Take your time, be patient and show through your behaviour that you are the same loving person. Islam commands kindness to parents, including non-Muslim parents, and a new Muslim should not cut ties.
The fuller answer
The Quran tells a person to be good to parents even if they urge them to associate others with God: do not obey them in that, but keep company with them in this world in kindness. Many new Muslims find that family worries fade with time when they see that Islam has made them kinder, more dutiful and more responsible.
Choose a calm moment, explain your reasons simply, and reassure them that you still love them. Do not preach, and avoid arguments. If your family is hostile, seek the support of your local Muslim community and be patient, as many people have gone through the same and found that their families came to respect their decision.
But if they endeavor to make you associate with Me that of which you have no knowledge, do not obey them but accompany them in [this] world with appropriate kindness and follow the way of those who turn back to Me [in repentance]. Then to Me will be your return, and I will inform you about what you used to do.
And your Lord has decreed that you not worship except Him, and to parents, good treatment. Whether one or both of them reach old age [while] with you, say not to them [so much as], "uff," and do not repel them but speak to them a noble word.
And We have enjoined upon man goodness to parents. But if they endeavor to make you associate with Me that of which you have no knowledge, do not obey them. To Me is your return, and I will inform you about what you used to do.
This answer follows the mainstream Sunni understanding and is general learning, not a fatwa. Where Muslims differ, the answer says so. Have a question of your own? Write to us.
