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2 months ago

Has anyone else dealt with people who act very 'religious' but hurt others?

Wa alaikum as-salam sisters. I’ve been thinking again about a man who sexually assaulted me years ago after bringing it up in therapy for the first time. I was 18 then and he was the same age. We were in a situationship-I didn’t really realize what it was because I believed we were together and was naive, even imagining marriage though we never spoke about it. He was the first person I had romantic feelings for and he hurt me in so many ways. I feel used and like he took something from me. I repented for my own past mistakes years ago, but I still carry some guilt about what happened to me, even though part of me knows he was more experienced, knew better, and took advantage of my insecurity and youth. My main question is about the fact that he presents as very religious or connected to Islam. At first I admired that he knew about our faith, but now it angers me because it feels wrong to act pious while harming others. I confronted him about the assault a couple years afterward. He partly denied it, showed a little remorse, but also said hurtful things and spoke about Islam and God to me. It makes me so upset that someone who hurt me would preach to me about religion. Is it valid to feel this way? How do I move past the resentment and these thoughts? I feel like there are unfortunately others who are Muslim and talk about Islam yet do terrible things. My father is similar. He knows a lot about Islam but has been abusive to my mother, my brother, and me. When he talks about religion, I get angry and don’t want to listen. I’d rather hear guidance from people who are genuinely kind and whom I respect. It feels so hypocritical. I’m not sure if these feelings are wrong or what I should do about them-what do you sisters think?

+325

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Share your perspective with the community.

8comments
2 months ago

You're so brave for speaking up about it now. Guilt after trauma is common but not deserved. Maybe write down what you'd say to him if you didn't have to hold back-helps process. Keep taking steps at your pace.

+16
2 months ago

You have every right to be angry. People can be religious and awful at the same time. Distance yourself from anyone who triggers you and lean on prayer and good company. Sending hugs and dua, seriously.

+8
2 months ago

Ugh, that's so painful. My dad did similar and now I avoid religious lectures from him too. Therapy, supportive sisters, and time helped me stop internalizing his words. You're allowed to protect yourself and your faith from that toxicity.

+7
2 months ago

This hits close to home. I used to freeze when someone spoke religion to excuse bad behavior. It's okay to reject that talk and look for role models who show kindness in action. Your boundaries matter.

+4
2 months ago

Oh sister, I'm so sorry you went through that. It's completely valid to feel betrayed by someone who uses faith as a mask. Your feelings aren't wrong-protecting your peace is priority. Therapy sounds helpful, keep leaning on it and trusted sisters for support.

+4
2 months ago

Not wrong at all to resent the hypocrisy. Islam is about mercy and justice, and those who hurt others while preaching don't represent it. Keep seeking healing, and don't feel pressured to accept apologies if they don't feel real.

+12
2 months ago

I'm really sorry. Your anger is justified. When someone uses faith to control or hurt, it's manipulation. Focus on healing and surround yourself with people whose lives reflect what they preach. You're not responsible for his sins.

+5
2 months ago

Reading this made me so sad. My heart goes out to you. I had a similar experience with a family member; what helped was setting firm boundaries and finding people whose actions matched their words. You deserve compassion, not sermons.

+13
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