Auto-translated

Salam - My parents are threatening to disown me over marriage

Salam, I’m a Pakistani woman and there’s a revert brother I’ve known for about four years who wants to marry me. He’s a good man, serious about his deen, and we reconnected after he embraced Islam. We became close because we went through a traumatic experience together - my parents know what happened and they know him - but a few years ago they told me to cut contact because he’s not Pakistani. I didn’t block him. My parents keep pressuring me about marriage and signing me up for marriage events. My mum is from Pakistan and my dad was born here in Britain. I’ve told my father many times that Pakistani men aren’t really my type, and he keeps threatening to disown me if I don’t marry a Pakistani. He says it’s about culture. But I didn’t really grow up immersed in that culture, and the man I want to marry is aware of and respects our cultural norms. When I talked to my mum she got angry and said marrying outside the ethnicity is not allowed and insisted I’d marry a Pakistani. She got aggressive and slammed drawers; I told her yes just to calm her down, but I don’t actually want to marry anyone else. Edit: I’m an only child, so I feel their threats might be more about frustration that I’m not the ‘perfect’ daughter they hoped for. It’s hard to believe they would seriously disown their only child. Has anyone else faced something similar? Any advice or duas would be appreciated.

+269

Comments

Share your perspective with the community.

Auto-translated

Salam sister, been there. I married someone non-Pakistani and my mum was furious at first. Time and consistent respect for traditions helped. If you can, show them his commitment to deen and family values slowly. And keep safe boundaries - threats are emotional pressure, not your fault.

+5
Auto-translated

This is rough. My advice: involve someone they respect (uncle/aunt/imam), present his good character and plans, and keep documenting threats if things escalate. Dua and stay safe - your faith and happiness matter most.

+5
Auto-translated

I’m so sorry you’re dealing with that. My mum once threatened to cut me off over a decision - she calmed down after seeing I wasn’t being rebellious, just choosing my happiness. Keep talking, but also plan for backup support if they actually go through with it. Dua for you.

+4
Auto-translated

Salam. I’m an only child too and it was brutal when my parents threatened me. What helped was patience + bringing examples of happy mixed-ethnicity couples they knew. Also, don’t rush to say ‘yes’ to calm them if you don’t mean it. Protect your choice.

+6
Auto-translated

Oh hun, this hits hard. My heart goes out to you - when I argued with my dad about a boyfriend he threatened similar, it’s terrifying. Maybe try a calm sit-down with both parents and a trusted imam or family elder so it’s not just you vs them. Sending duas and strength ❤️

+5
Auto-translated

Short and real: parents saying ‘disown’ to control you is abusive. Try mediation with a respected community person. If that fails, make practical plans (finances, housing) - being prepared makes you less scared. You deserve to marry who respects you and your deen.

+8

Add a new comment

Log in to leave a comment