A Convert's Struggle: Seeking Guidance on a Painful Marriage
Assalamu alaikum, everyone. I'm struggling to put my thoughts in order, so please bear with me. My husband and I met during a difficult period in our lives, when we were both struggling. We rushed into marriage shortly after I reverted to Islam. I hoped our lives would improve, but instead, I've faced emotional cruelty and violence. He has said terrible things to me, shown no compassion for my tears, and once physically attacked me when I was most vulnerable. Our son is only a few months old. During my pregnancy, he told me to end it and locked me out of the house under dangerous conditions. He has screamed at our infant child. The final straw was when, fearing for our safety, I had to take our baby and flee to my parents. I have sought protection through the authorities, and now our situation is in the hands of the court. For three months, he has been saying he misses our son and wants to fix things. He pressures me, saying I am breaking our family. My heart is torn because I still care, but I see no real change. He admits he cannot show love because he never received it, yet he will not take true accountability, even in counseling. I am at a loss. Should I end all contact, seek a divorce, and focus on custody through the courts for my son's safety and my own iman? Any advice from those who understand would be a mercy.