Struggling with a Harsh Father: Seeking Islamic Guidance
Assalamu alaikum. I have so much resentment in my heart toward my father. He’s been cruel to me in so many ways-with his words, his actions, and even physically. Just before last Eid, he threw me out of the house with no money or phone, all because I was using my phone to note down some records. That was his excuse. He started hitting me over it since the deadline was the next day. I tried to reason with him, but he kept beating me. When I finally spoke up, he kicked me out and said I’m not his daughter anymore. I spent that night alone, hungry, with nowhere to go. Somehow I managed to reach my college dorm, which was 9 hours away. Since then, my dislike has turned into deep hatred. He stopped providing for me completely; my mother takes care of everything now. At first, he didn’t try to control me for a few months, but now he’s back to controlling every aspect of my life while still not supporting me financially, even though he earns well. He forced me to leave college and switch to online classes. If I dare to share my opinion or ask for anything, he hits me. When I lock my room to feel safe, he breaks the door and beats me. So out of fear, I obey him even when it goes against my own will. I’m not allowed to do anything-not even go out with friends or to the gym. I’ve been exercising at home for 6 years, but it’s not enough anymore, so I thought I’d join a gym. But he says girls belong at home, cooking and doing chores. He won’t let me learn to drive or get a license. And he claims he’s a good Muslim who follows the Prophet and Allah, using religion to justify everything. I don’t know if Islam allows such oppression. I can’t speak up without being hit, so I have no voice. My mother also faces his violence, so she stays silent too. Who can I talk to? What should I do? I keep making dua that Allah softens his heart, but it only gets worse. I feel completely helpless, abandoned, and controlled. Am I sinning for feeling this way? Am I a bad person?