How do I tell my parents I`m converting to atheism?

Question

Well, Im a muslim that converted to atheism.And I have to tell my parents that sooner or later, but I don`t know how they will take it.I`m scared that they will go extrimist on me :( So how do I tell them Im converting to atheism. Don`t ask my age and don`t say "You shoulden`t convert" I already made my decission. And Im converting BECAUSE I can`t take the rules in islam. THEIR ARE TOOOOOO MANY THAT I JUST CAN`T FOLLOW!! And Im the "I have no religion atheist" now, not the "I don`t belive in god" atheist. So post please.

Liza, it dosen`t matter what your religion is to go to heaven...You can be deist (so thats what you call it when you have no religion) And go to heaven. You can be a muslim and go to hell..IT DOSEN`T MATTER WHAT YOUR RELIGION AND YOUR BELIFS ARE!! IT MATTERS HOW YOU ACT! Lets just say im a young age, and I thank ALL OF YOU for the answers :D And the main reason I converted is because their is a racist rule in the quran..."You have to kill all jewish people for they do not belive in god" Well, when I figured that out I was shocked.. Out of all the things I am I am NOT A RACIST!!

Answer 1

You don't have to classify yourself as any particular religion. Belief in God without religion is a common thing. I mean, I think organized religion leads to arguments, wars, etc. However, an atheist is someone that does not believe in God.

So, I would tell your parents that you believe in God, but you do not believe that any organized religion fits your beliefs.

Answer 2

A lot depends on how old you are. If you're almost "out of the house" I would just wait.

Some advice...try to tell them gently. Don't sit down to "have a conversation and tell them." Let your beliefs come out slowly, in conversation, if possible. Your parents are going to be shocked and horrified. One thing you can do to help them, is to KEEP saying two things "I love you" and "I'm still the same person, who believes in the same morality I used to." They need these reassurances. Tell them you respect them, and you can't repeat "I love you" enough.

They will be shocked, even angry at first. Give them a lot of time and try to be gentle but firm. If they raise their voices say in a kind way "We can have a better discussion without anger, don't you think? People listen better when they're not being shouted at."

Best of luck

Answer 3

Congratulations on your intelligence, your open mindedness and your courage. You have the respect of the brightest people in this site. The others don't matter. Based on the information you give, there is no clear answer. I'm inclined to say "keep riding out the 'I have no religion ' facade" and gradually get them used to your position that (without necessarily putting it in so many words) your religion is your private concern and you should be left alone. Good luck.

Answer 4

I don't know what your situation is like, but this is very slippery ground. According to Islam, apostates must be put to death. Now, I'm certainly not saying that your parents will do that, but they may kick you out of their house or worse.

I don't know how old you are or if you are still dependent on your parents. If you are, don't tell them. Just keep it inside and explore it on your own. However, if you already are supporting yourself, then perhaps you can share it with them, but break it very gently.

I know it sounds terrible to hide something so personal from your parents, but sometimes it is necessary. You can still find communities to join and people to talk to thanks to the internet. You're not alone, so don't be afraid of that. Perhaps, on occasion, you can drop a really difficult question to your parents. They'll answer you with their dogma, but perhaps it will sit there and fester.

Answer 5

Make sure you've got your coat of Armour on and just tell them if at all possible write them a letter and go out for awhile but throw your hat in first before entering. Because I'm sure there's gonna be some repercussions honey.

Answer 6

Say what you said to us. What do mean you're "scared that they will go extrimist" on you? That they'll kill you? if you do't believe in God, why does it matter? You'll just go to sleep. And chances are they'll do it quickly. Aren't Muslims supposed to take their kids out and shoot them if they shame the family? Didn't they kill an Iraqi or Iranian prince like that in the 70s when he was caught fornicating with an English woman?

Answer 7

I thought being muslim means that you're legally entitled to marry more than one wife? isnt that good? hahaha...well, seriously, i guess you shouldnt bother about what your parents might be thinking. doesnt mean i suggest you not to respect your parents. but, sit down and have a discussion with them. let them know why you chose to be atheist and maybe you just need a break. tell them by pushing you doing something that you're not willing to will not help and will make your life miserable. so, if they're your parents and they love you, they should understand.

Answer 8

If you believe in God, you are NOT an atheist, no matter how you try to twist the argument. Simply, tell them you believe in God, but that Islam is not the path you wish to follow to Him.

Answer 9

Be like my little bro. He got a tattoo that said "Evil 666" and walked into the room, tat showing, and announced "I don't believe in God." And he walked out. Simple and to the point!

Answer 10

It is a tough thing to do. When I dumped Christianity at age 16 my parents threw me out of the house. It was a really tough time.

I personally would keep my mouth shut until I was out from under their roof.