Family issues

As salaam alaikum
 
First I’d like to say it takes so much courage to look to other religions when you have family that is linked to one religion. And so for you to convert, I’m sure that was a heavy decision. I hope you are able to find Muslim support in your area and more importantly connect with other converts as they will understand the same or similar struggles.
 
Sometimes, as converts, we may chose to distant our selves from previous religious identities or go all in on the religion we are indentifying with, and though there isn’t anything wrong with that, it can be isolating. Take your time in your transition.  Also this is your family, just because you are Muslim doesn’t mean you can’t go to church, you don’t have believe the tenets of the church but you can be there to learn the gems, leave the rest. You can be there to build family bonds, support and love your family, as they are your family and Allah swt doesn’t want us break our ties with our families. I’m not sure if your family is aware of your conversion, but as soon as you realized that Islam is the Truth,  I am sure there was a shift in paradigms that impacted the your lifestyle; and nowyou will start practicing and changing your lifestyle with small cumulative steps, continuously learning and growing both in knowledge and practice. I’m not sure if they know of your conversion and if they do how they took it. It they are not aware of your conversion. perhaps consider what that conversation may look like moving forward. Keep in mind how you plan to respond to them. Avoid responding with aggression, regardless of how bad it gets, with anger or disrespect. I do believe there will be a time when you’ll be able to share your truth and they will accept it and I do believe their anger will cool down, providing you an opportunity to share the beauty of Islam to them logically and rationally explaining the faith to them.

The Prophet Ibrahim’s (Abraham, peace be upon him) own father rejected him and his people threw him into a fire. Isa  (Jesus, peace be upon him) was sentenced to death by his own people. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was humiliated and threatened by his tribe. Being rejected by loved ones is a very painful experience. The Prophets, the Prophets’ companions, and many pious people have gone through the same thing many new converts today face. And these noble people held firm to their faith despite this intense pressure.

We ask Allaah to help you in your difficulty, and to make you steadfast in adhering to truth and guidance, and to guide your parents and honour you with seeing as believers in the Oneness of their Lord, may He be exalted, and to admit you all to His Paradise.

Sincerely,

Your Sister in Islam,

Fatima “SD”

Salam my dear brother, Masha’Allah congratulations on becoming a Muslim, may Allah (SWT) keep you steadfast on His deen! There can be a lot of challenges that converts/reverts face when accepting Islam. Especially when it comes to their non-muslim family members. Even the best of people in the time of the Prophet (SAW) had to go through these situations, so never feel like you are alone in this. You could begin with an open conversation about faith and life with one person in the family and see how that goes. You could also ask any other converts in your life or watch videos on YouTube to see how others have gone about this. It is also important to keep in mind how actions speak louder than words. I have seen how other converts mentioned that their families noticed positive changes in their behavior after they accepted Islam, leading their families to have a more positive look on the religion. Never give up on making dua, calling Allah asking Him to make it easy for you and to bless your family with the guidance of Islam.