Struggling with a Strict Parent’s Approach to Faith
Assalamu alaikum, everyone. I come from a Muslim household, and lately my mother has been really intense about practicing Islam. It’s starting to push me away, even though deep down I know I could never leave the deen. But at the same time, I keep falling into major sins, almost daily. I know Allah is the Most Forgiving, and I used to repent, but now I feel like I don’t even deserve His mercy. My dad is super relaxed and easygoing, and I have a lot of friends because I’m a social person. But my mom… she’s on another level. I can’t recall the last time we talked about normal life stuff. Every conversation turns into a lecture about religion. That harshness is what’s making me drift away. I know she wants what’s best for me, but I just can’t handle it. She compares me to my cousins, hits me if I wear shorts, doesn’t let me watch movies or anything fun. It makes me want to rebel and do the opposite of what she says. I’ve been dealing with this for about three years, and I honestly don’t know what to do. I’m not as practicing anymore, and I feel so guilty inside. I’ve committed major sins knowingly, and even my repentance has stopped. Now I only pray on Fridays, and I know that’s not right. It’s just so heavy on my heart. What should I do?