Assalamu Alaikum - Need Urgent Islamic Advice: Parents Fighting and Home Is Breaking Apart
Assalamu Alaikum, I’m writing this anonymously because I need sincere Islamic advice and some emotional support. I’m a 22-year-old Muslim student in Brampton, Canada, and the situation at home has become unbearable. Both of my parents are unemployed, and there are eight of us living in one house. Money is tight, but the worst part is the constant fighting. My parents are close to divorce, and there is shouting, crying, and hurtful words every day. My dad pays the rent, water, and electricity, but he has been hiding extra money and refuses to use it for the family. When my mom found out she was devastated. She asked, “We’re living in hardship and you are keeping money from your family?” He replied, “It’s my money; she has no right to it.” Winter is coming and the children don’t have proper coats. My dad said it wasn’t necessary. My sister slept on the sofa for weeks until my mom broke down and then he bought a mattress. He said, “Now that your mom knows about my money, she’ll expect me to buy groceries for everyone.” I kept thinking, who else is supposed to provide? He’s the only man in the house - my mom raised us all. My mom is deeply hurt and reacts angrily. She yells and says things like, “Don’t let him eat the food I cook,” or “I’ll find someone who can provide.” She has been telling people about our problems and I wish she wouldn’t - this should stay private. I try to calm her down: “Mom, please don’t say those things. Let’s not make things worse.” But she cries and accuses me of siding with him, saying I’m betraying her and threatening to leave and live with her mother. Then my dad complains he’s treated like trash, that he has no bed, no clean clothes, no food, and that my mom insults him every day. I’m stuck in the middle. I don’t want to take sides; I just want peace. I pray every night that Allah softens their hearts and brings mercy between them. But I always end up blamed by both. I didn’t get married, yet I feel like I’m drowning in their problems. They refuse help from other adults or relatives, saying “It’s between us,” so nothing changes. The children are exhausted and losing hope. I don’t want my younger sisters to keep seeing this. Please, my brothers and sisters, I need advice: - Am I wrong Islamically for trying to calm my mom down? - How can I remain patient and keep my faith strong when I feel so emotionally drained? Please make duʿā’ for my parents and our family. May Allah soften their hearts, restore peace to our home, and give us strength. - Fatima A’nsari