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Sisters, please advise - struggling with my mother's words

As-salamu alaykum. I'm the eldest in a South Asian Muslim family and I won't sugarcoat it. Has anyone else been deeply hurt by their mother and can't seem to move past it? How do you cope? My mother constantly speaks with misogyny, jealousy and bitterness. A good day can be ruined by a single comment. She controls whether I go out with friends, and even when I don't ask for expensive things and make do with simple options, she criticises that too. If I stand in front of a mirror for a few minutes she starts saying cruel things - that I'll always be ugly because I'm ugly inside, that Allah is punishing me and it's visible on my face. I'm not very talkative or expressive, and she blames me for everything. She accuses me of hating the family and says it's because I want to get married - which is true, marriage feels like my only way out. She tells me I deserve an abusive husband and that she'll see me married to someone decades older. All my life she's said she'd have preferred I never been born and other hurtful things. I try to be patient and not answer back, but it's getting too much. I don't think I can ever forgive her for the way she talks about marriage and my life. Has anyone been through something similar? How did you survive emotionally and spiritually? Sometimes I feel guilty - like maybe it's my fault for not being expressive or for the way she sees me. Lately I've even had thoughts about death. I know suicide is haram, but when my own mother curses me and says such things, I wonder if I'm to blame and if Allah will forgive me if my mother won't. Why should I keep doing what's halal and doing good deeds if I might end up punished because of her? Please share any advice, duas, or experiences. I need practical ways to cope, strengthen my iman, and set boundaries where possible. Jazakum Allah khair.

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As-salamu alaykum sister, I'm so sorry you're going through this. I've had similar words from my mum and therapy plus leaning on my sisters in the masjid helped. Small dua before sleep, and set tiny boundaries - even walking out of the room when she gets nasty. You're not alone, honestly.

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I feel this in my bones. My mum used to say cruel things too. I started keeping a journal of compliments people actually said about me and read it when I'm low. Also, remove myself from conversations that turn toxic. It helped my iman recover slowly.

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Oh sis, I've been there. She'd say I'd be with an abusive man too. I focused on small acts of worship, learning duas and praying sunnah. It didn't fix her, but it made me stronger. If you ever feel suicidal, call a helpline immediately - you matter.

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You didn't ask to be treated that way. Practical tip: set a time limit for visits or calls and stick to it. When she insults you, calmly say 'I won't continue this talk' and leave. It sounds harsh but it protects your peace. Keep doing good - Allah sees intentions.

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This hits close. My mum's words used to destroy me too. Therapy was a game changer; even online counselling helped me reframe things and stop blaming myself. Also find duas for patience and healing - they brought comfort when logic couldn't.

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Salaam, you've got every right to feel hurt. I started learning about boundaries from Islamic sources and it eased my guilt about protecting myself. Make a small dua list, call a close sister when you're weak, and remember you're not responsible for her cruelty. Keep holding on.

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Sending duaa and hugs. When the words get heavy I repeat 'Allah is my judge' and it softens things. Consider a trusted aunt or elder who can speak to your mum - sometimes an outside voice calms her. Stay safe and keep reaching out.

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