My parents and my family don't want to accept it?

Question

my parents and my family can't accept that i converted to another religion. The situation is getting really bad and to the extent that they don't have respect for my religious books etc... And they purposely try to force me to eat things that i am not allowed to in my religion and they are doing other stuff too. I know i'm young but I know for sure that I've done the right thing and changing my religion is not an option, what do i do?

I became muslim and i'm just above 16

From christianity swissnick

Answer 1

Hopefully you didn't join some stupid cult, where you're expected to change every aspect of your life and give all to your religion. If so, your family is only concerned for your well being.

Answer 2

There are several things going on with your folks. Number one, they feel betrayed because you are not worshiping in the manner they taught you. Secondly, if they are very conservative Christians, now they worry that you are doomed to hell. And another thing, Muslims are getting a bad rap, so that's probably freaking out your folks.

Now, you're pretty young, but religion is a matter of personal conscience and you are sure that you have made the right choice, then persevere. And remember that if you are forced to do something like eat pork, then you are not at fault. Keep living as a good Muslim and show your parents that you are serious about your conversion and eventually they come around.

But if they think you are condemning your eternal soul to hell they probably will never accept your conversion and you will have to go "underground" with it until you are old enough and have the means to live on your own. Good luck.

Answer 3

Being muslim at 16 my first ? to you would be why? Is this a phase you're going thru to get attention? Your parents should have a say - so in your religion choices especially if you've been raised differently. Where I draw the line is if you're out of the house and making life choices and decisions for yourself.

The only thing I know that muslims can't eat is PORK. So what is the problem? Just when PORKY PIG is passed don't eat it.

Most muslims can eat any vegetables, chicken, turkey, or beef. How many Americans make PORKY their main meat? You could also choose Humus, or Tofu as a substitute but if you're not paying for the food....then eat what your parents have fixed.

Answer 4

Parents have a hard time accepting a change that major. Because you are under the age of 18 you might have to endure the while you live in my house speech. What you can do is practice your religion, but don't expect your parents to accept it. As far as trying to force you to eat something that is unacceptable, start buying and making your own food, or offer to do the cooking for the family. This would require that you get a job and then you could also start eating meals away from your family. Until you are 18, you need to understand that your parents were brought up to believe that children should go to and believe the way they do and when you stop or start questioning the beliefs they have raised you with (which is a natural part of growth and growing up) they are going to fight back in any way that they can. You could as far as dietary restrictions go, change from saying that I am eating as a Muslim, but I am eating as a vegetarian because this food makes me feel better, healthier and just go vegetarian and not eat meat or fish.

Answer 5

I have 3 children. 22 to 18, all have had their ups and downs. All of my kids went for a number of things during their school lives and all of them changed their minds a couple weeks in. So the new trumpet, shoes, bat, racket, whatever was a waste. AND more importantly they did something else. They were obviously learning what was right for them. But, it is a fact that at that age, your age, your brain is structured such that you are the centre of your world. Sorry but its true. And your brain will change. Therefore you might want to consider the possibility that you might change your mind. If you dont, then all power to you. But i'll bet that your mum and dad, think you might, and well...its religion you are taking about. One of the most serious matters a human being can discuss. Not because it has to be serious, but because in our world we are all so intolerant of difference: and it is said that only politics and religion start war. I dont imagine that your parents reaction is due to ignorance and intolerance. I should imagine your parents are afraid for you, wondering if you really know what you've gotten yourself into. They might be going about it the wrong way, but dont be surprised if they feel they are trying to protect you. If you dont change your mind, show your parents. The onus is now on you to convince them you are worthy of this decision, so show them. Be sensible, balanced, sincere and respectful, be the young adult you are and gain their respect for it. And if you do change your mind, they will still be there and you can learn from the experience. Whatever you decide, Good luck.

Answer 6

Well, how old are you and where are you living? You have personality rights as well as the right of choosing your religion (latter is guaranteed here above the age of 16).

Which religion are you coming from, which one have to converted to? Was there an "official" action or did you just decide by yourself without involving some representative of the new religion?

Answer 7

i am not tryna be biased ,, but i think it is really great to know that more people are converting into muslims. ipersonally love the religion , although i don't pray 5 times a day and that i still study islam becuz there is a lot more to know about the religion than we already know. i have lots of islam books at home and although i have read most of them, i still don't know everything about the religion. in the hereafter it will be u facing allah on the day of judgemant, not u're parents, so u shouldn't let there actions effect you. and i think u r a really good person 2 have converted , it shows that u care about the life after death.

Answer 8

Sounds like my stupid sister. She got in a twist because mom and dad didn't want her to be a Wiccan. She didn't care, she knew what they blieved was wrong.
Okay, so I know something about Muslim, and I believe there is conduct in how you relate to your parents. You cannot simply say, they are unbievers, so they do not matter. I assume you dress the part, and also keep all the rules a good muslim would follow. If I recall right, there can be no disharmony if you cleanse yourself of it. Besides, it is only 2 years, right? Then you can find a match and you will be having babies in no time.

Answer 9

Wow, tough spot. All you can really do is calmly explain to your family why you decided to change religions and that you did not do so to hurt them or in a snap decision. Explain what your religion is really about and the factors that caused you to want to switch. If they refuse to listen or still don't accept it, there's nothing you can do about it. Do not let that stop you from practicing your religion of choice. So many people preach freedom to choose your own religion (it's what this country was founded on after all) but they really mean freedom to choose THEIR religion. They are being narrow-minded and judgmental. Stick to your guns, refuse to eat anything that your religion does not allow and keep your religious books out of sight from your family that might throw them away or keep them from you (possibly in your car or at school?).

Answer 10

You are in a very sensitive situation. It is impossible for a religious family to accept the fact that their daughter has switched to another religion.

People are not rational, they will never evaluate it based on facts or perhaps try and ask what is so special about your new religion.

Expect a bad few months, once they see you are determined to continue with your new religion, they will have no choice but to accept it.

Answer 11

Well try to sweat it out as much as possible until you are 18. Than find a full time job, some roommates, an apartment and move out. There is nothing you can do to make them accept it.
If you want to be muslim stick with it and keep at it. It is your life and you are welcome to participate in whatever religion you want to. Also see if your religion has some counselors you can talk to for help.