If you are under 18

What to do for now

A SeekersGuidance teacher answered a 13-year-old who wanted to become Muslim (2023). She said the Shahada is all it takes. She also said, "For now, don't worry about being unable to cover, fast, or attend a mosque," and advised taking every chance to practise that you get.

So believe, make dua, pray where you can, and learn from a course or teacher you trust. Big changes can wait until you are older and your situation allows them.

• Start with the first steps on this site's roadmap.
• If you cannot pray yet, keep learning and keep making dua.
• When you have a question about a ruling, ask a qualified teacher.

Your parents

Islam asks you to treat your parents with love and good character, even when they are not Muslim. A SeekersGuidance teacher (2010) explains that you obey your parents in everything except what would mean disobeying God.

In practice, that means helping at home, not lying to them without a real need, and not starting arguments about religion. Give them time.

Your rights in Ontario

This is general information about Ontario law, not legal advice. Other provinces have different rules. It comes from Justice for Children and Youth, a legal clinic for young people in Ontario, not a government page.

If you are 15 or younger, your parents or caregivers decide where you live. If you are not safe at home, a Children's Aid Society can help.

If you are 16 or 17, you can leave your parents' control without a court order. That is a serious step with legal, money and housing consequences, so talk to Justice for Children and Youth or Kids Help Phone before you decide anything.

An adult who helps a young person leave home can face criminal charges. So no masjid, mentor or online friend should ever offer to help you leave home.

Warning signs

Good teachers and masjids do not ask you to hide things. If someone does any of these, stop talking to them and tell a trusted adult or call Kids Help Phone.

• An adult asks you to keep your chats or meetings secret from your parents.
• Someone talks about marrying you, or offers to arrange a secret nikah.
• Someone offers you a place to live, or money, so you can leave home.
• Private messages make you uncomfortable, or someone asks you for photos.

For mentors and masjids

If you meet a young convert, involve the parents where it is safe, meet in public spaces with other adults around, and never encourage a minor to leave home. If you are worried about a young person's safety, contact a Children's Aid Society, or call 911 in an emergency.

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