘, and then sit down for Sujud. Are my prayers valid? What should I do?
Answer
In the Name of Allah, the Merciful and Compassionate.
I hope you’re doing well, insha’Allah.
Firstly, may Allah bless you in your life-journey to His Pleasure. The essence of religion—and Islam—is cultivating one’s living relationship with Allah and the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) through answering His Call. His Call is answered through
- Fulfilling the commands of religion; and
- Striving to follow Prophetic teachings—in accordance with knowledge.
Can You Disguise Your Prayer?
You can be discrete about your prayer, such as:
- Praying when you’re out of the house; or
- Praying when you are “changing” in your room, or with your door closed; or
- If there is no other way, just put a towel down in your washroom, and pray the obligatory prayer (at least) there.
Cultivate Your Understanding of Islam With Balance
With this, take the means to:
1. Learn your religion
- See whether there are in-person classes you can discretely attend;
- Or take the courses (all free) available here at SeekersGuidance.
Courses Recommendation:
- Introduction to Islam: What It Means to Be Muslim
- Absolute Essentials of Islam (Hanafi)
- Why Allah? Belief in God in an Age of Doubt
2. Try to find a good company locally
- Contact your local Islamic Centre online and enquire
3. Don’t hesitate to reach out with questions or queries
- Whether through our Seekers Answers service or through the Forums of any of the courses you take
Allah Most High calls us in the Quran:
“O you who believe: wholeheartedly answer Allah and the Messenger when he summons you to what brings you to life: And know at your peril that Allah may come between even a very able man and what he has set his heart to one day do. And to Him shall you inevitably be massed.” [Quran, 8:24; Keller, The Quran Beheld]
And Allah is the giver of success and facilitation.
[Shaykh] Faraz Rabbani
Shaykh Faraz Rabbani is a recognized specialist scholar in the Islamic sciences, having studied under leader scholars from around the world. He is the Founder and Executive Director of SeekersGuidance.
Shaykh Faraz stands as a distinguished figure in Islamic scholarship. His journey in seeking knowledge is marked by dedication and depth. He spent ten years studying under some of the most revered scholars of our times. His initial studies took place in Damascus. He then continued in Amman, Jordan.
In Damascus, he was privileged to learn from the late Shaykh Adib al-Kallas. Shaykh Adib al-Kallas was renowned as the foremost theologian of his time. Shaykh Faraz also studied under Shaykh Hassan al-Hindi in Damascus. Shaykh Hassan is recognized as one of the leading Hanafi jurists of our era.
Upon completing his studies, Shaykh Faraz returned to Canada in 2007. His return marked a new chapter in his service to the community. He founded SeekersGuidance. The organization reflects his commitment to spreading Islamic knowledge. It aims to be reliable, relevant, inspiring, and accessible. This mission addresses both online and on-the-ground needs.
Shaykh Faraz is also an accomplished author. His notable work includes “Absolute Essentials of Islam: Faith, Prayer, and the Path of Salvation According to the Hanafi School.” This book, published by White Thread Press in 2004, is a significant contribution to Islamic literature.
His influence extends beyond his immediate community. Since 2011, Shaykh Faraz has been recognized as one of the 500 most influential Muslims. This recognition comes from the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Center. It underscores his impact on the global Islamic discourse.
Shaykh Faraz Rabbani’s life and work embody a profound commitment to Islamic scholarship. His teachings continue to enlighten and guide seekers of knowledge worldwide.
