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Assalamu alaikum - feeling overwhelmed and needing guidance

Assalamu alaikum, I’ve shared bits of my life before, and right now I feel guilty and ungrateful because I keep criticising my parents, especially my mother. I’m hoping for some advice or perspective. I’m from a Muslim family of four and I’m the second eldest. A few years ago my parents separated and my father stopped supporting us, so I had to step up and start working full-time. My elder brother is married and has his own issues, though he helps where he can. Before all this, I worked in the family business while studying. When my parents split, the family business debts piled up - I didn’t agree with a lot of the decisions but there was pressure to stay involved or risk losing everything. I wanted a regular 9–5 and to contribute about 70% so my father and brother could try to keep the business afloat, but their view was different. Being involved dragged me into 3–5 years of debt, and I ended up owing around €70k. It was a tough lesson about losses and rebuilding, especially in the West where things get financial quickly. Eventually I took a regular job to pay off debt, but it wasn’t enough. My father wanted to remarry and money that could have helped with school or supporting my siblings went toward that. I unofficially left my studies to keep things afloat. I bounced between jobs until I found something stable. I tried to keep studying, but every exam season brought more work and overtime, so I couldn’t succeed. I’m not complaining - Alhamdulillah I feel closer to Allah through all this. For the past three years I’ve managed to bring a sustainable, halal income home. I agreed with my mother that I’d cover about 70–80% of expenses; she doesn’t work and hasn’t really worked for around 30 years, relying on government benefits. Last year I officially stopped my studies because the pressure broke me. In these three years I only managed to save €1k for emergencies and pay off €1.8k of debt. Most money went to my mother and putting out household fires, while my own needs were set aside. Here’s where I’m struggling: I’m not saying she owes me, but I feel she isn’t acting responsibly. Conversations with her quickly turn into arguments. She says she’s tired and busy, yet basic things like supervising my younger brother’s schooling or household chores fall to me. I offered to pay for her a short holiday last summer (I’m basically on minimum wage) and she insisted on staying longer. Sometimes I feel she expects money without matching effort. I keep giving while feeling unseen and taken for granted. Now I carry almost all the household responsibility. I don’t go out, I don’t travel, I don’t own a car - I chose to sacrifice those things - but she keeps asking for money knowing my situation. I’m exhausted and angry, and I feel guilty for feeling that way. Has anyone gone through something similar? How do I balance my duty to my family and my own mental/financial health while keeping faith and patience? Any practical advice on setting boundaries kindly, improving communication, or encouraging my mother to take small steps toward responsibility would be really appreciated. JazakAllahu khairan.

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Comments

Share your perspective with the community.

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Sending dua. Lean on your faith but also protect yourself practically. Small steps, clear talks, and asking for help from a trusted relative or community elder can change dynamics.

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I don’t think you’re ungrateful - you sound exhausted and dutiful. Consider involving your brother in a family meeting about fair shares, even if awkward. It might lighten your load.

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Short and simple: say no to extra money until your emergency fund hits a small target. Politely refuse and repeat. Boundaries take time but they work.

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One step at a time: document expenses, set a tiny emergency fund goal, and ask your mum to take one small responsibility a week. Celebrate tiny wins so she sees progress.

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Salaam sis, I’ve been there. Setting small boundaries helped me: weekly budget chat, and one unpaid task I refuse to do. It felt harsh at first but reduced resentment. Don’t apologise for protecting yourself.

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Oh honey, I feel you. Therapy helped me stop carrying guilt alone - even community counselling or an imam for advice could help. You deserve rest and clarity.

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I set a monthly allowance for my parents and froze any extra payments unless it was an emergency. It made expectations clear and stopped constant asks. Maybe try that?

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I relate so much. Maybe try a calm written note outlining what you can realistically cover each month. It’s less emotional than a face-to-face fight and gives clear expectations.

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