Question:

I have been a Muslim since I was 15 years old, but my parents are not Muslims. Islam has enjoined us to treat parents well, while at the same time not visiting non-Muslims, and I am very worried about this matter. If it happens that my parents or one of them dies before me, what should I do in this situation?

Answer:

Allah, Glorified and Exalted be He, has commanded showing kindness to disbelieving parents, along with not obeying them in disobedience to Allah, and not holding deep love for them in the heart. He Almighty said:

“And We have enjoined on man (to be dutiful and good) to his parents. His mother bore him in weakness and hardship upon weakness and hardship, and his weaning is in two years give thanks to Me and to your parents, unto Me is the final destination. But if they (both) strive with you to make you join in worship with Me others that of which you have no knowledge, then obey them not, but behave with them in the world kindly, and follow the path of him who turns to Me in repentance and in obedience. “ [Luqman, 31:14-15].

And He Almighty said:

“You (O Muhammad ﷺ) will not find any people who believe in Allah and the Last Day, making friendship with those who oppose Allah and His Messenger (Muhammad ﷺ), even though they were their fathers, or their sons,…“ [Al-Mujadilah 58:22].

Therefore, it is obligatory for the child to treat his disbelieving parents kindly by providing for them financially if they are in need, interacting with them well, and calling them to Allah. If they die upon disbelief, their non-Muslim relatives will take charge of their affairs [burial rites] and inherit from them, due to the saying of the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him:

“A disbeliever does not inherit from a Muslim, nor does a Muslim inherit from a disbeliever.”

And Allah is the Grantor of success. May Allah send blessings and peace upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and his companions.