How do you respond to friends or family members who question, criticize, or misunderstand your spiritual path?

answer the questions, bring up any similarities between you and them, tell them in many words why tolerance is good, try to help them understand, if it doesn't work AVOID them and don't talk to them. Or, you could do the same to them so they can see how it feels.

I usually laugh.

Peacefully, no point in getting into arguments because they're your family and it'd upset them...in time they hopefully learn to accept it. I think your answer that you gave to your mother is a very good one already.

I don't discuss my spiritual path with family or friends that aren't safe for the topic. I don't have to defend or explain it to anyone.

you should inform her that in Islam 1) God ASKS and encourages you to journey, explore and gain knowledge.... and NOT rely on blind faith...but to question everything.
and 2) God states that muslims, christians, sabians, jews and those who believe in the 'higher power' and believes that eventually all mankind will die...that this person will be fine, and will not suffer.

I'm sure your mom is like my grandmother...taking the Quran out of context and resorting to taking on her culture's old traditional views. Its always easier to criticize than to educate one's self. Some family members were criticizing me as well, and so I educated myself, instead of relying on what they told me Islam was. Take care, continue on your path...whatever it may be, and I hope you find some peace in your heart.

Don't.

I am happy to answer to all people up here as well as in real life. My answers are not to convince, but to supply more information for their consideration, because they are masters of their own destiny.

I don't. I absolutely refuse to engage in personal discussion of my spirituality with those who want to question or criticize it. Some have genuine interest in my view without a need to change my mind and I am willing to talk to them.

Respond all smart ***. I can do it, they can't if they try. I laugh inside.