If my dad is Muslim and my Mom is Christian does that mean that I have to be Muslim?

Question

I want to make my own decision but peole at my Muslim school(Im not Mulism)say that I sorta of have to...and I tell them No.

Also a reason I dont want to become Muslim is because my father is not a good one....he only fasts on Ramadan and he nly prays when they have the Eid prayaers at the Mesjid

But I do celebrate Eid and dont eat pork.

Answer 1

My dear,

There is nothing so called "I have to be Muslim" I mean nothing forces you to follow Islam, you should follow your heart, if its towards Islam then follow Islam. And I hope for you to be a good Muslim.

Maybe the laws makes your follow the religion of you father, but you should follow your heart in the first place.

Answer 2

Well if your father is a Muslim and you go to Muslim school, why would you not know the answer to this question? I cannot see you not being raised as a Muslim by your father up till now? Why are you going to Muslim school if you are not a Muslim? If your parents are sending you there they obviously want you to be. Something is just not right about your question. And if it walks like a duck and if it quacks like a duck it usually is a duck. I find it hard to believe that going to Muslim school and having been raised by a Muslim father that you would not know the answer to this question. Surely your mother and your father have talked to you about religion before this now.

I've read some of your answers to other questions and you seem to defend Islam and use term like MushaAllah. But then you don't know what the schedule for Ramadan was. Your in the 6th grade also you said. Now your saying your father is not a good example. You sound confused and very young. No one can force you to be a Muslim it is a submission of the heart and Allah knows whats truly in it. You sound like you have still a bit of growing up to do and Insha Allah he will be the one to guide you. Quoting you "Islam does bring spiritual peace" that's your quote not mine. (but i do agree)

Answer 3

That's why Muslim women cannot marry non muslim men. According to the Koran, the children will be raised in accordance with the faith of the father. You can chose what you want or nothing at all. It's up to you.

Answer 4

Why not follow both? Can you honor your mother and father and still be yourself? (You might consult with Bahai center, since their teachings sprang from Islam but embrace all religions, similar to Unitarian Universalist.) Some Sufi or Sunni Muslims also embrace all religions, since All Muslims are called to love all people of the Book (Jewish, Christian and Muslim), to receive and honor all Prophets sent by God (including Moses and Buddha who both witnessed to the coming and return of Christ), and to follow the Biblical Scriptures as well as the Koran. Just stick to where the two agree and you will be respectful of both. Can you think of it as a cultural sharing exercise. Ask questions until you find an answer about how to do things that feels right and comfortable for you. If there are conflicts, ask for help from a family pastor or counselor, as spiritual things are good to study to reach a better understanding of even yourself in relation to other people.

I consider myself a secular Gentile, but I came from a Buddhist family and believe in Christ. I end up practicing different ways of expression depending whom I am enjoying fellowship with. By being equally accepting of all tribes and traditions, I end up defining my own path which is unique. Nobody else quite gets it, but it works for me!

So it is a very interesting process of learning how to share. When I am with Muslim friends I pray in their mosque and follow their traditions. Same with Buddhist and Christian. As long as you love and respect all neighbors, as Christ called us to do, I find people tend to embrace you as well in seeking mutual acceptance. There is no need for mutual rejection, which I find limits the sharing and denies the true meaning of any religious faith.

I hope you find your own way that works for you, though it may be a mix of both traditions, or a new take on old traditions that breaks the mold. Like Jesus said, you cannot pour new wine into old wineskins. Sometimes you have to create new wineskins and then use that. Salaam Malaikum, peace be to you.

Helfpul resource: Bahai forums "Center for the Healing of Racism" http://www.houstonprogressive.org/CHRguide.html

P.S. About your dad, by being a faithful Christian you will also be a faithful Muslim. Perhaps your search for what is true and right for you will serve as an inspiration to your dad that there is more to the teachings in the Koran than what he sees.

Answer 5

Becoming a Christian is the response to the decision one makes when he or she decides to follow Christ. It has nothing to do with the persons's Parents as the famous quote goes " God has no grand children" . There are thousands around the world whose parents are not christians but they encountered the personal relationship with christ and became christians.

Answer 6

You have the right to choose which ever faith you wish.Having a Muslim father gives you a start if you considered Islam.Ask your mother for advice she married a Muslim man for a reason.

Answer 7

Your basic human rights allow you freedom of choice and practice in religious matters. This is per the UN Declaration of Human Rights, article 18 and the United States Constitution. If you live in Saudi Arabia or Sudan, you are S.O.O.L.

Answer 8

Make up your own mind. Religion is a personal choice. I understand that is probably difficult if you're at a Muslim school to choose anything else. I'm a Christian, so that's my vote, but you do have the right to make up your mind. Choosing Christianity will bring persecution in a Muslim school, but could you go elsewhere if that is your choice??

Answer 9

ofcourse, you do not HAVE to do anything in life.
only what you wish to do.
only be what you know you are, not what people tell you you are.

both of your parents have subscribed to religion, but that does not mean you have to do the same.

when you discuss this with people at school, just try and be as honest and straightforward.
it is ok to not know what you want to do/be.

but i don't think it is something you should be worrying about.

and also why do so many christians that try and push that religion upon others?
why don't you be a bit more graceful and just back down from advertising your comercial religion to any one who is in earshot?

Answer 10

In this world of religious freedom, you can make up your own mind. But be sure to get enough background on all aspects of religion, and learn all you can, so you can make an intelligent, informed decision.