as salamu alaykum,

 

Shokran for writing to our live session with your most important question and concerns.  As I understand your situation, you married a man who lives overseas in another country.  At first, he promised he would help financially once you were married, but after you got married everything changed.  According to you, he now wants you to pay sponsorship for his family to come to Australia (I imagine his too?) and he states he does not love you.  Sister, may Allah forgive me if I am wrong, but it seems he married you for citizenship.  What I am wondering, however, is why did you go through with the marriage when you saw the red flags (his saying before marriage he didn’t love you)?  While love does not always come before marriage as Allah does put love between two peoples hearts, usually one does not say “I don’t love you” before marriage either.

 

I would normally advise you to try to work out your marriage sister but given the facts you stated, I am not.

 

He does not support you nor contribute to the household. He still states he does not love you. He is pressuring you to sponsor his parents.  This is not a marriage but seems more like a visa ticket.  It appears to have nothing to do with making a life together nor building an Islamic home.  It is devoid of mercy, kindness, and yes-love.  I would advise you speak with an imam and a lawyer.  You do have the right to divorce him regardless of what he says.  I advise you to start the process as soon as possible as his sponsorship is probably underway in the legal system.  Please do consult with an attorney as soon as you can.  Sister, I am so sorry you have to go through this, I imagine it hurts very much.  You deserve someone who will treat you with love and kindness, one who desires an Islamic marriage and home.  One who is willing to support you in all ways. Insha’Allah, if you do choose divorce, it will be fast and you can heal and move on with your life.  Stay close to Allah as He is our comforter.   We wish you the best, you are in our prayers.