Looking for some guidance
Assalamu Alaikum, My mom passed away when I was 8. My dad later remarried, mainly because he was often working and needed someone to help care for us at home. Unfortunately, his wife never really accepted me-right from the start. She’s always had a good bond with my brother, saying he has the ‘good genes’ of the family, but with me it’s been different. She’s told me I carry ‘poison’ inside, that all the negative traits of the family landed on me, that she won’t forgive me on the Day of Judgement, and that I’m like a ‘snake’ sent as a test for her. I swear by Allah, all I ever wanted was just a normal, respectful relationship with her. She constantly found ways to belittle me and point out my flaws in front of others. She even accused me of not loving my own mother. Most of this happened when I was around 12 or 13. I’ve forgiven her for Allah’s sake, but the hurt still lingers, along with the grief of losing my mom. I’m thinking about moving out and living independently, not to cut ties with my dad, but really to safeguard my mental well-being and my deen. My question is: Is it allowed in Islam to distance myself from a stepmother who causes this much emotional harm? Does she have the same rights over me as a biological mother would? I don’t want to do anything haram, but honestly, I can’t heal while being around her. Just to add-my dad knows we didn’t have the best relationship, but he doesn’t realize how deep all this went. Also, my dad is in his late 40s now, and I don’t think it’s wise to do anything that might damage his marriage; aside from my brother and me, she’s pretty much his main support. JazakAllah Khair