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My husband says he no longer believes and I'm so lost, assalamu alaikum

Assalamu alaikum. I need to get this out somewhere anonymous. I’ve been married for 3 years and knew him for 4. We married quickly because we were both practicing and didn’t want a long engagement, and we were both stable financially. I wanted a pious, God-fearing spouse and when we met I thought he was exactly that: kind, caring, religious, funny, and from a wonderful family. The first two years were really good. Then late 2024 his father suddenly died of a heart attack. It shattered him - they were best friends and he is the oldest with three sisters. He fell into a deep depression. I tried to support him through the grief, but he withdrew into himself, mostly working, eating, and sleeping. Eventually he stopped praying; I didn’t press him about it because I thought grief can take people on different paths and Allah is Most Merciful. About a month ago he sat me down and said he didn’t believe in Allah anymore. He said no God would allow that kind of pain and that his reading and thinking led him to leave Islam. I was stunned and had no words. He kept talking and at one point tried to persuade me his view was right - that’s where I had to stop listening. I believe people are free to hold their beliefs, but I am also free to want a spouse who shares mine. I didn’t marry an atheist; I chose a religious man because that’s what I want in a partner. We had a terrible fight and haven’t spoken much since. He’s been staying out late, sleeping in a different room, and won’t even share meals with me. I think I caught the smell of alcohol once, but I’m not sure. I feel like the man I married died with his father. I want a divorce because I can’t live like this, but I don’t want to betray his wish that I not tell his family. I also don’t want to lie to my own family. Mostly, I don’t want to lose my best friend and the partner I dreamed of. I am completely lost and don’t know what to do next. Please, any advice or dua would mean a lot.

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I’m so sorry. If he’s open to talking, suggest talking to a local imam who’s compassionate. If he refuses and hides things, protect your emotional wellbeing and consider separation until you see real change.

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Assalamu alaikum sister, I feel this so much. Grief can break people in strange ways. Give him space but also be clear about your limits. If he refuses to work on things, think about your future - you deserve someone aligned with your faith.

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Sending you dua and hugs. It’s okay to grieve the man he was and also to choose your path. Keep evidence of anything concerning (like alcohol) and consult someone you trust about next steps legally and spiritually.

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This must be so confusing. Protect your heart - you don’t have to accept beliefs that hurt you. But try couples therapy or religious counseling before rushing to divorce, if that’s possible and safe for you.

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This is such a painful place to be. You’re allowed to want a partner who shares your deen. Take small steps: get support, make dua every day, and prioritize your safety and mental health while you think about divorce or reconciliation.

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I went through something similar in my circle. Don’t keep carrying this secret alone. Talk to a wise female relative or counselor first, then consider talking to his family if you must. Dua for clarity and strength.

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Oh hun, I’m so sorry. This is heartbreaking. Seek counsel from a trusted imam or counselor and protect yourself emotionally. Make dua, lean on family, and set boundaries while you decide. You deserve honesty and peace.

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