Mu' meneen Brothers and Sisters,

As Salaam Aleikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh. (May Allah's Peace, Mercy and Blessings be upon all of you)

One of our brothers/sisters has asked this question:

Salaam!

I am a 12 year old girl and have converted to Muslim. My parents don`t know. I can’t tell them because they misunderstand and would be VERY angry. They do not believe in any God!!

I need to know how to live as a secret Muslim... and what are some normal things I can use to cover my hair that won`t be suspicious?

PS I live in an isolated country town with no other Muslims or Mosque!!

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Answer:

Revert and stay secret muslim

In the name of Allah, We praise Him, seek His help and ask for His forgiveness. Whoever Allah guides none can misguide, and whoever He allows to fall astray, none can guide them aright. We bear witness that there is none worthy of worship but Allah Alone, and we bear witness that Muhammad (saws) is His slave-servant and the seal of His Messengers.

Respected sister, if you fear that your parents will neither understand nor accept your reversion to the Truth of Islam, and you fear that they might get angry and strive to convince you to leave the fold of Islam…..you would be well within the Boundaries of your Lord to leave your acceptance of Islam hidden from them.

You will obviously need to figure out a way to offer your five obligatory prayers secretly; and if you sincerely fear that the adorning of the ‘hijaab’ would give your secret away, it would be prudent to dress as modestly as you can and not make your ‘hijaab’ obvious; even if it meant that at times you are unable to fulfill all the conditions of the ‘hijaab’.

Furthermore sister, even if you live in a town completely isolated from a believing community or a Masjid, it would only be prudent that you keep in touch with the nearest Islamic Centre as Masjid or some pious believers, even if only through the internet or telephone…..doing so would be a useful resource for you in case your secret is somehow exposed unto your parents and they put you in a severe trial because of your faith.

May your Lord Most Gracious give you the patience, the wisdom, and the steadfastness to stay firm on faith; and may your Lord Most Merciful make your trial easy for you. Ameen.

Whatever written of Truth and benefit is only due to Allah’s Assistance and Guidance, and whatever of error is of me alone. Allah Alone Knows Best and He is the Only Source of Strength.

Your brother and well wisher in Islam,

Burhan