Afraid of how your family will react if you convert?

If you want to convert to Islam, you shouldn’t delay just because you fear how your parents may react.  We should do our best to please our Creator (Allah) over all others, even our parents.  It is permissible to hide your conversion until you feel it is safe to tell them.  You can decide when and where, and how to tell them later, but you should not delay converting until that time.  You can practice your new fain in secret until that time comes. We never know when we may die, and we do not want to be in a state of a non-Muslim if we faced a death resulting accident today or tomorrow.  On the day of judgment, our parents will not be able to save us, as each person will be accountable for themselves.

Allah instructs us in the Qur’an regarding this:

“And We have enjoined on man to be good and dutiful to his parents, but if they strive to make you join with Me (in worship) anything (as a partner) of which you have no knowledge, then obey them not. Unto Me is your return, and I shall tell you what you used to do.” (Quran 29:8)

“But if they (your parents) strive with you to make you join in worship with Me others that of which you have no knowledge, then obey them not, but behave with them in the world kindly, and follow the path of him who turns to Me in repentance and in obedience. Then to Me will be your return, and I shall tell you what you used to do.” (Quran 31:15)

These articles offer advice and tips for telling your family about your decision to accept Islam, once you decide you wish to inform them:

Breaking the News to Family (Part 1 of 2)

Breaking the News to Family (Part 2 of 2)

General Advice - "How To Tell Family About Your Conversion"

Theresa Corbin’s Advice – “New Muslim Challenges with Family"

Saraji Umm Zaid’s Advice - “How Do I Tell My Parents & Family I'm A Muslim?”

Amal Stapley’s Advice – “How to Tell Your Parents About Your Conversion”

Many new Muslims found it beneficial to give this “letter” to their family members to read, regarding their acceptance of Islam to help break the ice.

“Letter to the Families of New Muslims” – by Theresa Corbin