Now that I am matured instead of just following culture I seek to follow the Quran and Sunnah. This Eid a family friend of my parents (male) came to greet me at my mom's house with his sons, and because of the male presence I stayed in my grandma's room, but the children kept opening the door. The man who I speak of then came to greet me and I was uncomfortable because he put his arm around my shoulders and patted my back as a way of greeting me. Mind you I am not a child so I did not feel comfortable with this; also because I know the two genders should not shake hands.
Should I feel guilty for this; do I need to ask for repentance? This is not something I wanted to happen to me and spoil my Eid. I don't think the people in my culture understand the importance of the two genders not free mixing. How can I uphold my modesty despite people around me not caring?
I also felt frustrated about Eid because no one in my family seems to care about making Eid joyous and actually celebrating; taking pictures and sitting in a living room don't seem like celebrating to me. I just feel alone in trying to stay on the straight path.
Answer
If you would like to be treated according to the Quran and the Sunnah, speak with your family and tell them how you feel about certain family and cultural traditions. Support your stance with the teachings of Islam.
You can still uphold the Sunnah at your home, practice modesty by wearing hijab, and kindly refuse to interact in a way that makes you feel uncomfortable.
Should you feel guilty in a situation like this? Check out Sr. Aisha’s answer here.
Read more:
- Brotherhood and Sisterhood in Madinah: An Amazing Caring Community
- Practicing Islam: A Burden or Ease?
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