I have recently converted to Islam, which is wonderful, but my parents are Christian and do not approve of it. I want to be able to wear the Hijāb and pray openly. Right now I have been praying, but I’ve been hiding away in my room, afraid that my parents might come in and see me. I know this is not how I should do it, but my parents do not approve of my conversion. I know that I should try to show them the way, but I know that they won’t listen and I still have to live with them. How should I handle this situation?

You should handle the situation very prudently. Islam does not require of you to immediately declare your conversion to your parents. If circumstances are such that they might react offensively and might even try to force you to change back, you can hold back your declaration till the time you think is feasible. It is up to you to decide.

A gradual way can be adopted. In this way, you yourself will become strong in your faith and gain inner strength. In the meantime, you can prepare your parents’ minds by telling them that you are seriously re-considering the basic questions of life viz: Who is our Creator? Why did He create us? What will happen to us when we die? Do human beings have the Book of God with them in its original shape? Why are there different religions?

In this way, you can prepare them that you have embarked upon the quest for the truth and that you are inclined to adopt whatever seems the truth to you on the basis of arguments and reasoning.

Keep asking Allah to make the task easier for you. Remember, prayers have great force and effect. Lastly, you must not be rude or disrespectful to your parents even if they scold or coerce you.