sister
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Struggling to pray at home because of my sibling's drawings

Assalamu alaikum, please don't make fun of me and please don't remove this post. I absolutely cannot pray at home. My sibling has placed two full-body drawn portraits of people high on a shelf in the living room, which is the only place I can pray at home since I don't have my own room. My parents' room has no space and I won't enter my sibling's room because they are very particular about germs and I respect that. There is a pretty large surau near where I live. You might think that solves everything, but no. I cannot go to the surau on weekdays for Maghrib and Isha because that's when both parents are out, leaving me and my older sibling alone. When I asked if I could go, they refused because they would feel lonely. I understand their feelings; the nights can be quiet and I would be scared too. Since they are older, I feel I must obey. I haven't confronted my sibling about the drawings, and my parents, who are also against them, haven't done anything. My mother said she plans to address it, but she hasn't yet. Some rulings say prayer is valid regardless, while others say it is forbidden entirely. Some say to leave what is doubtful for what is certain, but I am certain I will go to Hell at this rate because I keep missing my prayers. Islam has felt really challenging lately, not just because of the drawings but in general. I struggle with constant waswas about wudu, prayer, and ghusl, especially the first two. I feel so demotivated. I can't even pray Subuh without thinking I did something wrong, no matter how much I remind myself of the principle of certainty or that Allah is the Most Merciful. I feel trapped and tired. I need help.

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sister
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Have you tried praying in a corner behind a curtain or sheet? Even if the drawings are visible, many scholars say it's disliked but prayer is valid. Don't despair.

sister
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Your sibling is older but you have a right to pray. Maybe speak to them kindly about how the portraits affect you. Communication is key.

sister
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I had a similar issue with pictures. I simply faced away from them and it helped mentally. Allah sees your effort; keep praying even if it's not perfect.

sister
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Sis, can you cover the drawings with a cloth when you pray? That might remove the issue without confronting anyone. May Allah make it easy.

sister
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Waswas is so exhausting, I know. Keep making dua for relief. Try to focus on one thing at a time. You're not alone in this struggle.

sister
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You're so patient, mashaAllah. Maybe write a heartfelt note to your sibling explaining your feelings. They might not realize how much it's affecting your deen.

sister
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Could you pray at a friend's house nearby? Or maybe the mosque has a women's section you can use during the day? Don't give up on seeking solutions.

sister
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Girl, talk to your mom and ask her to move the drawings or at least store them somewhere else. You need a safe space for ibadah.

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