Raising/teaching non Muslim siblings about Islam

All that you have stated is well and good, but a bit too far ahead of time. Indeed all the aspects you have mentioned are important in Islam, but we need to look at things from a case to case basis. What is more important is that your siblings are introduced to the truth and goodness of Islam. And that can be done gently, without having to offend your parents. Rather than try and have your parents intervene and forbid you from influencing the kids.

 

1. You cannot have your brother circumcised, only your parents can have that done, and since they arent muslims, we cannot expect them to. Just because your brother is not circumcised does not mean his prayers and good deeds will not be counted. Circumcision is sunnah, i.e. a highly reccommended act, that does not mean however that if a boy was not circumcised due to no fault of his own, his actions are nullified. So rest assured, that will not effect his Muslim status.

 

2. The best way would be to observe the hijab yourself, 8yr olds are naturally curious, she will ask about hijab, and you can explain to her according to her maturity, what hijab is all about. So yes, wearing it in front of her, and bieng a good example is the best way to go about it.

 

3. Yes, you can teach them about Islam. I would suggest you buy them books that contain short stories from the Quran. There are lots of good islamic books for kids. I remember my parents getting me a book 'Joseph and his brothers' thats when I first found out about the Prophet. Start by telling stories about Prophets etc, that will get thier interest. And the parents couldnt possibly object to stories. The stories have a good moral.

 

4. I think Fajr all of a sudden is a big jump for now. Pray in front of them a couple of times. An easier prayer like Asr or Zuhr. They will be curious, then you can suggest they try as well. . . and help them along. They could simply follow your actions the first few times, I would not start by having them learn surahs.

 

5. Since they are young, and impressionable, also since they dont know how to pray yet. . . you could have them on either side of you. They are just kids. You dont have to worry about that until they reach puberty. And yes, I would encourage your sister to wear a hijab while praying. You could even take a big handkerchief/bandana if you dont have a hijab. Or fold and use yours. . .  no biggie. If not, just use any scarf or sheet lying around. I would also reccommend that you have your brother wear something on his head as well, just so no kid feels left out or feels excluded.

 

6. Since you live in a nonmuslim society, and since your brother is still young, it is not compuslory for him to go to a mosque. Especially since he does not have an adult to accompany him and the mosque is far. Allah made Islam easy on us. . .  Inshalah once he is older and able to, he can pray Jumma at the Mosque. So he can simplt pray at home . . .

 

7. I'm not sure about the mahram thing . . .I dont think step-fathers count as Mahrams. . . So I hope someone clarfies on this. However, since Niqaab is not compulsory, you could remove the Niqaab, but keep the headscarf on . . . it would be inconvenient having to wear the Niqaab at your own home 24/7 !

 

I agree with Chrysalis, I wolud tread VERY carefully. First of all, its your actions and deeds that speek louder than words. 

 

Things like waking them for Fajr would in my mind not be good without their parents' permission. Imagine if they came to your home one day and started teaching Christian rituals to your children.  People can be highly offended by this. If they ask that is one thing. Waking them up for Fajr can interfere with their schedule.

 

If they ask, introduce them in a light way to Islam. As suggested, kids books are one way.

 

 

Just be yourself. If they ask questions fine.  Allah calls to whom he chooses. Be a lovin, caring sister. Shoe them the virues through your actions. And let the rest come as it may.

 

I lived with my sister and her husband and two kids. And if the kids asked questions than fine. Otherwise I left it alone.

 

People tend to not like what they feel is religious zealotry. would tread very carefully they are not your children.