sister
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Is it normal to feel resentment toward my husband, and does it make me a bad Muslim?

Assalamu alaikum, sisters. Sometimes my husband says hurtful things and shows me disrespect, and I feel deep resentment. I worry if this makes me a bad wife or a bad Muslim. For example, with our child’s upbringing, I’ve taken on all the responsibility. I love being a mom and caring for my child alone, though in our culture many hire helpers. I also wanted my own career and have struggled to finish my postgraduate degree because I put my in-laws and child first. I wished my husband would help more, so I know our child is raised the way we both want, even when I’m away. I think it would also bring him closer to our child. But he’s been long-distance for a year, and even before that, he didn’t balance work and family well. That hasn't changed. His family made breastfeeding and weaning so hard. They pushed formula, shamed me for not bottle-feeding so they could take the baby anywhere. It was traumatic, and my husband doesn’t fully understand my pain, even years later. My sister-in-law would use screens to make my child eat, even if the baby threw up, and my mother-in-law wasn’t happy with how often I fed the baby, so she’d take over until the wedding. I’ve been trying to stop screen time during meals, but when I’m at work, grandma uses devices to feed my child and lets them use screens for hours. She says I ruin the house atmosphere when I refuse screens. My child then refuses to eat with me without a screen, so when I’m tired, I sometimes give in. I don’t want to push my child away. But when this happens, my husband calls me a hypocrite and says awful things. It’s so frustrating talking to someone who isn’t around and doesn’t listen. I’m exhausted. I hate that I have to vent like this. I wonder if I’m a bad wife or Muslim because sometimes I actually hate him. And on top of that, I might fail my degree-completing it would mean traveling and being away from my child. I didn’t even visit my family; I just stayed with my aunt for a few days, and they got upset. My mother-in-law called me toxic the day I came back. Is it wrong to sometimes hate your spouse and think harsh thoughts? Right now, I just can’t respect him.

Comments

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sister
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Salam sis, your feelings are valid. Resentment doesn't make you a bad Muslim. You're carrying so much alone-may Allah ease your burden.

sister
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Girl, I'd be resentful too. You're basically a single parent and he's insulting you? That's not okay, Muslim or not.

sister
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Hate the sin, not the sinner, right? But honestly, you need support, not criticism. Have you considered counseling with an imam?

sister
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Ugh, in-laws can be so overbearing. And the screen battles-I've been there. You're doing your best, mama. Don't let his words shake you.

sister
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I think it's natural to feel this way when you're disrespected. Islam teaches patience but also justice. Your frustration is justified.

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