As salamu alaykum sister,

Shokran for writing into our live session. I am so sorry to hear what has been going on with your father-in-law. His touching you inappropriately is most vile and haram as you know. It should not be tolerated.

A Problem for our Ummah

This is a problem in our ummah that sadly goes unaddressed many times. There are some men who are very highly respected, pillars in the community as well as at home and have impeccable reputations. However a few have done exactly what your father-in-law is doing. There is sexual abuse going on and nobody is speaking about it for the same fears that you have. Due to the reputation of these men, and often times cultural norms and beliefs, the women or victims cannot say anything because they will not be believed as you stated. Additionally many do not want to risk losing their husbands and family by speaking up. This is a huge problem because it is a violation not only of Islamic principles and values but it is a violation of women.

Seeking Help

I will kindly suggest sister that you seek out an agency or organization for women in your area, preferably one that is Islamic. There may be organizations or groups of women who offer assistance in cases like this.  I am sure that there are other women who have experienced this same situation from other men in the community or perhaps even from him. If the situation where you live is tight-knit and or politically-charged these groups of women or organizations may be kind of underground, meaning they are not publicly broadcast for fear of repercussions. I kindly advise you insh’Allah, to seek out connections to these organizations by looking online and putting in keywords such as sexual abuse, Islam, women. If this search just not bring up anything I would kindly suggest that you contact the Rahi Foundation (1).  While it focuses on childhood sexual assault/abuse it also can offer some great supports and referrals insha’Allah.  The site states:  “RAHI Foundation, established in 1996, is a pioneering organization focused on women survivors of Incest and Child Sexual Abuse (CSA). RAHI’s work includes support and recovery through the distinctive RAHI Model of Healing; awareness and education about Incest/ CSA; training and intervention; and research and capacity building – all established within the larger issue of social change”.

Practical Tips

In the meantime, sister try not to be around your father-in-law in close proximity where in he can touch you. This may be hard due to family gatherings and so forth, however do try to stay away from him. If he is touching you inappropriately he may be touching others inappropriately as well such as other daughters, daughter-in-laws, sisters who go to him for help etc. The fact that you are married to his son sadly makes his access to you easier.

As you stated your husband “worships him and trust him completely” and they are very close, I’m not recommending that you inform your husband at this point. As you indicated, it is highly unlikely he will believe you given the situation. However, he does need to be informed as to what is going on.  I would kindly suggest that you first get supports set in place (counseling, telling your mom or a close sister, other family, a place to live if needed) in case you need to leave.  Ideally, your husband should believe you, support you, defend and protect you.  If he does not-and you are blamed or told you are lying-you will need to have a plan B-which will be leaving.  Allah did not create you sister to be abused in this way.

Seeking Support

Sister you may want to discuss the situation with your mother or a sister whom you are close to and that you trust explicitly. Seek their advice on the situation and how to handle it. It is not an easy situation but it must be addressed. Again as I stated earlier, there are organizations and groups who are comprised of professional counselors who have probably been through this themselves and that is why they seek to help others. Exposure is demanded because men who are respected, trusted and from our Islamic communities and live a double life by violating women cannot be tolerated.  There is to be no toleration for any man violating women from any community however some of these men feel “safer” based on their status and cultural surroundings. I often wonder if they ever fear the wrath of Allah swt for their actions.

Please do seek out any groups or organizations in your area which you can reach out to for guidance and assistance with this matter. Consider confiding in your mom or a close sister for assistance. Try to distance yourself from your father-in-law physically so he cannot touch you and please do make dua to Allah to assist you with this matter, to grant ease as well as expose this man for what he is doing.

Counseling & Moving Ahead

At this point sister I also advise you to seek out counseling in your area insha’Allah. A counselor should also be able help you formulate a way for you to protect yourself, assist you in resolving the situation according to your countries laws and resources for women as well as link you to the kind of organizations I was talking about. There may come a point sister wherein you may have to leave the home to protect yourself as well as any children you may have-or have in the future.  Surely you would not want them around your father-in-law.   In addition please know that this is no fault of your own, you are innocent, you are a victim. It is sad when we cannot trust esteemed elders in our community and especially when they are in our family. We wish you the best sister please let us know the outcome and how you are doing you are in our prayers.