Ask A Question About Islam And Muslims

114 Questions

Bismihi ta'ala

It's greatly noble that they are very good people, and for sure their nurturing contributed to your personality as well. 

As you know, religion and becoming religious is a choice that must come from within. Even as Muslims, we always pray to Almighty God to keep us "guided" on the right path. Hidayah, or guidance is in the hands of the Almighty.  If your grandparents, or anyone else around you has a potential that Allah ta'ala sees in them, then they will be guided to the light of Iman. If they do not "convert" to Islam, it does not mean they are evil, but just that hidayah is with the Almighty. 

The best thing you can do is set yourself with high standards in your conduct, in your ambitions in life, and show those around you how a true Muslim should be. 

That itself is a great form of conveying the message of Islam, and then it is up to them to investigate, or ask questions, and so on. 

If you see that your grandparents are interested, or have questions, discuss what you know with them. However, never allow it to become an argument, or upset them, as they are your grandparents. 

In any case, always do dua for yourself, your parents, your grandparents, your siblings and everyone else, that God showers them with His compassion and Mercy. Ask the Almighty to enlighten your hearts, and ask Him for guidance. 

You can also do tawassul to Ahlul Bayt (a.s.), to give you the strength you need, and introduce them to Ahlul Bayt (a.s.), in a positive manner. You dont know what the outcome will be, but at least they will think positive of your religion, and understand you more. 

With prayers for your success.

It is not necessary to make a formal conversion. You can simply make an inner commitment to follow and respect Imam 'Ali and the other Imams, to implement the teachings of the Prophet (S) as transmitted from the family of the Prophet (S) (that is, Shi'i hadith), and to follow Shi'i religious law.

In practice, you will probably also want to find a Shi'i mosque or Shi'i gatherings to attend, if it is possible where you live. (It isn't a requirement, but most people like to spend time with people of the same faith orientation.)

There are a number of recommended practices in Shi'ism that are not required while, at the same time, are spiritually beneficial, such as reciting certain du'as on certain days, such as Du'a Kumayl on Thursday nights. One can find more information on these things on the websites www.duas.org. Attending gatherings for these can also be both spiritually and socially beneficial, although they are not considered necessary in the same way the salat is necessary.

In terms of deepening one's knowledge of the Shi'i tradition, there are a lot of good videos on YouTube and on sites such as ShiaTV.Net as well as sites from mosques (for instance, broadcasting Friday sermons), and also a lot of books available, including on al-islam.org.

[Note that I am putting these resources for information only, not implying that you do not have knowledge of these subjects already! However someone else might come across this response and find the links useful.]
Best wishes!

No one was forced to convert to Islam. Abu Sufyan and his son Mo'awiyah and Khalid ibn al-Waleed and others from Quraish saw the victory of Islam, and became sure that there will be no future but under the banner of Islam, they wanted to secure a political and social future for them, by declaring themselves as Muslims. The Prophet never punished them on their long history of fighting against Islam, but told them: Go away, you are been freed اذهبوا فأنتم الطلقاء.

Wassalam.

Wassalam.

Bismihi ta'ala

If one was to convert Islam there is no obligatory ghusl for them to perform. The only mandatory act is to recite the Shahadatayn.  

And Allah knows best.