How can I help my family strengthen their faith?
Assalaamu Alaykum
I need to explain a bit about me before I can ask the question.
I’m a muslim who was born and raised in USA. Ever since I was little I have worshipped Allah SWT by having strong moral character, doing good deeds, having sound reasoning/judgement but the rest of my din was very weak–I rarely prayed; I would only fast a few days in Ramadan; I used to drink and commit major sins. I always felt remorse afterwards but I’d still sin.
A few months ago, Allah SWT showed me the truth of Tawhid سبحان الله العظيم و بحمده
I now live my life to please Allah SWT. I feel that He has saved me from the hellfire (Astugh-fer-Allah if that sounds like I’m being conceited or pretentious)
My family doesn’t have Iman and it saddens me. They don’t pray and they don’t live to make Allah SWT happy. My question is, What can I do about this? I want to help guide them but I don’t think they will listen to me because I wasn’t a good muslim before. I’m afraid they will dismiss me and Allah SWT will be upset with them. I have asked Allah SWT for guidance but I would like your opinion on what to do.
Thank you
بارك الله فيكم
Assalāmualaykum Warahmatullāhi Wabarakātuhu
Hāmidan Wamuswalliyan
Al Jawāb Bi’ounillāh Wa’Alayhi at Tuklān
To show remorse and regrets on our sins, is a great sign of Imān.
The one whom Allāh has guided to Islām must hasten to convey this light to his family and relatives, because they are the first people whom he should call and to whom he should bring the light of Islām. If there are among them people who do not object to Islām, then this is a great blessing which the Muslim should make the most of to present Islām to them in the best manner. You may use any permissible means to call them to Islām, such as giving them audio and video tapes, books and websites, inviting influential Muslim people, drawing close to them by means of gifts, treating them kindly and good attitudes. You should avoid being harsh in your approach and he should always pray to Allāh to guide them.
Two things are very important, is that as from now you present yourself in the best character, manner and Akhlāq. Following that you beseech Almighty Allāh through Duā (supplication) to guide them.
If after all that they were not blessed with guidance. Then know that Almighty Allāh have the complete knowledge to whom to shower with Hidāyah.
Almighty Allāh knows best.
Mufti Mohammad Ashhad bin Saeed Al Mahmūdy
Dāruliftaa Mahmoodiyyah Mauritius.