I would like to know if it is permissible to straiten my hair using hair chemicals i.e. perm. Also my family has recently been friends with a non-Muslim, I don't agree with them. I even asked my mother if I can wear Hijaab while she comes to our house, but she disagreed. I have another problem with my cousin, she's a girl, 13, and she comes to our house for sleep over, since her mom is American, she doesn't really know anything about Islam, and when I teach her anything she doesn't do any of it, what can I do? I also have an older brother that is in presence when she visits. I can't tell her not to come because she will be angry at me. I'm stuck and I need your help. Please give me useful advise.

All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger. We ask Allaah to exalt his mention as well as that of his family and all his companions.

Softening your hair is allowed as we mentioned in Fatwa 90630.

It is allowed to maintain good relations with a non-Muslim, particularly if the purpose is to call them towards Islam. But, socializing or having deep relations with them is not allowed. For the details read Fatwa 88293.

So, try to convey the correct message to your mother kindly and wisely.

You should cover yourself in front of non-Muslim women. The religious rulings on this subject are mentioned in Fatwa 90940.

Try your best to convince your female cousin to abide by the rulings of Islam. You may use all the possible means to teach her Islam and change her attitude such as giving cassettes of Islamic lectures, Islamic booklets, taking her to Islamic gatherings, etc. If she does not change her behavior then talk to your elders; parents, brothers, sisters to prevent her from her un-Islamic attitude. Your older bother's mixing with your cousin is forbidden, refer to Fatwa 89435. May Allaah reward you for your concern to follow Islam and convey it others.

Allaah Knows best.