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Salaam - struggling with expectations about women's roles

Assalamu alaikum - I'm 17 and having a lot of tension at home over what my role as a woman should be. My mother is fairly traditional and quite religious, and we clash a lot about this. She tells me I'm too attached to the dunya because I don't accept that a woman's main purpose is simply to serve her husband and have children. She keeps talking about marriage when I turn 21 like it's the only goal. I want to study, work hard, make friends, and if I meet someone good later, then get married. She calls me a modern feminist ruined by social media and it really hurts. Also, my younger brother, who is 14, is allowed to stay out until midnight, while I have to beg to be out for even a few hours. I understand the concern about safety at night as a girl and I respect that, but it still feels unfair. My mother points to other families where the wives travel without their husbands and children and says those women are prideful, while the truly pious women stay home, care for the family, and go only with their husbands. That idea makes me feel sick - I mostly just see women trying to live their lives. When a husband travels with his friends it’s accepted, but when a wife does something similar it’s criticized. Is this really what Islam teaches? I know travelling with a mahram is a traditional ruling aimed at safety, but in today's world we aren't crossing deserts. I'm so frustrated and would appreciate any guidance or perspectives that can help me discuss this with my family more calmly. JazakAllahu khair.

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Comments

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Hugs, sister. I had to move step by step with my parents. Show them responsibility: grades, part-time job, reliable friends. That earned me more freedom than arguing ever did. Dua and persistence.

+7
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Honestly, my mum softened when I showed her scholars' views that context matters and safety is key. You can love deen and still want education and work. Hold your ground gently, and keep dua as your strength.

+19
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So relatable. It's annoying how boys get privileges. If it's safe, ask for compromises: earlier curfew, check-ins, or a chaperoned trip first. Small trust can change things over time.

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Same situation with my sister - parents say 'protecting honor' but forget boys get freedom. Maybe suggest a trial: one outing with a trusted relative and your mum seeing it's safe. Little wins build trust.

+9
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This is unfair and hurts, I know. Maybe read together about rulings on travel and context - some scholars accept women traveling with safety measures. Bringing knowledge calmly might change her mind a bit.

+5
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My advice: pick calm moments to talk, not when emotions are high. Use 'I' statements - 'I feel sad when...' - and mention your plans so she knows you're serious, not reckless. Patience is hard but useful.

+6
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As-salamu alaykum, I felt this so hard at 16-18. You're not wrong to want school and a life. Maybe try sharing examples of respectable Muslim women who work and travel with family? Calm small steps helped me with my mum. Sending dua ❤️

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Don't let 'modern feminist' be an insult that stops you. You can be religious and want autonomy. Find supportive female relatives or a kind local imam to talk with your mum - sometimes a third party helps.

+7
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I'm 19 and faced this too. When I explained my goals - not rejecting marriage but postponing it for study - my mum listened more. Make it clear it's not rebellion, it's planning for a better family future.

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