My father did not speak to me. In fact, he ordered my entire family not to speak to me at all until further notice. I was not to leave the house at all. They took my keys and everytime my family went out, I was locked inside. If my mother wanted me to do the dishes, she would slip a post-it note under the door. I began to sleep all day and not eat as much. I was told to do all the laundry as part of my punishment, and given that we had no washer and dryer, I had to wash clothes by hand. My hands began to get rough and I felt my life was going downhill. The relationship between Mustafa and myself was never really the same as his family was not pleased either. I still needed someone to talk to, especially since I had not been out of the house in so long. I still chatted and talked to people with my secret phone.
My father went on vacation to visit Egypt and the States. During this time, my mother tried to take me out and I was uncomfortable with it. The cars, the honking and the lights made me nervous; and I would cry constantly. I was locked up for so long with no one talking to me. The justifiable reason was because the Prophet Muhammad had once not spoken to his wife for over 30 days. I tried to think of Allah and pray, but I felt no peace. I felt that this life was unjust and the rules of man were only to man's advantage. I began to doubt the mercy and compassion of Islam. I began to believe that many men convert to Islam so they can feel empowered. I began to believe Islam was not for me.
Lesson Learned: Try not to do things behind your parents' back, if at all possible. Most parents would be much more happier if you talked to them and involved them in with your wants and needs. It doesn't mean they accept it, but you are still their child.
