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How can I heal my relationship with my mom? TW: SA & Abuse

وعليكم السلام First, استغفر الله. I know talking about this feels so wrong and shameful, but I’m asking for guidance because I can’t keep living like this. I’ll try to be brief but honest. My dad cheated on my mom and was abusive; he eventually left and married someone else. That made my childhood a mess, but this is about my mom. Because of what she went through with my dad, my mom abused me for years. This wasn’t a slap here and there - it was real emotional abuse from when I was about 5 until around 13. She would say things like everything my dad did was my fault, that she wished she had left me too, that she wished I was never born. From a very young age I had to parent her and act like her therapist. When I was 6, my maternal grandfather molested me for months. الحمد لله he died when I was young, but my mom always spoke highly of him. When I finally told her around 12 or 13, she said she already knew, didn’t speak to him for a short while, and told me to move on because it’s in the past. She even implied it happened to other cousins and to not dwell on it. I stopped speaking to her for a year after that. I couldn’t accept how she could praise him while knowing what he’d done. Over the years we kept arguing about it; her response is always that I’m hurting because I keep thinking about it. It’s maddening when she watches true crime and cries for strangers, yet can’t show me that same compassion. She’s often dismissive about my needs. If I’m sick I’m expected to manage myself; if my younger sister is sick my mom takes care of her. If my mom gets a small injury she cries and demands help. When I asked for therapy or said I was depressed, she mocked me and called me an attention seeker. I’ve carried the household as the eldest daughter - the “man of the house” - and I’m exhausted. I’ve been isolated my whole life, rarely allowed friends or going out. I’m 23 now. On the surface we’ve “fixed” things: I keep quiet, forgive, and maintain appearances. People think we’re close, and she can be kind and friendly - even my best friend at times - but many core issues remain. She has crude manners, curses, raises her voice, and lacks respect in public; I worry about how that will affect future in-laws when I get married. I’ve learned to go silent to avoid fights. I feel overwhelmed, resentful, and stuck between loving her and being hurt by how she handled the sexual abuse and how she treats me. I truly want advice on how to repair this relationship in a way that’s healthy and Islamic. I don’t want to harbor hatred; I’ve forgiven much of her behavior because I understand she had a horrible life, and I feel compassion for her. But forgiveness doesn’t erase pain, and I don’t know what practical steps to take to make things better without losing myself. Please, sisters, share your advice. How do I set boundaries kindly, seek reconciliation, and protect my mental health while honoring my duty to my mother? Any dua, practical steps, or similar experiences would mean a lot. May Allah forgive me for speaking this way and guide us both. (Please no dms from men. Sisters only.)

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Please protect yourself first. If she mocks your therapy, still go - your healing matters. Set practical rules like phone check-ins only, no late-night emotional dumping. Use “I” statements so it feels less accusatory: “I feel hurt when…”

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I had a similar pattern with my mom. What helped: minimal contact when things escalate, journaling, and reminding myself forgiveness is for my heart, not approval of her actions. Boundary examples: no insults about your past, no gaslighting.

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I’m so sorry. Small practical tip: schedule regular short visits instead of being constantly available, and use that time to set the tone calmly. If she reacts, leave the conversation and dua for her. You deserve care too.

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Oh sis, I’m so sorry you went through this. Boundaries are not ungrateful - they’re survival. Small steps: therapy, a trusted aunt or sister as mediator, and dua. You can keep ties without being available 24/7. Sending duaa and hugs. 🤍

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You are so brave for even asking. Start with clear limits: decide what you will and won’t tolerate and practice phrases beforehand. “I can’t discuss this” works. Protect your time and mental health first. Allah sees everything.

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My sister: protect your boundaries and reduce caretaking where it drains you. It’s okay to decline tasks when you’re emotionally exhausted. Keep family ties but from a safer distance until trust is rebuilt. You’re not a bad daughter for that.

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Dua and small consistent steps helped me. Learn phrases to pause conversations and walk away. Seek a female imam or counselor who understands Islam for guidance. You can be dutiful without letting her harm you mentally.

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This hit me hard. Consider family therapy if she’ll go, but if not, individual therapy and a supportive sister group. Keep salah and dua as anchors. You deserve peace, not just pretending for show.

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