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Son Engaged in a Haram Relationship

24 May, 2023
Q My son committed zina with his girlfriend. He is 20 years old, and still living with me, what should I do? 

Answer

In this counseling answer:

•Sit down with your son and have an open discussion about sexuality, Islamic values, the importance of repentance and finally marriage.

•Ask your son if he is ready to get married and if not, ask him if he is able to refrain from sexual intercourse.

•Discuss with him why zina is haram, what the consequences are spiritually as well as ask him if he has repented and if not.

•Encourage him to read Qur’an, keep his 5 daily salats and make dua.


As-salamu alaykum,

Your son is at the age wherein many young adults, both Muslim and no-Muslim slip into this type of haram behavior.

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As hormones and desires are at a high level, it is hard to control, hence the Islamic rules for not dating or being alone with the opposite sex.

I would kindly suggest that you sit down with your son and have an open discussion about sexuality, Islamic values, the importance of repentance and finally marriage.

Getting married

I would ask your son if he is ready to get married and if not, ask him if he is able to refrain from sexual intercourse.  If he is not ready to marry this girl, as the parent and as it is your home, it is within your rights as he is an adult to state that as a condition of him living there, he must abide by Allah’s laws as well as yours-which means he needs to stop seeing this girl and live within Islamic boundaries.

Calm talk

I would also suggest that when you do talk to him, try to keep the conversation calm, non-accusatory and non-judgmental. While this may be hard as the offense is severe if you do not- it will only shut him down and push him away.

Son Engaged in a Haram Relationship - About Islam

Your goal is to make him feel comfortable in speaking with you so you can bring him closer to you and closer to Allah as well as getting on the right path in Al-Islam insha’Allah.

Why zina is haram

I would offer him a set of skills to help him overcome his desire to commit zina as is prescribed in many Islamic video’s, articles and lectures.

I would also kindly suggest that you discuss with him why zina is haram, what the consequences are spiritually as well as ask him if he has repented and if not, explain repentance to him as well as the dire need for him to do so.

While he may already know, reminders are needed for everyone in this life from time to time.  Seek to build up his iman as well as try to connect him to Islamic study groups for young single men.

Encourage him to involve himself in Islamic social outings rather than being immersed in haram activities. Talk to him about the benefits of purity and remaining free from zina.


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Ask him if he wishes for his future wife to be pure, and if so, should she expect him to be pure as well. This will encourage him to think insha’Allah.

By engaging him in an open conversation and allowing him to express his needs, fears and struggles, you are opening the door to true communication which insha’Allah may bear great fruits of repentance, understanding and a change in behaviors.

Get  your son on the right path

Encourage him to read Qur’an, keep his 5 daily salats and make dua. As he is your son and you love him, your goal is to draw him closer to you and Allah as his life depends on his relationship with Allah SWT.

As a parent it is beneficial to try as best we can to get our children on the right path, even when they are grown, they are still out children.

Lastly, I would begin to prepare your son for marriage for either now or in the future.

Allah’s Messenger (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) is reported to have said,  “ Oh young men! Whoever is capable [financially and otherwise] to [afford the expenses] of marriage, let him do so. [Marriage] helps one control his eyesight and chastise his private parts. But, he who can’t afford the marriage expenses, let him observe fast as it would [act] as a protector for him” 

You and your son are in our prayers, please let us know how you are doing.

Salam

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Disclaimer: The conceptualization and recommendations stated in this response are very general and purely based on the limited information provided in the question. In no event shall AboutIslam, its counselors or employees be held liable for any damages that may arise from your decision in the use of our services.

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About Aisha Mohammad
Aisha has a PhD in psychology, an MS in public health and a PsyD. Aisha worked as a Counselor/Psychologist for 12 years at Geneva B. Scruggs Community Health Care Center in New York. She has worked with clients with mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, panic disorder, trauma, and OCD. She also facilitated support groups and provided specialized services for victims of domestic violence, HIV positive individuals, as well youth/teen issues. Aisha is certified in Mindfulness, Trauma Informed Care, Behavioral Management, Restorative Justice/ Healing Circles, Conflict Resolution, Mediation, and Confidentiality & Security. Aisha is also a Certified Life Coach, and Relationship Workshop facilitator. Aisha has a part-time Life Coaching practice in which she integrates the educational concepts of stress reduction, mindfulness, introspection, empowerment, self love and acceptance and spirituality to create a holistic healing journey for clients. Aisha is also a part of several organizations that advocates for prisoner rights/reentry, social & food justice, as well as advocating for an end to oppression & racism. In her spare time, Aisha enjoys her family, photography, nature, martial arts classes, Islamic studies, volunteering/charity work, as well as working on her book and spoken word projects.