Seeking Guidance: How To Deal With A Knowledgeable Relative Who Abandons Prayer
I truly value your time, knowledge, and understanding, which is indeed worthy of praise. May Allah increase your knowledge and wisdom.Regarding Ibn Jawzi, I hope you are familiar with him—he was a scholar of great stature. It is in his works that this hadith is quoted, stating that it is not permissible for a Muslim to avoid speaking with their brother for three days.I also appreciate your point of view, because the same perspective has been expressed by Imam Ghamdi in Meezan and by Maulana Wahiduddin Khan.However, the situation here is entirely different, because his faith is intact. When my brother reminds him and says, “Think about the Day of Judgment and what you will present before Allah and your deeds,” he responds with a slight smile. This matter is not related to knowledge or rebellion.According to Ibn Jawzi’s opinion, I sincerely believe that such rulings cannot be applied to everyone, otherwise the work of da’wah and its system would be disrupted.Even so, I would like to know your opinion on this matter. Please keep in mind that here the situation is completely different.
Perhaps I am not able to explain my point clearly, or maybe you are not understanding it from the perspective I mean. The connection between ethics and the heart is obvious. The issue is not only that he made a commitment regarding Persian learning, but also that he is not just my brother; he is my teacher and my supporter as well.I don’t know—perhaps you are right, and I am reacting to his situation based on my own feelings. We never know who, after going deep into sin, may sincerely repent, or when a believer might go astray. These matters are beyond our knowledge.I can only pray to God that He grants guidance to all of us.