Q: I have a very complicated question for you. Basically, my mother got divorced from my father many years ago, it was a forced marriage and was not built to last of course. Father was 40 years older than her, she was just 16 when she got married. Now she is saying I cannot speak to him, nor attend his funeral if he dies. In fact this year she has told me to completely sever all relations with him, otherwise she will disown me. I know she has been through hell and back because of him, and they did not get on well with one another, but do I have any rights, or must I be obedient and do sabr? If mother finds out that I have even glanced at him, I will be disowned and possibly thrown out of the house. I don’t blame either of them. I love them both, but why must I go through all this? Is this a punishment for my sins? Your help would be greatly appreciated.
A: Be patient. However, maintain a healthy relationship with your father without your mother knowing about it in order to save you from any problem and difficulty that you cannot withstand.
And Allah Ta’ala (الله تعالى) knows best.
Answered by:
Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)