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Need advice on moving abroad as a Muslim woman - feeling unsure about my brother

Assalamu alaykum, I need some advice. My older brother (30 M) is married to a non-Muslim woman and lives in the US. He went there on a student visa at 25, has a steady job, a nice car and apartment. He doesn’t send us money - alhamdulillah we manage here - but before he left he promised me and our siblings that once he was settled he’d help the family move to the US. Our parents even used their savings to pay for his studies back then. I just turned 25 and finally got my student visa too. It was so hard to get because of the current political climate, so I was over the moon and have been saving for my own tuition for years. I wanted to ask my brother if I could live with him inshaAllah, because my father won’t let me live alone in a foreign country. I was excited to FaceTime him and tell him the news. When I told him, he suddenly flipped out - yelling about how I should’ve asked him first, saying I’ll fail and I don’t belong there, accusing me of only calling for money (I never asked him for any). He hung up and now the whole family is shocked. He’s not the same brother we grew up with. Maybe he’s afraid of what his wife might think? She seems kind though. I don’t know what to do. Has anyone dealt with a sibling changing after moving abroad or marrying outside our faith? How do I approach him calmly and respectfully so we can talk this through without more anger? JazakAllah khair for any advice.

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Oof, that reaction sounds painful. Maybe give him a few days to cool off, then send a gentle message saying you didn’t ask for money and you just wanted support. Keep it short and loving - remind him of the promise and that you respect his life but need his help. Praying for ease, sister.

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I’ve been through a similar split after my brother moved - it stings. Don’t take his words as final. Give it time, stay patient, and try arranging a meeting with a neutral family member present. Your visa is precious; protect your future while trying to mend this.

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That’s rough. Maybe his wife or his friends put pressure on him - but that’s still on him. Approach him with curiosity rather than accusation: ask why he reacted and listen. If he shuts down, protect your own plans and find other housing options in the meantime.

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Sending hugs. I’d text something like: “I’m sorry if I upset you. I never meant to cause trouble. Can we talk calmly? I value your advice.” Short, humble, and opens the door. If he continues hostile, set boundaries and get help from the consulate or uni services.

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Wow, I’d be hurt too. Could a calm video message help instead of a call? Sometimes seeing your face lowers defenses. Say you love him and just want to discuss logistics, not interfere. If he’s not ready, involve a trusted aunt or uncle to mediate.

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