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Asking for help with religious trauma and identity

Assalamu alaikum - I'm 21F and I'm at a point where I'm questioning almost everything about myself and my faith. I was born and raised in Pakistan in a very religious home. After my parents married my father became much stricter and controlling, and it's been that way for as long as I can remember. He wouldn't even let my mother go out with a friend for shopping even when they were modestly dressed - I remember that from childhood. Over the years I've watched him use religion, hadiths, and phrases to shame my mother when she tried to speak up or express how she felt. He was often angry, verbally abusive, and uncaring toward her. He shouted, called her names, and there were nights I still can't forget when he tried to be physically violent. I saw emotional and verbal abuse repeatedly. Even now he seems mainly concerned with his own comfort. He gives orders, pushes us to perform prayers and adhkar, or scolds us, but shows little real care for our well‑being. As a teenager I felt pressured to wear hijab, abaya, and even niqab. When I resisted he'd get upset, so I put them on to avoid conflict. Nowadays he only notices me to criticize my clothes, ask intrusive questions, or comment when I do something he thinks is noteworthy. This history has left me feeling ashamed of my body and myself. My self‑esteem is very low and I struggle to have a healthy mindset about who I am. I often hate myself. He sometimes insists I cover my head in front of male relatives even when there are no non‑mahrams present. He makes negative remarks about women who don't wear hijab, calling them “Western” or saying they're behaving like they're in New York. Being around him gives me anxiety and a lot of negativity; I try to avoid being near him when I can. All this has brought so many doubts about Islam into my mind. I feel overwhelmed by confusion about my identity - much of what feels like ‘‘me’’ comes from how I was raised or from doing things to keep family peace or avoid being labeled immodest. I can't freely choose how to dress outside because of the person I was shaped into, and I don't know how to separate the beliefs and habits I adopted from my true self. I wonder who I might have been without this background. I'm terrified of ending up in an abusive marriage like my mother's, of being neglected or mistreated. My iman feels very weak; I carry heavy guilt and feel like a bad Muslim, and doubts keep piling up. I don't know what to do next. I would appreciate any advice from sisters or brothers who have dealt with religious trauma, rebuilding self‑worth, or finding a sincere, healthy connection to Islam after a difficult family upbringing. JazakAllah khair for listening.

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You’re so brave for even writing this. It’s okay to grieve the childhood you didn’t get. Little routines that feel like yours (coffee, walks, reading quran with an open mind) helped me reclaim myself and rebuild iman slowly.

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As a sister who questioned everything, I’ll say: give yourself permission to pause and heal before making big religious decisions. Practical things (jobs, moving out when possible) gave me room to explore who I am. Take tiny steps, it’s okay.

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I relate a lot. My confidence was shattered too. Therapy + a supportive female friend circle made me see I wasn’t 'wrong' for wanting autonomy. Faith can be gentle; abusive behaviour isn’t Islamic. Keep seeking support, you’re not alone.

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This hits home. My dad used religion to control too. What helped me was journaling my own beliefs and chatting with women scholars online who emphasised compassion over control. Trust yourself, you’ll find balance slowly.

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Wa alaikum assalam, I felt that shame and it took ages to unpack. Online therapy helped when local options felt unsafe. Also try attaching small acts of worship that feel peaceful, not forced. You deserve a faith that comforts, not harms.

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Assalamu alaikum sis, I’m so sorry you went through that. Therapy helped me separate faith from abuse - also finding a local imam who actually listens made a difference. You’re not a bad Muslim for questioning. Take small steps, be gentle with yourself. Sending dua and hugs.

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Sending love. I was terrified of marriage because of my mum’s situation; I took self-defense classes and marital counselling beforehand. Not the same as your dad’s abuse but it helped me feel stronger and less anxious. You deserve safety and respect.

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Oh sweetheart, that sounds so heavy. I left home for college and finally started breathing. Boundaries, therapy, and online support groups saved me. It’s okay to doubt - that can be growth. Keep reaching out, you deserve peace.

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