UAE Fatwa Q&As: Can I sever contact with my parents?

I cut all contact with my parents after a heated argument where I held the right opinion. Is it legally permissible to sever ties with one’s parents, even for a valid reason?

It is prohibited for a Muslim to break ties with another Muslim or to turn away from them in a manner that they no longer have courteous relations. Right and wrong may remain a matter of opinion, but the Prophetic recommendation is that if a misunderstanding happens between two Muslims, they should set apart a maximum of three days for reconciliation. To not reconcile after three days would be a wrong for both of them. How beautiful a thing it would be to say one is wrong, despite feeling one is right, all for the sake of Allah and a reconciliation of hearts. Taking care of one’s parents is not only an Islamic obligation but a tremendous devotional act. It is strictly forbidden to sever ties with them, especially if they are old.

I am going on Haj this year. How should I prepare myself for my pilgrimage?

First and foremost we would advise you to turn yourself towards Allah sincerely, to make true your repentance and to ensure that your sustenance is halal. With regards to any dependants you may have, it is important to ensure that their needs be continually met, such that they not be adversely affected by your foreseen absence. You should convey farewell before travelling to as many of your relatives, neighbours and friends as possible; requesting their supplications, writing down any rights owed to them and vice versa. If you have any belongings of others in your trust it is best to either return them or to entrust them to someone else in your absence. It is also important to pay off any immediate debts that are due, or to entrust someone to pay them off in your absence. If unable to do this, you are required to take permission from the debtors before travelling.

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