Q: I am nineteen years old and Allah has guided me to acquire religious knowledge and engage in good deeds. However, since a believer is tested, Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) has afflicted me with a father who prevents me from going to the Masjid (mosque) early to gain the reward of standing in the first row for congregational Salah (Prayer). He even prevents me from going to the Masjid to memorize the Noble Qur'an along with studying Tajwid (reciting the Qur'an following the rules of recitation). Moreover, he has installed a satellite dish, which is nothing but a display of Fisq (flagrant violation of Islamic law), Kufr (disbelief), and disobedience. I try to avoid (Part No. 25; Page No. 248) sitting with my family during the broadcasting of these inappropriate programs.My question is: Are my parents more deserving of my obedience than Allah in this case, since Allah (Exalted be He) says,
...but behave with them in the world kindly
or should no person be obeyed regarding something that involves the disobedience of Allah?
A:
If your father prevents you from mixing with some groups because he fears that you might be harmed as a result, he is right in this matter and you must obey him and avoid such groups. If he prevents you from
observing congregational Salah in the Masjid after the Adhan (call to Prayer), do not obey him because no person should be obeyed regarding something that involves the disobedience of Allah. Regarding the satellite dish, you should advise your father to uninstall it and explain to him its evils. If he responds, this will be alright; if not, avoid watching it and do not sit with your family while they are watching it.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.