Interaction of Indian Muslim Convert with Non-Muslim Family during Hindu Religious Celebrations

Islam encourages harmonious, family interaction between a mualaf with his non-Muslim family, provided it does not contradict any Islamic teachings. Muslims are prohibited from celebrating religious ceremonious of other religions, because it could affect their belief in Islam. Muslim converts occasionally encounter this difficult situation as they still have to interact with their non-Muslim family. The difference in religious belief leads them to change their interaction practices in order to adhere to the Islamic concept offaith (Tawhid). Thus, this study analyses Indian mualaf interaction with their non-Muslim family during the celebration of Hindu religious celebration. This is a qualitative research using content analysis and semi-structured interview. 20 respondents were selected through purposive sampling among mualaf Indian men and women, who were Hindus, attending classes at Kompleks Darul Hidayan (KDH) Kuala Lumpur and have converted to Islam for at least a year. Data collected were analysed descriptively and thematically. Research results find that some of the Indian mualaf visited their non-Muslim family members during the Hindu religious celebration day but did not participate in any Hindu religious ceremony. Some of them did not even contact or visit their non-Muslim family members. The research implication shows that the Indian mualaf at KDH understand the proper Islamic method of interaction with their non-Muslim family during Hindu religious celebration.