Islamic marriage advice and family advice

Can I attend my niece’s Christening?

The Christening of Prince Edward, the future Edward VIII, at White Lodge, 1894
The Christening of Prince Edward, the future Edward VIII, at White Lodge, 1894

Question:

Salaam,

I have recently embraced Islam and my non-muslim family have taken my new faith quite understandingly. My concern is my new niece is about to be Christened; am I allowed to attend?

I acknowledge not to say or have any ceremonial part of this, however if I do not simply attend I worry this may cause conflict between my family (which I value greatly) and I.. Please help, any advice would be appreciated.

- April

Wael's Answer:

Dear Sister April, Wa alaykum as-salamu wa Rahmatullah,

For those who don't know, a Christening is the Christian ceremony at which someone, usually a child, is baptized and given a Christian name.

It's important in Islam to maintain family ties, even if your family is not Muslim.

The Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said,

"Rahm (family ties) is a word derived from Ar-Rahman (the Compassionate), and Allah says: I shall keep connection with him who maintains you and sever connection with him who severs you." (Al-Bukhari)

Since you do not have to play any religious role but only attend, then you should go. This is your niece and your presence will show them that in embracing Islam you have not cut yourself off from the family.

Here's a good article on this subject:

The Importance of Kinship in Islam


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2 Responses »

  1. asalam3leikum all,

    I come from a muslim family and my sister's friend is throwing a baptism party for her child, and it is not being held in the church. is it permissible to attend?

  2. Good afternoon,
    My bestfriend is having a baby soon and she want me to be a sponsor of the baby (godmother) on the christening, is it allowed in Islam? Since she is my bestfriend I don’t want to create an issue and her feeling im not supporting in her time of need as a friend.

    Please advise.

    Thanks a lot.

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