Expecting a Child and Feeling Isolated
Assalamu alaikum. I’ll try to keep this brief. I didn’t grow up with Islam, but my grandfather taught me about it when I was a late teen (both my parents are mixed race; their mothers weren’t Muslim, but their fathers were, though neither of my parents stayed in Islam or taught me much about it). As I got older, I made a conscious effort to learn about my heritage and, more importantly, Islam. I wouldn’t say I’m a practicing Muslim yet-I’m still learning-but my belief is strong, I do what I can, and most importantly, I feel it in my heart and soul. I’ve been with my partner for over a year. He promised marriage from the start, but circumstances aren’t great right now, so I try to be understanding (I don’t even want a big wedding-I told him I’d be happy with just us and our mothers, nothing fancy). I know it was wrong to be together without marriage, but we genuinely love each other, and I felt he was my soulmate. During Ramadan, without my knowledge, he made dua for us to be blessed with a child. We didn’t plan it well-I didn’t-but I soon found out I was pregnant. Even though it wasn’t my intention, I was so happy because a child is a blessing. Especially during Ramadan, it felt like maybe Allah saw our good intentions, even though we weren’t married yet, and I took it as a positive sign, maybe even a nudge to do the right thing. Now I’m feeling stuck. I’ve really struggled with this pregnancy-as a first-time experience, I didn’t realize how sick and weak it would make me. I’m only 13 weeks along, but throughout this time, I’ve struggled physically, and it’s affected me emotionally and socially, leaving me isolated except for my partner. Every time we disagree, he shouts at me and makes dua for me to have a miscarriage. It hurts so much-all I can do is cry. I’ve tried hard to ignore it, but he says the most hurtful things about me and the baby. I don’t know what to do anymore because being with him causes so much pain and stress, and I’m scared it will negatively affect the baby. I already love this baby so much and don’t want them to be affected by our mistakes-the baby is completely innocent. I’m terrified to do this alone, but I know I have to be strong for this precious, innocent life growing inside me. Please don’t judge me-I know I’ve made mistakes. Now I’m trying to do the right thing and just need some support and advice. JazakAllah khair.