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Relations with Father Who Left Family a Year Ago

Question

My father has not lived with us for almost a year now, but he did not divorce my mom. My mother is a very good woman and a very good Muslim. She taught us how to pray, what is Haram and what is Halal. She has done a very good job raising 3 kids alone. I don't hate my father, but he hates me. In a way he does not want to see me, although I did not do anything, but because when I see him I always talk to him about the situation he put on all of us for no reason. He does not pray; he does not care about whether he is doing Halal or Haram in his relation with us. His family is supporting him to get benefit from him. We are not used to seeing or talking to them. Is it Haram for me not to talk to my father? What do I do in that situation to be honest with Allah and obey Him? How often must I talk to him if it is necessary? Of course, if he needs me one day I will not hesitate in helping him.

Answer

All perfect praise be to Allah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah, and that Muhammad  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allaah exalt his mention ) is His slave and Messenger.

It is forbidden to desert your father under any circumstance. It is your duty to obey him and to treat him kindly.

Allah Says (what means): {…but accompany them in [this] world with appropriate kindness.} [Quran 31: 15]

It is your duty to advise him concerning negligence of performing the prayer and other religious obligations. Furthermore, you have to show him your interest and mercy.

For such, you can change him for the better through good treatment and patience; then, hate will be changed to love, disaffection to sincere affection.

In addition, you have to pray to Allah more and more to guide him to the right path. Then, you will be a good, obedient servant to Allah concerning your father.

Allah knows best.

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