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Strained bond with my mother affecting my hopes for marriage

Assalamu alaikum. I’ve had a really difficult relationship with my mother for most of my life. She left my father after a brief, abusive marriage, and later remarried and had more children. From then on I was treated very differently to my half-siblings. I always felt like a reminder of her past and the trauma that came with it. My stepfather added to the tension, and I went through emotional and physical mistreatment and a lot of hurtful things said to me by her that left a deep mark. As I grew older the resentment built up and I stopped speaking to her. Ironically, after I distanced myself she began asking for forgiveness and trying to make amends. After a long time I forgave her but set clear boundaries, because being close to her harms my mental health. I find her manipulative and emotionally draining, so keeping distance has been necessary for my wellbeing. About a year ago I learned she paid someone to do sihr on me to “fix” our relationship. It wasn’t a legitimate ruqyah by an accepted scholar, but a random person who demanded a large sum. She even borrowed money from family for it, and she knows this crosses Islamic limits, yet she still went ahead. I asked my maternal uncle to speak to her because I couldn’t face it directly. She told him she’d already paid and that Allah knows her intentions, which made me feel this was more about easing her guilt than about my welfare. Since then I’ve cut contact completely, and I think she’s accepted that I don’t want her in my life. I still have a good relationship with other relatives on her side, but I can no longer speak to my mother or my half-siblings. This has left me wary about settling down - I worry how others will see it and whether a future spouse might judge me for not having a relationship with my mother. I’m sharing this because I’m torn between protecting my mental health and the social and personal concerns about marriage and family perception. I’d appreciate any advice or words of comfort from brothers and sisters who understand maintaining boundaries for the sake of wellbeing while trying to live by Islamic principles.

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As-salamu alaykum bro. I respect your boundaries. Some in-laws will ask questions, but anyone serious will see you're protecting yourself. Keep clear limits and get documentation or a counselor's note if needed for serious discussions.

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Quick one: your mental health > others' opinions. Don't rush to please society. The right spouse will back you. And find a trusted imam or counselor to help you phrase this to family or a future partner.

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Man, that's heavy. Forgiving but keeping distance is mature. Maybe collect a short, honest explanation you can share with potential partners so gossip can't twist it - keeps you in control of the story.

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Wa alaikum assalam. Man, that's rough. You did the right thing protecting your sanity - no one should be forced into toxic ties. Be honest with any future partner early; anyone worth marrying will respect boundaries and your mental health.

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I feel this. I cut contact with my own dad for similar reasons and people judged me. Time and honesty sorted most things - explain calmly to fiancée why you're distant, and the right person will understand and support you.

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Sorry you went through that. Sihr stuff creeps me out, and her actions sound selfish. Keep those boundaries firm. When you meet someone, mention therapy or religious counsel you followed so they see it's about wellbeing, not disrespect.

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