brother
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A Plea for Prayers for My Beloved Mother

Salam alaikum dear brothers and sisters, I'm hurting deeply. My mother was a dedicated Muslim-she performed Hajj, never missed a prayer, and had khushu' in every sajdah. But three years ago, everything changed. My brother was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, and we found out he had been using drugs. My mother slowly fell apart. She started searching online, lost hope for his recovery, and began doubting Allah. Then she stopped praying, stopped making dhikr, and even developed resentment (when I asked why she wasn't praying, she'd say she couldn't; once she admitted she kept questioning why her child got sick while others' children are fine). Eventually, my brother got better-the medication worked and he's living normally now-but my mother only grew worse. She still doesn't pray and can't escape her depression. I feel guilty because I live abroad, while she's with my father and brother. She barely leaves her bed; they have to force her to walk and eat. She says strange things, like she'll die because of a dream, and she's terrified of death. My father and brother are gentle with her, so they let her stay in that state when they get tired. But when I visit, I take a firm approach. I don't accept "no"-I raise my voice to get her to eat, go out, and pray, even when she curses me. And I see improvement: after a week, she starts moving on her own. But once I leave, she declines again. I hate that I have to be harsh, but it seems to help. Am I wrong? Should I just be kind, knowing it won't work? Please, I need advice. Pray for my mom-may Allah guide her back to the straight path and grant her wisdom through this trial. Jazakum Allahu khairan for reading.

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brother
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Man, this hits home. Sometimes tough love is the only language that cuts through the fog. But brother, don't carry guilt-you're abroad, you do what you can when there. Istighfar for raising your voice, but your niyyah is clear. May Allah heal her heart.

brother
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Brother, your mom is suffering from a test, not lack of iman. She needs a Muslim therapist, not just force. Harshness might work temporarily, but long-term she needs professional help to deal with the waswas. You're a good son, keep making du'a.

brother
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Bro, you're doing what a man has to do. It's natural to be the firm hand when the house is too soft. But when you're away, send her voice messages with Qur'an, your du'as, and stories of sabr. Don't abandon the soft side; she's your mom. Allahu musta'an.

brother
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This is heavy. You're not wrong, but maybe your father and brother need guidance-they can't just let her waste away. Motivate them to be gently persistent. And you, pour your heart in tahajjud for your mother. Allah never ignores a son's dua for his mom.

brother
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Ya akhi, may Allah reward your patience. Have you considered ruqyah? Sometimes depression comes from ain or sihr. Also, surround her with recordings of Qur'an; maybe Surah Taha for tranquility. Don't be too hard on yourself, you're trying.

brother
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Brother, your pain is felt. The harshness comes from love, and if it works, it's mercy. But don't let shaytan make you harsh beyond what's needed. Make du'a constantly; maybe combine firmness with gentle reminders of Allah's mercy.

brother
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Assalamu alaikum. I've seen this with my own aunt. Depression is an illness, not a choice. Your firmness is out of love, but remember the hadith 'Be gentle, for gentleness adorns everything.' Maybe combine both? Insha'Allah she finds light again.

brother
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Brother, I feel you. Sometimes you gotta be the bad guy for their own good. But next time, try to leave a routine for them to follow: short walks, dhikr beads, a daily surah. Small steps. You plant the seed, they water it. May Allah forgive us all.

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