sister
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Feeling Lost After My Divorce, Seeking Guidance

Assalamu alaikum. My heart is truly heavy right now. It's been a few weeks since my husband and I divorced, and I'm still trying to make sense of all these overwhelming feelings. Our marriage only lasted eight months. We had our disagreements, but nothing I felt was beyond repair. I suggested we try counseling or take some time apart to reflect, but he refused. I pleaded with him to give us another chance, reminding him how sacred the nikah is and that divorce should be the very last option. I don't know how long he had been considering this. He had gone for itikaaf earlier and spoke to someone who advised him to divorce me. When he came to visit me at my parents' home, I was overjoyed. I had a welcome gift and flowers ready. My parents had also gotten him gifts. I was so committed to building a future together. He was kind when he arrived, and we were intimate. The next day, we had a minor disagreement about living arrangements. My parents tried to help, but he began criticizing my character, my emotional nature, and my adjustment to married life-things he had never discussed with me before. He made it seem like needing his support was a problem. I tried my best to be a good wife. I cooked daily, learned his favorite dishes, dressed in ways he liked, and hosted his family and friends. I stayed home for long hours without complaint, even though we had no car. There were many promises he didn't keep-like performing Umrah together or getting a car-but I stayed patient. I even handled difficult travel and immigration processes alone for his sake. I did so much for his family, thinking that's what a devoted wife does. I miss our first home terribly. It felt like my own space, and my heart aches for it. Over time, I lost myself in the marriage, always trying to see things from his perspective while he showed little interest in my thoughts or feelings. When I mentioned children, he had nothing to say. I thought these were normal challenges, something we could work through, but I realize now there was no real emotional connection or safety between us. Our conversations were always surface-level-about movies or outings-never about our deeper hopes or pasts. He avoided serious talks and would shut down during conflicts. The most painful part is how he handled everything. He discussed ending our marriage with others instead of coming to me. He visited, was intimate, and then left. He promised to return for me but didn't. When my parents asked for reassurance, he couldn't offer any. My mother sensed his dishonesty. Later, he called my father to end the marriage formally. My parents were heartbroken, and his family's response to their pain was shockingly cold. It's confusing, but I still miss him and being a wife. I have moments where I feel okay, managing small tasks each day, but then I'll suddenly feel overwhelmed and spend the day in tears. I've been removed from community groups, which tells me others know about the divorce. I used to lead Islamic discussions in that community, and it hurts to have my contributions and character dismissed. It's hard to believe someone could treat the commitment of nikah so lightly. I feel discarded. I know in my heart that Allah is with me, that there is wisdom in this, and that He will reward my patience. I believe this is a hidden blessing, but the pain is still very real. My father now uses my experience as a cautionary tale for my siblings, which adds to my anxiety about facing society as a divorcee. I don't know how to climb out of this low point. Is it normal to struggle with feelings of wanting to be valued and desired after a marriage ends? Any advice would be appreciated. Jazakum Allahu khairan.

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sister
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This broke my heart to read. You sound like such a compassionate and patient wife. His loss entirely. Allah has something much better planned for you, sis.

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sister
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So much of this is relatable. You did everything right. The way he left after intimacy... that is truly cruel. Sending you so much dua.

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