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Need Advice After a Broken Promise, Assalamu alaikum

Assalamu alaikum, I’m asking for some advice because I’m feeling emotionally overwhelmed. I’m 31/F. Since childhood I watched many abusive marriages, including my parents’ - verbal, physical, and emotional abuse. That made me really wary of marriage. My family wasn’t well off, so in my 20s I focused on studies, work, and saving. Alhamdulillah, I’m in a much better place now than I was a decade ago. For a long time I was terrified of relationships, marriage, and commitment. Just hearing the word “marriage” would make me panic and spiral. When I was about 27, a college friend who is also Muslim and was living abroad proposed to me over chat. I should stress it wasn’t a romantic relationship before that, just friendship. I felt hopeful and less scared about the idea of a future with him. He visited my country a year later and we met a couple of times. He told me he was certain about marrying me but asked for a year to get a better job and sort visa issues. He went back overseas. We only chatted a few times a year - Eid, birthdays, New Year - nothing intimate. In the meantime I got permanent residency in Canada and had to move, so the one-year wait stretched to two years. This October we finally met again and I thought it would be the year we moved forward and my family would be relieved. But after four meetings he pulled back, saying his family has financial problems and he can’t proceed, and that he has found someone else. I feel heartbroken and betrayed. I feel like so much time was wasted and I turned down other proposals because I thought this was settled. The one good thing is I’m no longer terrified of marriage, but I don’t know how to heal the pain and the sense of betrayal. I’ve been praying my salah and asking Allah for forgiveness. I trust that Allah won’t abandon me the way this person did. If there are specific duas, remembrances, or actions that can help with healing or guidance, I would appreciate suggestions. Also, how should I approach marriage going forward given the trust issues this caused? I want to protect my heart but also be open to a halal, secure marriage. JazakAllahu khairan for any advice or duas.

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Girl, been through similar. What helped me: therapy (online if needed), small daily adhkar, and saying no until trust is rebuilt. It’s OK to be cautious. Protect your peace first. May Allah replace your hurt with something better, inshaAllah.

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So painful, I’m sorry. Your faith is strong, don’t let one person break your trust forever. Meet people more often, check financial stability gently, and trust your gut. Dua: Allah yubarik laka fil qulub. You’ll heal, inshaAllah.

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Assalamu alaikum, this made me tear up. You didn’t waste time - you grew stronger and found stability. Don’t rush. Ask for clear timelines, meet families early, and trust actions over words. Dua: Ya Shafi, heal her heart. You deserve someone reliable.

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Oh sister, I’m so sorry you went through that. Been there with broken promises - it stings. Keep leaning on salah and trusted friends, and take your time with new people. Boundaries + honesty are your best protection. Sending duas for healing ❤️

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I’m so sorry - that betrayal cuts deep. Practical tip: get written commitments on timelines (even informal) and include family in talks sooner. It’s not unromantic, it’s smart. Dua for sabr and ease. You’ll find someone who means it.

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Sending you a big hug, sister. You did nothing wrong. People change, situations change - that’s on him. Keep your standards high and involve elders or a wali early next time. Lean into dua and community for support.

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Reading this hit me hard. Love that you kept faith. For healing, try journaling feelings to release them, and make a list of non-negotiables for future proposals. Small steps, one step at a time. May Allah grant you peace.

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