I have a close, Muslim cousin who does not perform salah, and does not fast during the holy month of Ramadan. In secret, he does not accept the verdicts of the scholar, but prefers to follow his intellect. He is not concerned with whether his wealth is brought through halal means. He suspects the Qur’an is distorted, and questions a lot of the Prophet’s actions, and believes that the Islam that ISIS came with is the same as the one the holy prophet brought. However, openly, if you would meet him, he would seem like any average Muslim, and seem very agreeable to Islamic discourse. He says God-willing, and prays to Allah in times of need, praises Allah in good times, and respects the Imams and Ahul-bayt, and he cares about his reputation.

I am very perplexed about this matter. I have no hope of guiding him, as he often lets you hear what you like to hear, but at the same time, he is a cousin of mine, and I know how much Allah puts emphasis on kinship. Please guide me to that which is best, may Allah reward you.

Your role is to keep enjoining the good and forbidding the evil. Advice him and try to answer his questions. You mustn’t approve of his un Islamic practice. Don’t cut relations completely but if you feel he is influencing you then don’t spend too much time with him