Asking if I can distance myself from a religious uncle who practices magic - need advice, assalamu alaikum
Assalamu alaikum, I need some advice about family boundaries. My uncle acts very religious, he prays and talks like a pious man, but I’ve overheard him claiming he does magic. I can’t stand him - he’s aggressive, thinks in extremes, and is really stubborn. He also keeps saying he’s from Afghanistan even though we aren’t (only distant ancestors were). Lately there’s a property dispute back in our home country. Even though my parents, my siblings and I live in another country, my mom insists on getting involved. She’s stirring up fights, gossip, and trouble. A few days ago I heard my mom on the phone with this uncle asking if he could use magic against another uncle who’s currently in Morocco. He told her he could do it from anywhere in the world. It really upset me - both my mom and that uncle are joining in harming someone else. I’ve noticed my mom and this uncle are so similar in how they behave: aggressive, stubborn, and very self-centered. Whenever I try to point out his faults or say anything critical, my mom gets defensive, yells, and gives me the silent treatment. To her, he’s beyond reproach because she thinks he’s very religious and knowledgeable. My question: can I cut them off completely? I don’t want to be involved with them or have them near me or my future family. I’m also afraid of my uncle - he gets angry quickly, and I’m terrified he might target me with magic too. I’m looking for practical, faith-centered advice - is it permissible to limit or end contact when someone is harming you and engaging in clearly un-Islamic things? How do I protect myself while keeping my faith duties in mind? JazakAllahu khair.