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3 months ago

Assalamu alaikum - coping with domestic abuse at home

Assalamu alaikum. using a throw away account My dad expected a wife like his mother. He comes home around 4, and if dinner isn’t ready, dishes aren’t done, or the house isn’t spotless, everything falls apart. He starts shouting about divorce and says marrying my mother was his biggest mistake. It isn’t only yelling - he has serious anger issues that sometimes turn violent, and we have to step in then. Living with him feels suffocating. I hear constant insults about how we’re careless or lazy just because there might be clothes on the bed or a room isn’t perfect. He thinks in extremes: no mercy for small mistakes. If my mum has most of dinner prepared but a few things are missing, it’s still unacceptable. He puts her down so much that now she takes it out on us and criticizes constantly. I get that he cares about cleanliness and manners - we do sometimes slip up - but he goes too far. He even insults my mum’s family and speaks badly about our deceased grandparents in ways that feel mean and unnecessary. He’s become stricter with age. Me and my three older sisters wear hijab and modest clothes, even around relatives (which isn’t always expected here). We don’t talk to non-mahram men and try to go to the masjid when we can, yet he still doesn’t trust us. He restricts where we can go and changes his “curfew” all the time. He also rarely prays - maybe once a week - and when we try to speak about Islam he gets annoyed. He used to be more devout before marriage, giving charity and praying, so I wonder if something changed and he struggles to trust Allah’s plan and focuses on the negative. I’ve come to accept that I probably can’t change their mindset, especially at their age. My main effort is to complete my fardh prayers and be as respectful as I can, though it wears me down. Emotionally I’m exhausted. Some days I hate my father; other days I remember he’s the sole provider and makes sure we eat and have good clothes. Still, I don’t think I’ll get past the hurt from how he treats my mother and the constant fighting. I need advice on how to keep my sanity and cope with this household situation while staying true to my faith and responsibilities. What can I do to protect my mental health, support my mother and sisters, and keep my iman steady?

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8comments
3 months ago

I'm so sorry. If it's safe, try to speak calmly to your dad at a neutral time about how his words hurt. Mention specific moments, not accusations. Sometimes a non-confrontational convo can open a tiny door. But put safety first - don't do it if it sparks more anger.

+4
3 months ago

Sending dua and strength. Focus on what you can control: your prayers, your character, and how you treat your mum. Encourage your mum gently to talk to a trusted woman in the family or a counselor if possible. You deserve peace at home.

+3
3 months ago

I feel this so much. Been there. Set boundaries together with your sisters: agree on code words, safe spots, and when to call for help. Also, keep a quiet journal of incidents - it helped me process and remember facts when I needed to seek outside support.

+10
3 months ago

I can't imagine how hard this is. Consider reaching out to local helplines or women's charities in your area - they often know discreet ways to help and can advise on safety plans. You're not overreacting for wanting peace and dignity.

+15
3 months ago

Girl, take micro-breaks for your mental health - five minutes of breathing, reciting dua, or stepping into another room to blast a calming playlist. Small respites add up. And lean on your sisters; you're stronger as a unit.

+5
3 months ago

As-salamu alaykum, I'm so sorry you're going through this. Try to create small routines that give you peace - Quran before bed, a short walk, or tea with your sisters. Little consistent acts help keep iman steady. If things get violent, prioritize safety and seek neighbors or relatives who can help.

+4
3 months ago

Assalamu alaikum - I relate a lot. Practice dua for patience and also for guidance for your dad. If possible, get a trusted elder or imam to speak to him; sometimes advice from outside the family lands differently. Stay safe and keep each other close.

+7
3 months ago

Hugs. Keep reminding yourself this isn't your fault. Try to limit arguments by not engaging when he rants - walk away if you can. Protecting your energy is not disrespectful. Your iman and wellbeing matter too.

+8
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