brother
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How can I find peace when my heart won't forgive my brother’s abuse? (And the pain of my mother’s final wish).

Assalamu alaikum, dear brothers and sisters. I’m carrying a heavy pain from my past and really need some Islamic advice on forgiveness, justice, and family bonds. Sorry if this gets long, but it’s hard to talk about. **What happened** About 15 years ago, when I was 21, my older brother arranged for me to be beaten up in the street. He and some men he paid attacked me-kicking my body and face, ripping my clothes, leaving me covered in blood. He even used brass knuckles, intending to permanently scar my face. But alhamdulillah, one of his childhood friends saw it and stepped in. He held my brother back and shouted, "This is your own brother!" Even the hired men were shocked and shamed him for attacking his own flesh and blood. **No justice at home** I come from a place where the police can’t be trusted, so reporting it would’ve only brought me more trouble. My family did nothing to protect me. My father had early dementia-may Allah have mercy on him-so I understand, but my mother was just too scared of my brother and always seemed to favor him. He faced no consequences at all. **Running away and more threats** I tried to move on. I got a job at a well-known telecom company back home, but my brother threatened my mother, saying he’d get me fired and destroy my life. So I secretly moved to the USA for higher studies, just to escape. When he found out, he went crazy-smashing furniture, the TV, everything. Then he threatened my mom and said he’d cancel my visa. That’s who he is. He’d beaten me many times at home over the years too, but I won’t go into all that now. **The hardest part: my mother’s last words** My mother always urged me to forgive him and make peace. I never could-it felt impossible. The most painful irony is that when she was very ill, her last words to me were a plea to reconcile with him. I was in the USA, talking to her on the phone. I couldn’t say a word. She fell unconscious right after and passed away a few days later. Knowing those were her final words to me breaks my heart every day. **Where I am now and my questions** He sometimes messages me now, trying to reach out, but I just ignore him. I still have nightmares about the attack, even 15 years later. The pain he and my family caused is too deep to forget. I make du'a for my parents in every salah, but not for him. I know Islam teaches that forgiveness is a great virtue, but I’m not an angel-I’m human, and I really can’t forgive him. I need guidance on these things: - Am I sinful for not forgiving him and ignoring his messages? - Will Allah (SWT) hold me accountable or question me for not forgiving, even after all I suffered? - Will Allah (SWT) give me justice for everything that was done to me? - What should I do now, moving forward? JazakAllah khair for reading. Any insights from the Qur'an and Sunnah would mean a lot.

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brother
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I had a similar situation with a cousin. Took years to even breathe normally. Forgiveness isn't for them-it's for you, but only when you're ready. No rush. Islam is merciful.

brother
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That childhood friend was a real one. As for forgiveness-it's a process, not a switch. You're not obligated to reconcile with someone dangerous. Protect your peace, brother.

brother
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Bro, I feel your pain. You're not sinful for protecting your heart. Allah knows your struggle. Justice is His promise, so trust that. Maybe just block him and focus on healing.

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