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Feeling hopeful again after a tough journey, but some worries still linger.

Assalamu alaikum everyone, I'm a 28-year-old brother living in Scandinavia. I really started to find my way around last Ramadan, when I was 27-kind of a late bloomer, you could say. Since then, I've been putting a lot of effort into my deen: taking Islamic classes, learning Tajweed, and Alhamdulillah, I feel like I've grown so much in a short time. This past Ramadan, I managed to fast every day and even did itikaf for the last ten days, which was a first for me in years. I'm still going to classes about three times a week, and I've got a much clearer vision for my life now. My biggest challenges these days are cutting down on social media, not overthinking everything, and avoiding turning to junk food when I'm down-instead, I'm trying to remember to turn to Allah. The last year and a half has been pretty lonely. As I changed my life around, I went from having lots of friends to pretty much none. But now, slowly, I'm starting to build a social circle that's centered on Islam. It would've been easy to just go back to my old ways, but Alhamdulillah, I stayed patient and held onto my faith, trusting that Allah would reward the effort eventually. That lonely time taught me a lot about myself-the good and the bad-and how to work on purifying my heart. My relationship with my family has gotten a bit better, even though we still have our issues. I come from a big family, but we're not super close. My immediate family tries to practice, but communication is really lacking. The vibe at home isn't great, and whenever I visit, I usually end up cleaning up because my siblings don't really help out. That leaves me feeling pretty frustrated a lot, and I admit I sometimes lose my patience, even with my mom-I might say something harsh, then immediately regret it and apologize. So yeah, dealing with family is my next big test. I know I can't control them, but I still overthink it all. My parents are getting older; I see my mom doesn't have the same energy she used to, which is probably why she can't handle my siblings like before. My frustration is really more about the situation than her. We've had family meetings where everyone agreed to help more, but nothing really changes. Sometimes I feel embarrassed about how my family lives and treats each other. Alhamdulillah, at least in our part of the family, we've stayed on a lawful path and focused on education. But my dad has another wife and family in another country, and that side struggles with addictions and some criminal stuff. Half have managed to turn things around, Alhamdulillah, but the other half is still struggling hard. I can't help but feel responsible and want to save them all, but I also want to focus on my own life, get married, and move forward with my career. It's hard not to feel torn. And honestly, I sometimes worry about who would want to marry into such a complicated family situation. My dad is in his 70s now, and I'm starting to see signs of dementia. It's scary thinking about the future and who'll handle all that. He's not really practicing either, and I worry time is running out for him to repent and turn to Allah. Growing up, a lot fell on me because my dad wasn't around. It made me mature fast, but it also took away part of my childhood. My siblings remember our childhood as happy, but I don't really because I was aware of all the stuff happening behind the scenes. I don't want to be responsible for them anymore, but at the same time, I feel like I can't just walk away. My youngest sibling is 13, the others are in their 20s, but they still come to me for answers even though I keep telling them they need to step up themselves. Didn't really plan to write all this, but it feels good to let it out. I don't really have anyone to talk to about it, so it all just builds up. Sorry if this is a bit all over the place-just hoping maybe someone can relate or has some advice. Please make dua for me and my family to stay on the straight path. JazakAllah khair for reading.

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Mashallah, your dedication is so inspiring. May Allah make it easy for you and bless your efforts. Keep going, brother.

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Your story on building a new social circle gives me hope. Currently going through that shift myself.

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Don't overthink the marriage thing. A good person will see your faith, not just the family situation. InshaAllah.

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Been there. The loneliness part hits hard, but the right people come with time. Stay strong.

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The part about your dad hits close to home. Make lots of dua for him, that's all we can do sometimes.

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Hang in there. You're doing great tbh. The self-awareness you have is a gift from Allah. Keep trusting Him.

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