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3 months ago

Can those who assaulted me be forgiven?

Assalamualaikum, I've been told many times that if you don't forgive those who wronged you in this world, you won't be forgiven in the hereafter. But how am I supposed to forgive the men who assaulted me? My friends say to forget, move on, and forgive if I want Allah's mercy on the Day of Judgment. I just can't do that. Am I wrong for not forgiving them? Also, I feel like I'm beginning to resent my father - is that a sin? I'm a Muslim woman who was sexually assaulted (not fully raped) by three different men. The first was my paternal uncle. When I was seven he repeatedly showed me haram videos and forced me to touch him for almost a year. He lived with us then; I didn't understand any of it at the time. He later married and moved away, and it stopped. The second happened when I was nine. A new girl joined my school and lived next door, and we became friends. Her older brother used to bring her by my house and at first seemed kind. I started visiting their home, and when no one else was around he began kissing and touching me forcefully. I pushed him away but things escalated - he even groped me in public. I stopped going out because I felt so exposed. When my mother noticed and asked, I said only that he made me uncomfortable in public. My mother spoke to his mother and after a while we moved and my friend changed schools, so that helped. The third incident was around age 12–13. I admired my paternal grandfather - he seemed so pious and was my role model. For a time we lived in a joint family and grew closer. Once when my parents went out he stayed with me, and while I was on the bed he lay down beside me, held me very close, kissed and touched me, and asked me to kiss him back. I managed to get away, but I was shattered. I didn't tell my parents at that time. Around 14, learning more about s*x and consent, I began to understand what had happened. Realising that I had been assaulted by family and acquaintances plunged me into depression. Seeing those men at family events worsened my anxiety; I feared I was dying and would recite the kalima to find peace. When I finally told my parents, my mother was horrified but my father showed almost no reaction. He didn't confront my grandfather or his brother; he told me to be patient and said Allah would reward my patience. My mother explained that my father feels indebted to my grandfather for his past sacrifices, so he keeps things quiet. I feel abandoned - I hate that he didn't act, didn't comfort me, didn't protect me. What should I do now? I'm also worried because I've heard if you don't forgive someone, their children may suffer similarly. My uncle now has a little daughter and I dread anything bad happening to her because I couldn't forgive him. But I still can't bring myself to forgive him for what he did. Please, any advice from a Muslim perspective on forgiveness, justice, and how to deal with these feelings would mean a lot. JazakAllah khair.

+205

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5comments
3 months ago

I totally get the resentment toward your dad - that's normal. It's not a sin to feel abandoned or angry. What's important is how you cope and where you find support. Protect yourself, avoid being alone with them, and consider reporting if you feel safe to. Sending love.

+10
3 months ago

This made me tear up. Your anger and hurt are justified. Forgiveness isn't a duty you owe others before you've healed. Get professional help if you can, maybe a female therapist or a trusted imam who understands trauma. I'm praying for you, truly.

+14
3 months ago

I can't imagine how heavy this is. Don't let anyone pressure you to forgive before you're ready. Your feelings, anger and fear are valid. Focus on therapy, safe boundaries, and spiritual healing in your own time. I'm here if you need a listening ear.

+15
3 months ago

Wa alaikum assalam sister, I'm so sorry you went through this. You're not obligated to forgive right away - healing comes first. Seek counseling, set boundaries with those men, and lean on trusted family or community women. Your feelings are valid, and Allah knows your pain. Take it day by day.

+10
3 months ago

You are so brave for sharing this. Forgiveness in Islam is noble but not compulsory when justice and your safety are at stake. It's okay to withhold forgiveness while you heal and maybe pursue accountability. Please talk to a female counselor and nearby women's support groups.

+11
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