Pathway to Paradise — Page 105
105 Thus, it is better to choose friends based upon their compatibility with the moral and spiritual goals of the Islamic way of life. The question of family pressure is more difficult because Islam places great emphasis on proper treatment of blood relations. In many cases, a new convert’s parents and family may have great difficulty in accepting her new religion. It may be a source of p ain and conflict for all concerned. While a new convert must always maintain her identity as a Muslim, it is important not to sever family ties. The Holy Qur’an refers often to the importance of kind treatment of parents and relatives. Allah says: “Thy Lord has commanded that ye worship none but Him, and that ye show kindness to parents. If one or both of them attain old age with thee, never say to them as much as “ugh,” nor reproach them, but always address them with kindly speech. And lower to the m the wing of humility out of tenderness and say, ‘My Lord, have mercy on them even as they nourished me when I was a little child. '” (17:24 - 25) The Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) spoke emphatically against disobedience to parents, except in the matter of shirk (associating partners with Allah). The hadith mentions often that the undutiful child will be among those who will not enter Paradise. There are many hadith concerning acts of kindness to parents and Allah’s reward for committing them. The limit past which you are permitted to disobey your