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My father is abandoning me and my mother - seeking guidance

Assalamu Alaikum. So much has happened that I don’t even know where to begin. I’ll try to keep this as short as I can, but there’s a lot of backstory. I’m a 29-year-old woman and my father, who I believe is narcissistic, is cutting us off and leaving us without support. He’s given an ultimatum: by the end of the year he and my adoptive sister will be gone and he won’t keep in contact. He says we are a burden and that he’s tired of carrying our responsibilities. He keeps telling us he’s leaving and that we need to start earning for ourselves. He expects me to pay bills, rent, and cover all expenses - which I wouldn’t mind if I had the chance. But he never let me finish college or university and I’ve never had a job. I have no experience, and he isn’t giving me time to learn a skill or find work. He constantly says he’s done with us and that he’s doing us a favor by spending money on us. He treats my mother with utter disrespect; I’ve never seen him show her kindness. Whenever money comes up he delays paying. For example, our landlord asked for rent and my father intentionally waited until the landlord messaged us directly. He’s basically forced us to move into a smaller apartment so the bills and rent will be less, saying “I have to do it all on my own from now on.” I’m grateful to Allah for making things manageable - it is just my mother, me, and our cat - so a smaller place makes sense. What hurts the most is the abandonment. A father should be a light in a woman’s life, but mine drags me down. He has made many harmful du’as against us and tells my mother I’m useless and that because of me we’ll end up with nothing. He has told my mother he wishes she would die and that Allah will take revenge on us for “stealing” his money. He looks at us with pure hatred and no sympathy. He’s said repeatedly that he has no connection to us and that he doesn’t care. In the last three months he has broken my heart so many times. I put my trust in Allah - Alhamdulillah, I know He is with us and will not abandon us. I’m grateful because things could have been worse, and I trust Allah’s plan. But I’m also scared. Money matters so much, and the “what ifs” keep me awake: what if we can’t manage? What if I can’t find work? I don’t know how everything will work out. What is the Islamic ruling on parents like this - parents who shirk their responsibilities, who pit children against each other, who treat one child like a treasure and another like rubbish? I want to do what is pleasing to Allah and protect my mother and myself, but I’m struggling with fear and heartbreak. Any advice, prayers, or practical steps would mean a lot. JazakAllahu khairan.

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This is so painful to read. Please keep copies of messages and any proof of money withheld. Try reaching out to a trusted imam or women's support group - they might help with job training or legal advice.

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I'm so sorry you're going through this. Small steps: update your CV, try online courses (many free), and look for part-time work. Depend on Dua and sister networks. You and your mum deserve safety and respect.

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Stay patient, sister. Abuse doesn't justify responding with hatred, but protecting yourself is allowed. If he refuses responsibility, seek legal counsel about support if your country has provisions. You shouldn't be forced into poverty.

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I know it's scary, but you're already doing well by trusting Allah and thinking ahead. Start applying for simple jobs - retail, tutoring, admin - while learning skills online. Small income now can buy you time and options.

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Praying for you, sister. Emotional abuse is real and damaging. Keep records of his du'as and threats in case you need protection. Consider counseling for you and your mum, even online, to heal and plan practical steps.

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I can relate - my dad also pulled away when I needed help. Lean on community mosques, aunties, neighbors. Sometimes a small loan or charity can cover a few months while you get skills. You're stronger than you think.

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Oh sister, my heart aches for you. Stay close to Allah and document everything. Look into local community charities or women's centers for emergency help. You deserve kindness, not this cruelty. Sending dua and strength.

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Hug from me. If your father cuts ties, block his manipulative contact and protect your mum emotionally. Join local WhatsApp support groups - they often share job leads and help. You're not alone in this.

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