Do I Have to Live With My Parents If I’m Not Married?

Answered by Ustadha Zaynab Ansari

Question: I’m a divorced professional sister. I moved back home after my divorce. My father has been abusive to my family since I was a child.  I have a good job, so I give him thousands of dollars for many things.

I have had enough I want to give up. I pray to Allah to find me a good spouse but I ask pray that if it’s good for me then Allah should make me die. I really really wanted to be married and raise a good family I prayed for this since I was a teenager. I even gave Sadqa did tahajjud and fasted nafl fasts and asked Allah to forgive my sins but I feel so low now.

I don’t want to complain but I need some help. I even tried to distract myself by keeping myself occupied but my father justs tries to stop it. I think I should just move out. Also make dua for me please and ask other pious people to make dua for me.

Answer: In the Name of Allah, the Gracious, the Merciful

Dear Sister,

Assalamu alaikum,

You are under no obligation to live with your father.

In fact, it sounds as if you are being taken advantage of.

As a divorced woman, you are your own agent and can choose to live independently and/or marry someone of your choice.

Stop the cycle of abuse and victimization.

You are entitled to move out and devote your resources to building a peaceful, dignified life. You can still check on your father and assist him. However, you don’t have to accept abuse to be a good daughter.

May Allah reward you,

Zaynab Ansari