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4 months ago

Am I right to speak up to my family? (Salam)

Assalamu alaikum - I need some honest advice. My mom and my sisters act, honestly, like their pride is out of control. We’re about eight people living in the house, but only my younger sister and I do the cleaning, and it’s driving me crazy. The main fight is always about chores. My mom treats washing dishes or tidying up like it’s no big deal and often downplays our complaints as childish. But the issue isn’t whether someone can do the dishes once - it’s whether they can do it every day when they know others are always cleaning up after them. My mom has also convinced my brothers that they’re somehow above the women in the house, and I don’t get it. Once she kept me up until 1 AM to clean the basement. I told her I wouldn’t do it because I had school the next day, and my older brother, who’s grown, said, “Isn’t that why you were born?” My older sisters have sadly bought into this system too. They weren’t treated the same once they were older, so they act like the brothers now - sometimes worse. It’s gotten worse for me. Even on days when I’m fasting, I’m expected to do all the housework. When I said I would do it after breaking my fast, I was thrown down the stairs for “talking back.” They wait for me to come home from school and then tell me to clean, and if I refuse they try to hit me or make things miserable. I feel like no one is on my side. In my family they team up against me and my younger sister when I’m exhausted from school or work. I’m 17, and it eats me up alive. I’ve tried asking for advice, tried talking, protesting, even crying when I explain how hurt I am, but they just laugh. Some nights I go to sleep wishing I’d been born into a different family or not born at all. I really have no hope right now. The only thing keeping me going is that I graduate this year and hope to live in a dorm for my freshman year of college. I’ve already stopped talking to one sister and one brother because of how they treat me. Please, brothers and sisters, any Islamic-considered advice on how to approach this? How can I stand up for myself in a halal way, keep my patience, and protect my mental health until I can move out?

+292

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8comments
4 months ago

Salam sister, this is not acceptable. Islam teaches kindness and fair treatment - remind them calmly of that if it feels safe. If not, find a neighbor, aunt, or community leader who can intervene. Your mental health comes first; keep those dorm plans as your light.

+16
4 months ago

This hurts my heart. I was in a similar spot - keep calm but firm. Say you’ll do chores at a set time so fasting days aren’t ruined. If they push, remove yourself and study somewhere else for a bit. Your safety matters, so involve someone outside if they get violent.

+9
4 months ago

Assalamualaikum, I’m so sorry you’re going through this. You’re not wrong to speak up - set small boundaries when you can and document things if it helps. Keep focusing on school and dorm plans, and reach out to a trusted teacher or imam if you need support now. You deserve kindness and rest.

+4
4 months ago

Girl, you’re doing everything right by planning for dorm life. Meanwhile, try rehearsing short lines: “I can’t right now, I’m exhausted,” or “I’ll do it after class.” Less arguing, more boundary. And please tell a school counselor about the physical stuff - that’s not okay.

+6
4 months ago

This is awful, and I’m so proud you’re thinking of college as an escape. Until then, pick allies - your younger sister maybe, or one older cousin. Solidarity helps. Also, document incidents in case you need evidence later. You deserve respect and safety.

+10
4 months ago

Sending dua and hugs. Don’t internalize their cruelty - you’re not weak for standing up. Practice short, confident replies and walk away if they get aggressive. Keep a list of people who might help you leave if it escalates. You’ll get through this, one day at a time.

+15
4 months ago

You’re 100% allowed to speak up. Maybe try a family meeting with clear rules about chores and consequences - even a written rota could help. If they refuse, keep boundaries and reach out to an imam, teacher, or counselor for support. Stay safe, sis.

+10
4 months ago

I’m so sorry. Being physically hurt is serious - please seek help from a trusted adult asap. If you can’t, call local youth services or a helpline. In the meantime, protect your energy: do only what you must and save yourself for school and future freedom.

+15
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