I noticed a lot of parents have this issue where they do not want their kids to practice islam more or less than they do. if you do less you are corrupt but more and you are extreme. you leave the house without hijab, its bad but leave with niqab you're an extremist. I know my family would never agree with me wearing niqab, and my friends mother actually prevented from doing so. Even though both of our families are somewhat practicing. Why is this? is it because we are afraid of becoming better people? Everyone seems to follow this unwritten rule of "be a good muslim but not too good"
sister,
Most often this is due to lack of knowledge or an incomplete understanding of these aspects of Islam.
Unfortunately, for many muslims who have been born and raised in islam, their active seeking of deeni knowledge largely ends once they have left islamic classes/ madressah, whilst the pursuit of worldly knowledge continues unabated.
When this occurs, then our 'level' of practicing/ observance of our deen does not magnify, but remains fairly constant over the years.
In this way, there develops a sense of complacency - that if we are performing the bare minimum that is expected of us (and very often, this too is lacking), then there is no real desire to transcend towards a deeper connection with Allah by means of making an effort in practicing all that is sunnah and as much nafl/ optional acts of ibaadat as well.
In other words, it is very easy to 'stagnate' in our ways - if we do not make sincere and active efforts to become better servants of Allah, than we were the day before.
With knowledge comes understanding of the deen, love and recognition for Allah and His Rasul (sallalahu alaihi wasalam) - and with this, a desire to make every action a means of gaining the pleasure of Allah.
^ At this point, we will not only focus on what is 'fardh'/ compulsory.....because our goal will become
Allah Himself, and
His pleasure.
So, when people tell you not to observe certain acts of ibaadat in islam - be it your family, or anyone else - try to understand that everyone is on a different 'wave-length' or level of imaan at a particular point in time. This is not fixed, and so there is hope for
everyone to become true Wallis of Allah, if this desire is ignited in their hearts.
Have patience, and try to direct them to the reasons why such an act of worship is important in islam - e.g. read to them/ provide them with an article explaining the position of the niqaab, or perhaps let them listen to a lecture on the subject by a scholar.
In this way, at the very least, it will result in awareness and may dispel any misunderstandings they may have had about the subject.
This it the most that you can do - to provide the info. and then make duaa that Allah opens their hearts to the truth and to His guidance.
For your own part, let the intention for your every action be: Seeking the Pleasure of Allah alone - and in this way, in shaa Allah, the whole world can unite to try to stop you from your path, but they will fail - so long as you remain strong and steadfast in your convictions.
May Allah bless us all with His guidance and forgive us for our shortcomings.
Ameen.
:wa:
