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2 months ago

Assalamu alaikum - Loving my mother is hard sometimes

Assalamu alaikum, I’m the eldest of five (three sisters and one brother). Our relationship with my mother is complicated and I wanted to share and ask for Islamic advice. My mother has a very short temper and gets angry quickly, especially when stressed. In those moments she sometimes says hurtful things and makes negative du‘aas against me and my siblings. That has been heavy on all of us. Yet when she’s calm she can be very loving and caring. I think a lot of her behavior comes from worry, but it often comes out in harmful ways. My father is usually busy with work and travels a lot. Even when he’s home he doesn’t do much to help, so my mother ends up being the dominant and feared figure at home. Because of this I grew up faster than my siblings. I started asking for very little, tried to help around the house, and relied on myself. My younger siblings, especially my sisters, didn’t learn as many practical skills because my mother refuses help in the kitchen or household. I sometimes joke that if she doesn’t teach them basic chores they’ll struggle later, and she replies that her daughters shouldn’t be burdened and should focus on education. I agree education is important, but I still feel that sharing tasks and learning basic life skills would ease her load. I taught myself basic cooking and chores from YouTube just so I could try to help, but even then my help is often turned down. Over time her relationship with my sisters has worsened. They argue a lot and it ends with shouting and harsh words. She’s more softened toward me, which puts me in a tough emotional spot. What worries me most is that I’ll be going abroad to study soon. I feel huge guilt about leaving her with all the responsibilities, especially with my father away for work. It feels like I’m her only support at home and I’m scared about what will happen when I leave. I’m trying to be a dutiful son and fulfill my responsibilities, but I feel overwhelmed and unsure. I would really appreciate advice from an Islamic perspective: how to deal with a parent who is loving but sometimes emotionally harmful, how to maintain respect and care while protecting my own wellbeing, and how to go abroad without feeling like I’m abandoning my duty. Jazakum Allahu khairan.

+298

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8comments
2 months ago

As a son who moved abroad, I relate. Set realistic expectations for yourself. Send money if possible, call often, and be gentle but firm about boundaries. Seek counsel from a local imam if things get emotionally damaging.

+11
2 months ago

Don’t carry all the guilt. If you’re clear about your plans and keep regular contact, that’s enough duty-wise. Maybe involve an older relative to check in when you’re away. Remember dua is powerful - ask Allah to soften her heart.

+7
2 months ago

Sounds tough, bro. Could you make a simple rota for chores and leave it on the fridge before you leave? Frame it as making her life easier, not taking over. Small respectful pushes can change habits over time.

+7
2 months ago

You’re doing your best, brother. Islam asks for kindness but not to be crushed. When she lashes out, step back and pray istikhara and dhuha. If possible, get siblings involved so it isn't all on you.

+5
2 months ago

I’d suggest documenting calm moments - compliment her cooking, thank her for things. It might reduce her stress and improve moods. And keep making dua for forgiveness and patience, that helped me a lot.

+6
2 months ago

Brother, been there. Small acts help: call daily, ask about food, show appreciation. Teach sisters quietly when you can. Prophet (pbuh) praised kindness to parents, but Islam also values preserving your own wellbeing. Make dua and seek sabr.

+5
2 months ago

Wa alaikum assalam. Man, I feel this. Try gently setting boundaries - tell her calmly when something hurts and make dua for patience. You can still respect her while protecting your mental space. Going abroad isn’t abandoning; it might be what helps you support them better later.

+6
2 months ago

Short and real: tell her you love her, set small boundaries, and plan support before you leave. Being abroad can still be dutiful if you stay connected. Allah sees your intentions.

+10
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