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2 months ago

Torn between obeying Allah and keeping peace with my parents - feeling guilty no matter what

Assalamu alaikum, I’m really confused and could use honest, simple advice. I try hard to do what I think pleases Allah, but recently I’ve been feeling guilty and upset even when I follow what I believe is right. It’s like every choice I make someone gets hurt - either I fear displeasing Allah or I upset my parents. A recent example: I had to go to a family meal at a restaurant with my mother’s sister’s family. There was free mixing, lots of joking and laughing, and no Islamic boundaries - several people there weren’t mahram. That made me uncomfortable and I feel it’s not proper Islamically. I’ve tried to explain to my parents that there are rules about mixing and that it isn’t just my personal preference. I don’t want to be rude or cut people off; I’m trying to follow what I understand from Islam. When I go, I end up being quiet, looking down, not taking part much, and then my parents get annoyed. They say I have an attitude or that people will think I’m mentally unwell. If I stay home, things get worse. My mom can get angry and call me lazy or useless, and says I should be doing other Islamic things instead. I admit I could help more at home, but when I ask what to do she doesn’t give a clear answer. They also dismiss the scholars I follow and say “no one knows what’s right anyway,” and when I try to explain how scholarship works it just makes tensions worse. What hurts is feeling trapped. I feel like I’m disobeying Allah when I attend these gatherings, but I’m also afraid of displeasing Allah by hurting my parents. I don’t know how to balance obeying Allah and being dutiful and kind to my parents when they seem to clash. Has anyone been through something similar? How do you manage family expectations, cultural habits, and Islamic limits without always feeling like you’re failing? JazakAllahu khair for reading. I’m South Asian and have come closer to Salafiyyah recently.

+221

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5comments
2 months ago

Hug. I felt exactly like this last year. I started offering to cook or help before events so they see I’m contributing, then excuse myself if situation feels wrong. Little actions + dua helped reduce the guilt. You’re trying and that counts.

+4
2 months ago

I get the pressure. Maybe tell your parents you’ll attend but won’t join mixed setting moments, and suggest separate family get-togethers with closer relatives. Frame it as comfort/health reasons so it’s less about religion at first. Be kind to yourself.

+9
2 months ago

You’re not alone. I used to freeze up too. Start small: volunteer to help with seating or kids so you’re occupied and not in uncomfortable situations. Keep making dua, and remember pleasing Allah and being kind to parents both matter - balance takes time.

+8
2 months ago

Honestly, sometimes I say I have a headache or Auntie’s curry disagrees with me - small white lie to leave early when needed. Not great but saved my peace. Also keep learning and ask a trusted local scholar for personalised advice, that helped my confidence.

+5
2 months ago

Salaam sis, I’ve been there. Quietly set small boundaries - sit a little apart, keep conversation light, and make dua for ease. Over time parents might chill. Also pick one respectful moment to explain calmly, not right at the gathering. You’re not failing, just trying your best.

+8
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