Question:
Salam Mawlana Shaykh
I know what Islam says about mothers, but my mother is an alcoholic. She uses favoritism with her kids and is mentally, physically and emotionally abusive. For the past few years I suffered depression, nervous breakdown and many failures because I couldn’t focus always trying to find what is wrong with me. All her friend think I am a bad daughter because she always speaks ill of me, she never has anything to say about me regardless of the fact that I went to college to make HER happy. She believes it is okay for me to prostitute so I can make money so I can buy her a house because that will make her happy. My heart is telling me to move out and decrease communication with her but not cut ties because Islamically it is wrong. Can I move out on my own? Thank you
Answer:
You are not obligated to stay in your mom’s home nor are you required to let her control your life. This is what Allah (swt) told us in His Noble Qur’an:
But if they (both) strive with you to make you join in worship with Me others that of which you have no knowledge, then obey them not, but behave with them in the world kindly, and follow the path of him who turns to Me in repentance and in obedience. Then to Me will be your return, and I shall tell you what you used to do. (Luqman, 31:15)
Imam Senad Agic
Head Imam (IABNA)
The Islamic Association of Bosniaks in North America
American Islamic Center – Chicago
