What should a Muslim family do if their daughter runs away?

Respected Brother-in-Islam%0D%0A%0D%0AAssalaamu Alaykum Wa Rahmatullaahi Wa Barakaatuhu%0D%0A%0D%0AThe matter you have referred to is of a very delicate nature. The question%0D%0Aof her being punished will not be applicable. In an un-Islamic state where%0D%0Awestern concepts of equality and immorality is rife, wisdom and diplomacy%0D%0Awill have to be implemented.%0D%0A%0D%0AFirstly, turn to Allah Ta'ala and ask His assistance. Try to obtain more%0D%0Ainformation concerning her ideologies. What does she mean she wants to be%0D%0Afree? What has initiated the idea? Is there someone pressurising her? Is she%0D%0Ain love with someone? What is the extent of the relationship?%0D%0A%0D%0ATry to use one of her friends and confidants to obtain the information you%0D%0Aneed. Corporal punishments in this case will only add fuel to the fire.%0D%0AInstead of gaining closer to her, Allah Ta'ala forbid, you may lose her.%0D%0AThis may be hard on you but you have no alternative. Try to arrange a%0D%0Ameeting with her, convince her this time you will not scold her or reprimand%0D%0Aher, you would only like to talk to her. Show her that you really love her.%0D%0AIn this meeting, tell her to be open minded. Give her the chance to speak%0D%0Aher heart out (not hiding anything from you).%0D%0A%0D%0AMany youngsters have a barrier with their parents. They cannot express%0D%0Athemselves with them. Allah willing in this meeting, you will have an idea%0D%0Aof what are her thoughts and desires. Explain to her that the reason for%0D%0Ayour concern is the mere fact that you love her, you have feeling for her,%0D%0Ayou care for her well-being. Explain to her that being free and feminism is%0D%0Aan unnatural, artificial and abnormal product of modern day disintegration%0D%0Awhich in turn is the inevitable result of the rejection of all moral and%0D%0Aspiritual values.%0D%0A%0D%0AConvince her that being free is an abnormal way to be adopted by a female.%0D%0AAll human cultures make a clear cut distinction between 'masculinity' and%0D%0A'feminity'. The social role for men and women are different. Explain to her%0D%0Athat she is still young she has a life in front of her. She is only a screen%0D%0Athat Shaytaan has placed in front of her eyes. She should not be deceived by%0D%0AShaytaan. Does she really want to sacrifice her family for her freedom? What%0D%0Ais freedom? Islam and the teaching of our beloved Rasul (Sallallaahu Alayhi%0D%0AWasallam) in the real sense is freedom. If you follow the western way of%0D%0Alife, there is really no freedom.%0D%0A%0D%0ATake a look around yourself, the Americans, for example, 'they do what they%0D%0Alike, eat what they feel like, promiscuous society.' 'If you really ask%0D%0Athem, 'how is life', they will answer very difficult.' Now stop for a%0D%0Asecond. Look around yourself. Do you really want this type of freedom (which%0D%0Aby the way is limited). Are you really ready for such a type of a life. Will%0D%0Ayou be able to cope out there all by yourself. If you are doing this all%0D%0Abecause you fell in love with a man, think is it really love or illusion?%0D%0AHow well do you know him? Is he a Muslim? How is his behaviour and habit,%0D%0Aetc?%0D%0A%0D%0Aa) These are just guidelines, you will have to take things step by step.%0D%0Ab) Do not haste in your method.%0D%0Ac) Make lots of Du'aas. Allah Ta'ala only is the changer of hearts.%0D%0Ad) Be very loving and caring towards her. Make her feel that she is really a%0D%0Apart of the family and her absences are really being felt.%0D%0Ae) Start reading the Fadhaail-e-Aamaal in the home collectively if you are%0D%0Anot reading. This Kitaab has proved very beneficial to people.%0D%0A%0D%0Aand Allah Ta'ala Knows Best%0D%0A%0D%0AMufti Ebrahim Desai%0D%0AFATWA DEPT.%0D%0A