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Fatwa CenterWants to become a Muslim but her parents forbade it
Question
I'm an Indian girl from catholic Christian family, I came to know about Islam during my work in Saudi Arabia, and now I'm completely convinced by its teaching and message. I want really to convert to Islam but I have very big problem with my family, I am sure that this is not exceptional case, but I'm very afraid and panic. I started the subject with them since some time, but their reaction was so negative, and they stopped talking to me, furthermore my mother said that she will commit suicide if I convert.
I live very big conflict in myself, I want to become Muslim because I realized the truth, but I have to live with my family, and they will not accept me as a Muslim.
I thought to convert secretly and not to tell them, but I have many points I want to clarify them.
If I will convert in secret I will not be able to put head cover (Hijaab), and I can't do prayers in front of them, so absolutely I will miss many prayers.
Furthermore, they want me to get married to a Christian man and they are preparing for my marriage now.
Please tell me if it is possible to convert secretly, and what about the Hijaab and missing prayers and marriage.
If I kept my faith in my heart but act as Christian, do you think that Allaah will accept this from me and will forgive me? Or I have to announce my faith? Please let me now what to do.
Answer
All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger. We ask Allaah to exalt his mention as well as that of his family and all his companions.
We advise you to take the initiative to embrace Islam and to utter the two testimonies of faith, which is to say "Ash-hadu allaa Ilaaha Illa Allaah Wa Ash-hadu Anna Muhammadan Rassoolu Allaah" (I bear witness that None has the right to be worshipped but Allaah and I bear witness that Muhammad is the messenger of Allaah). Besides, you have to thank Allaah Who guided you to the Truth. The fact that your parents are objecting to your embracing Islam should not be an obstacle to your becoming a Muslim. The dangers that you will be facing if you do not become a Muslim are greater and more serious than the anger and objection of your parents. Whoever dies as a non-Muslim, his fate is Hellfire, and he will abide therein forever. The matter is very serious and very important, so it [your becoming a Muslim] should not be delayed. Indeed Allaah says to the parents who order their child to disbelieve (which means): {…but if they strive to make you join with Me (in worship) anything (as a partner) of which you have no knowledge, then obey them not…}[29: 8].
It is reported that when Sa'd Ibn Abu Waqqaas 
embraced Islam, his mother objected and went on a hunger strike, and she informed him that she would not eat until he disbelieves in Allaah. She stayed for three days on this state and then Sa'd told her: "If you had 100 souls and each soul dies one after the other, I will still not leave my religion. If you want, you may eat, and if you do not want to eat, you may do so as well." [Muslim].
This is because the right of Allaah is greater than the right of the parents. Allaah, the Most-High is the Creator, and it is He Who bestowed all His Bounties and Blessing on His Servants, so He has the right to be thanked and we must not disbelieve in Him, rather we have to believe in Him, in His Book and in His Prophet 
. So embrace Islam, because if concealing it implies what you have mentioned in the question, like not performing prayers, not wearing the Hijab and the like, then do not conceal it. You have to know that Allaah says (which means): {And for those who fear Allaah, He (ever) prepares a way out and he provides for him from (sources) he never could expect.}[65:2-3]. Allaah further says (which means): {…and whosoever fears Allaah and keeps his duty to Him, He will make his matter easy for him.}[65:4].
However, if you fear any harm inform the authorities to protect you, and go to the court to announce your becoming a Muslim. If you encounter any hardship or constraints from your parents and cannot stay with them, then you can move, if possible, to a trustworthy conservative Muslim family.
As regards getting married with a non-Muslim, then it is not permissible in our religion for a Muslim woman to marry a non-Muslim man. Allaah says (which means): {…And give not (your daughters) in marriage to Al-Mushrikeen (Polytheists, Pagans, Idolaters, and disbelievers in the Oneness of Allaah and in His Messenger Muhammad) till they believe (in Allaah Alone)…}[2:221]. Finally, you have to know that Allaah will make a way out of your difficulties very soon, so you have to put your trust in Allaah, and be confident in Him, indeed what an Excellent Protector and Supporter He is, and what an Excellent Helper He is.
Allaah knows best.
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