As salamu alaykum,

 

Shokran for writing to our Live Session. I am so sorry to hear what you and your sister (and your dad) have been going through with your mom. I can imagine it is not easy situation to live with. You sound like a wonderful daughter mash’Allah, may Allah swt reward you for your patience as well as the respect and honor that you continue to show your mom despite her harsh and confusing behaviors.

 

I would kindly suggest dear sister, that you and your sister take your dad out for lunch, coffee or other quite, relaxing environment in which you can talk freely. Express to him your feelings and concerns regarding your mom, and ask him if there is anything he knows about her that can help both you and your sister deal with your mom or understand the situation better.

 

Please do insha’Allah asuure your dad that everything will be held in confidence. Perhaps your dad has been struggling with certain issues with your mom for a long time, not quite sure how to deal with her (you stated even he will not speak up to her). Now that you and your sister are older, insha’Allah your dad can shed some light or insha’Allah as a family perhaps you all can think of a way or a plan of action to help your mom over-come whatever it is that is causing her to feel and act in this way.

 

While I cannot offer a professional opinion, I can suggest that perhaps she is suffering from depression or anger issue-perhaps from past trauma in her life or other mental health disorder.  I do not know thus I do recommend family therapy insha’Allah if she is willing.  This is something you may want to discuss with you dad insha’Allah.

Sister, please know that your mom loves you dearly.  For some reason she is unable to show you and your sister this love.  It is not your fault nor your sister’s, but lies within some unresolved issue(s) with your mom or a mental health disorder.  Please do continue to utilize patience and honor her despite her saying and doing hurtful things.  If she says something strange (like you stole from her) let it pass and recognize it as a possible illness.  Try not to take things she says or does personally as it is not your fault.

 

Try to keep the peace by not challenging her as it will not be productive.  If she does want things that do not belong to her such as your sister’s 3 bank accounts, you do not have to comply as these are not hers.  As long as your mom is not in need or poverty, you are not obligated to hand over all your assets.  You may want to give a portion, but in your sister’s case, she may need her money for her household.  Again, use good judgment in caving in to her demands -you do have rights as well.

Sister, often times parents need help with their own issues before they can be the loving parents that they wish to be. Alhumdulilah your dad has tried to provide a stable home environment despite your mom’s issues and he has encouraged you and congratulated you on your life accomplishments.  Insha’Allah he will be willing to help you and your sister resolve your mom’s problems as they are affecting the whole family.

 

Families were not meant to live in fear of one another, but to live in peace and harmony.  While no one is perfect sister and we all suffer from problems and issues from time to time-whether it is physical health, spiritual or mental,  it is important that one addresses these issues in order to restore health and balance.  If one is unable to do it for themselves, insha’Allah a loving family member may be able to to be successful in getting that person help.

Please do talk with your dad, try to remain respectful to your mom, recognize your mom does love you and that she may be suffering from a mental health issue.  Insha’Allah suggest to your dad counseling.  In the meantime, make duaa to Allah to grant ease, to heal your mom as well as give you insight on how to handle situations in which she is unreasonable or hurtful.  You are in our prayers, please let us know how you are.