Question:

Also, among the listener’s questions, she asks: Is a Muslim woman’s visit to her disbelievers’ family considered allegiance to those who oppose Allah and His Messenger? And is the father considered a stranger (non-Mahram) before whom she must not uncover/reveal her adornments?

Answer:

Maintaining ties of kinship is not considered allegiance. Rather, allegiance is one thing, and maintaining ties of kinship is something else entirely. For this reason, Allah the Almighty combined the command to maintain ties with the prohibition of taking [disbelievers] as allies in the same Surah. He stated in Surah Al-Mumtahanah:

“O you who believe! Take not My enemies and your enemies (i.e. disbelievers and polytheists, etc.) as friends, showing affection towards them,…” (Al-Mumtahanah: 1)

And He stated in the same Surah:

“Allah does not forbid you to deal justly and kindly with those who fought not against you on account of religion and did not drive you out of your homes.” (Al-Mumtahanah: 8)

Thus, keeping ties of kinship is a matter distinct from allegiance. Accordingly, a person must maintain ties with their relatives, even if they are disbelievers, but without showing allegiance, support, or backing for the state of disbelief they are upon.

Likewise, it is permissible to invite them to one’s home, for example; however, alongside that, one should be keen to present Islam to them, advise them, and guide them, so that perhaps Allah may guide them through him.