When someone in the Muslim family leaves our faith

[Saima]

Salam Aleykum Muslim Villa.   I have  a 16-year old niece (my sister’s daughter) who converted into a Christian after getting influenced by her non-Muslim friends in a western country where we live as immigrants.  Her parents are very upset and so are the rest of us, especially our mom, her grandmother.  Is there anything you can advise to bring her back to Islam.  We are from a very practicing Muslim family.  It’s very difficult for us but we feel helpless.

[Heba E. Husseyn]

Walaikum as Salam to you.   

Very sorry to learn your niece’s story.  There is little or nothing you can do at this point, except may be, trying to talk to her and making her realize her mistake in a polite, rational and affectionate manner.  But I am sure you must have already tried that.  You can only ask Allah to guide and awaken her to she returns to the Truth (the Quran, Islam).  Other than that, just let her be.  If Allah finds any good in her, He will guide her and bring her back to Islam, InshAllah.

Do not put pressure, expressing anger or force.  All that would only make matters far worse, and neither does the Noble Quran approve of such an approach.

[Rubina]

Thanks.  This is our approach as well. We already tried to explain to her in very cool and loving method.  But she didn’t listen.  Then we gave up and said nothing more. I know nothing can be done.  Just thought of asking.  Also want to ask, that on Day of Judgement will any of us be responsible in the sight of Allah for this mistake of hers?

[Heba E. Husseyn]

Only Allah can have the right answers as only He knows the precise circumstances that led to her deviation.  If it had anything to do with lack of parental care or lack of interest for a proper Faith orientation during her childhood, then it’s likely her parents might be questioned with some of its responsibility on the Day of Judgement.  But there’s no point musing over it now;  what has happened has happened.  So let that be.  If the parents feel they didn’t do enough as childhood orientation for their daughter, let them sincerely ask Allah for His forgiveness.  InshAllah, Allah may forgive as it was a genuine mistake and their oversight was unintentional.  However, the exclusive actions of the girl now as a 16-year-old individual (and later as she moves ahead in life) will certainly be her own responsibility.

[Rubina]

JazekAllah khair.   I understand sister.  Very sensibly explained.