Is it necessary to tell my future homestay family I’m Muslim?

Posted on December 30th, 2009 by admin

Assalamu alaykum wr wb

I’m thinking of going to Quebec this summer to improve my French and I will be staying with a host family there. Do you think I will experience prejudice from them because of my Muslim faith? It’s not always necessary to mention my religion to non-Muslims I meet, but since I’ll be living with a host family for some time, do you think it’s better to inform them? Any advice would be appreciated. Many thanks.

Wa salam

Yes. You absolutely have to tell them.

In some cases, I would say it’s not that important. But I’m French Canadian. We put pork in everything. EVERYTHING. Even fruit pies will have lard in the crust, lard made with pork. You have to tell them well in advance so they can straighten up the food situation.

(note: I no longer put pork in anything.)

It’s possible they will have a problem with you being Muslim, but it’s just as likely they won’t care. It kinda depends on where you go, too. Montreal has a lot of Lebanese and North African Muslims (due to the language) so you wouldn’t really be out of place there. But if you’re in a very small town it could be different.

Mashallah on you for working on a second (third?) language. Inshallah you will enjoy Quebec, it’s a nice province, very pretty. Have a great time.

6 Responses

  1. dr.dre40 Says:

    you don’t have to. however, your religion does effect how you behave from day to day. You will be praying 5 times a day sometimes in their home, and it would be wise to let them know what’s going to be happening. I don’t expect there will be any problem at all, but it would be good for the family to have a heads up so to speak.
    References :

  2. Swordoffaith Says:

    i never understood that living abroad with a family thing..never liked it.heck no.
    i think u should tell them so they can do some research and find out that its offensive to offer u like pork or wine or things like that!!
    i dunno how its like in canada

    thank God u going to canada and not a small town in alabama..lol, thenu woulda knew u arent welcome

    "MY GOD,BERTHA ITS ONE OF DEM MOZLUMS"
    they wouldnt allow u in their trailer

    but just be yourself….dont give them any stereotypes…be kind and if they ask..answer each question…theyre probably curious
    References :

  3. juvegirl, of the dhimmis Says:

    Yes. You absolutely have to tell them.

    In some cases, I would say it’s not that important. But I’m French Canadian. We put pork in everything. EVERYTHING. Even fruit pies will have lard in the crust, lard made with pork. You have to tell them well in advance so they can straighten up the food situation.

    (note: I no longer put pork in anything.)

    It’s possible they will have a problem with you being Muslim, but it’s just as likely they won’t care. It kinda depends on where you go, too. Montreal has a lot of Lebanese and North African Muslims (due to the language) so you wouldn’t really be out of place there. But if you’re in a very small town it could be different.

    Mashallah on you for working on a second (third?) language. Inshallah you will enjoy Quebec, it’s a nice province, very pretty. Have a great time.
    References :

  4. muslimah Says:

    well yes, coz you need to pray five times a day right? how can you hide that from them. Tell them if they like it they do, if not who cares
    References :
    dont be ashamed to say your muslim, BE PROUD
    :-)

  5. wazgud :::>★ {shooting star} Says:

    don’t tell them until the first day, over dinner or something

    but do it in person if you feel like it’s necessary

    you don’t have to bring religion into these things if it doesn’t seem like an issue
    and even if you do mention it, it will probably be something like a fun-fact, no biggy

    :)

    have fun insha’Allah
    .
    .
    . . . .
    References :

  6. chersey 29 Says:

    To whom it may concern, as for your question I would have to say , people now a day should respect others culture but it is very hard some denie it. Have to say to I am french culture and was born and raised in quebec , I dont have a proplem with you being muslim I do find it very intresting to be honest. Turn it around maybe somone would ask the same thing do you think your country or family would denie me around . ps good luck
    References :
    just common sence

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