He's twisting things to make it upside down.
He said if I don't want to practice Islam, then "get out," then accuses ME of choosing Christianity over him. No, I choose Christianity over shiddy attitude. I'm actually willing to live with HIM and take care of HIM (and not even begrudgingly) but it's HIM who is choosing Islam over ME as an entire INDIVIDUAL. He's turning it around to make it look like I "hate" him and am choosing "church over him" (well, to a point, we do have to). No, it's him who makes things unlivable, and then blames the person he "abuses" for leaving him (hypothetically right now) all alone. I'm sorry but I really freaking hate how the whole thing is being made for me to look like I'm the bad person.
I'm sorry to hear about the challenging situation you find yourself in. Remember that I'm just a 24 year old Catholic man, but I can offer you some guidance based on religious texts. Both the Bible and the Koran emphasize the importance of respecting and honoring one's parents, but the two also recognize that there are limits to this obligation.
Let's begin with the Bible:
1. Exodus 20:12 - "Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the LORD your God is giving you."
2. Ephesians 6:1-3 - "Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 'Honor your father and mother,' which is the first commandment with a promise: 'so that it may go well with you and that you may live long on the earth.'"
However, there are also situations where leaving home can be justified:
3. Matthew 10:34-37 - "Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to turn 'a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law—a man's enemies will be the members of his own household.' Anyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me."
Now, tell your dad this, as he is not following the peaceful teachings of the Koran. If he is a Muslim, he must be peaceful, just as Christians must be peaceful. If he continues being verbally abusive, then your dad is a hypocrite. Had to pull these Koran verses from online, cos I am not Muslim. Hopefully these are the right verses:
1. Surah Al-Baqarah (2:83) - "You shall serve none but God and do good to parents,
kinsmen [sons and daughters], orphans and the needy; you shall speak kindly to people, and establish Prayer and give Zakah (Purifying Alms)."
2. Surah Al-Nisa (4:36) - "Worship God and associate nothing with Him, and to parents do good, and to relatives [sons and daughters], orphans, the needy, the near neighbor, the neighbor farther away, the companion at your side, the traveler, and those whom your right hands possess. Indeed, God does not like those who are
self-deluding and
boastful."
These verses emphasize the importance of both honoring parents and doing what is right. In your situation, it's crucial to prioritize your safety and emotional well-being while striving for peace and respectful communication with your father. If staying with him becomes detrimental to your faith or causes harm, it may be necessary to
seek a new living situation where you can practice your Catholicism freely and peacefully.
It's essential not to let anyone manipulate or guilt-trip you into compromising your beliefs or wellbeing. Remember that ultimately, it is between you and God in matters of faith. Pray for guidance and wisdom to navigate this challenging situation with patience, compassion, and courage. May He grant you the strength and understanding needed to make the best decision for your spiritual growth.
I wish you peace, love, and blessings on this journey.
