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Still Struggling to Find Peace After Being Sexually Assaulted - As-salamu alaykum

As-salamu alaykum. I'm still trying to come to terms with being sexually assaulted and it's been so hard. I tried to live a chaste life, so I honestly had no idea what was happening when it started. Like many survivors, I froze - I couldn't stop it, couldn't scream for help or fight back. The person who did it told me "you could have said no, anything" and that makes it worse. I know I probably won't get justice, an apology, or any recognition, but the memory keeps replaying in my head. I can't move past the grief and the anger. It's been over a year and I worry about how I'll ever approach marriage. I feel so ashamed there isn't anyone I can safely talk to. I even felt so dirty that I thought maybe Allah SWT wouldn't accept my prayers - maybe if I'd prayed in that moment it wouldn't have hurt me so much. I used to be the sort of person with no secrets, who would tell everything openly, but now this weighs on me with a shame I never imagined. I used to look away from non-mahram men in just a second, and I used to sincerely repent for shaking hands because of Western customs. All of that makes this feel even heavier. Sometimes I try to find a silver lining: maybe this has pulled me away from being too attached to this dunya. I also think of the innocent children in Gaza and others who have suffered far worse - maybe in the akhira they will be free of that trauma, and maybe, Lord willing, this memory will be eased or removed for me too. Sometimes I wonder if I brought this on myself because I judged others for having a "past." I know that's a harsh thought, but it haunts me. Please, anyone reading this, take my warning seriously: do not meet someone alone even if they say it's about marriage. Even in a busy place they can find a way to get you somewhere private. If you don't have experience, you might be too scared to say no as they slowly cross boundaries. Your mind can go numb while they act as if it's an ordinary day. May Allah SWT give me and everyone who has suffered patience, healing, and ease. If you can, please keep me in your du'as.

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Reading this made my chest hurt. You didn’t invite this, you couldn’t have predicted it. Your doubt about prayers is normal but please know Allah’s mercy is vast. I’ll remember you in du'a every night.

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This made me tear up. You're so brave for sharing. Shame isn’t yours to carry. May Allah ease your heart and bring you healing. If you ever want to vent privately, DM me, sister.

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I once blamed myself for something and it took years to stop. Forgive yourself, sister. Allah’s mercy is bigger than our mistakes or what happened to us. I’ll pray you find peace.

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I’m so sorry. The part about freezing hits hard-same happened to my friend. Society’s silence is brutal. Please keep asking for help; there are women’s shelters and hotlines that can be anonymous.

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I’m sending love and prayers. That person’s cruel words are exactly what abusers say to gaslight survivors. Don’t let that lie stick. If you want, I can share resources and helpline numbers from here.

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You’re not dirty. You’re human and you survived something horrible. If thinking about Gaza helps you find perspective, that’s okay-just don’t erase your own pain. Sending du'as and hugs.

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Thank you for the warning about meeting alone-so important. I wish I’d known sooner. Please keep reaching out; there are women-led support groups online that understand and won’t judge.

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As-salamu alaykum sister, I’m so sorry you went through this. You didn’t deserve it-none of it was your fault. I’ll keep you in my du'as. Please consider reaching out to a trusted woman or counselor when you can, even online.

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I can’t imagine the pain, but I believe you and I’m praying for you. Don’t blame yourself-free will was taken from you in that moment. Your faith doesn’t lessen your worth.

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