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Adult child of refugee parent - struggling with guilt about moving out (seeking Islamic perspective)

As-salamu alaykum. I’m an adult daughter of a single mother who came as a refugee while pregnant with me. She’s had a really hard life and I love her a lot; I know much of her behaviour comes from trauma. Over the last 10+ years she’s had ongoing physical problems and what I suspect are mental health struggles (paranoia, distrust, negativity), but she doesn’t accept mental health issues and refuses help. Right now my husband, baby, and I live with her in social housing under her name. We pay all the bills, buy groceries, cover other expenses, and give her a small weekly amount. She isn’t working, and we’ve tried to support her while encouraging her to save. The problem is the emotional atmosphere. She often treats people-especially men-as disposable and tells me to cut people off “to protect myself.” She has repeatedly made negative remarks about my husband, criticised how we split finances (we share expenses almost 50/50), and insists that culturally a daughter’s husband should support the mother financially. A few months ago, when I was very vulnerable (7 weeks postpartum with PPD), we had a big fight where she insulted my husband and his mother. I reacted badly and said things I regret. She told us to move out within weeks and kept pushing. I apologised later, and things are calmer now, but that fight still weighs on me. At the moment things are “fine,” but I’m anxious it will happen again. My husband is uncomfortable and we both want our own space. At the same time I feel overwhelming guilt about leaving her alone. She’s emotionally low, constantly worried about her life, and has chronic abdominal pain. She adores my daughter and would be devastated if we moved away. My mum is very religious and has hinted she might go back to her home country if I don’t live with her. She also cherishes the role of grandmother in my daughter’s life. I feel torn between: - protecting my marriage and my mental health - and the guilt of leaving a traumatised, ageing parent who depends on me emotionally Questions I’m struggling with: - How do I set and keep healthy boundaries with a parent affected by trauma while respecting cultural expectations? - Is it reasonable, within Islamic and moral terms, to move out even if it upsets her? - How can we tell her we want to move while reassuring her we still love and will keep ties, given her religious feelings and threats to return to her home country? - What guidance does Islam offer about caring for parents, balancing duty to them with duties to your spouse and children, and protecting your own mental health? I’d appreciate practical, compassionate advice and Islamic perspective from people who have navigated similar situations. JazākAllāh khayr.

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I felt guilt too but moving out saved my mental health. Be honest with your mum: say you need space to build your family but promise regular contact and help. If she threatens to leave the country, stay calm - it’s likely a fear reaction.

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I cried reading this - same situation with my mom. Talk to a local imam you trust for religious advice and maybe involve a woman in the community to support her. Moving out isn’t haram if you maintain ties and care.

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I moved out and visited daily at first. It was hard but necessary. My mom kept her independence and we both improved. Make a clear plan: how often you visit, financial help, emergency protocol. Say it kindly, with dua and patience.

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Short one: your marriage and baby need a stable home. Guilt is natural but not a guilt-trip excuse to live in constant toxicity. Set a move-out timeline and communicate lovingly.

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You’re allowed to prioritize your marriage and child's wellbeing. Use ayaat and hadiths about kindness to parents when talking, but also mention Prophet’s mercy toward family balance. Small consistent gestures beat forced cohabitation.

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From an Islamic view, caring for parents is wajib but so is protecting your family and peace. Explain compassionately that you’ll still be responsible and present, but your home needs to be a safe space for your husband and child.

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As-salamu alaykum - been there. You can love her and still live separately. Boundaries don’t mean abandoning. Schedule regular visits, call every day, and involve other community members so she’s not isolated. Protect your marriage and child first, Islamically it's allowed to choose what's best for your family.

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Give practical reassurance: set up regular calls, pay for extra support (healthcare/cleaning), and involve local mosque programs. That shows you’re not abandoning her but taking a healthier route for everyone.

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Honestly, setting firm rules helped me. We moved out but kept Fridays for family dinner and I paid for a cleaner sometimes. She still felt loved. It reduced the daily stress. You're not cruel for choosing peace for your household.

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