Tuesday, May 16, 2006

The wheels on the bus go round and round.....

......round and round....round and round.

So here's what I've been thinking.......watch out! After a lot of soul searching.....I've come to the conclusion that my marriage is "scarred". There are so many lies, and deceit surrounding my husbands "marriages". Yes, true I didn't know about wife # 2 until January and she had since been divorced and gone....but there were situation when he storyed me into buying stuff for "business" which was in fact for this woman. And then I found out about wife # 3.......after a big scandal last summer, where she sent him a text message on his phone saying,,,,,je t'aime, Habibee. He did this big thing where he called her and asked her what she meant by that marriage.....(of course he called her outside, not in front of me) and he came telling me that she wanted to marry him and was asking him when he was with his family rather than when he was in Canada alone. (BTW, she knew about the other woman who he had just divorced 1 month before she sent her message) So anyways....after we agreed that I couldn't handle him having another wife when we were living in 2 countries, that was that. Or so I thought. At that time, he didn't tell me that he was just divorced.....he didn't mention a word. It wasn't until January I found out......and that he went back to Canada and married the other woman who loved him so much. It's a joke. So I've been thinking......wife # 2 came and went, I didn't know....it hurts....but there isn't much to deal with there. Wife # 3 is my problem. He lied to me about her.....he did stuff.......I just don't want to get into it.......but he lied a lot and turned around and married her anyways.

*I don't want to live alone in Egypt anymore
*I need a husband who is available to me for more than emotional support. (which he isn't even giving)
*The kids need their father
*I need to be a part of his life
*I'm sick and depressed, been on prozac for 3 mos....and feel like a worthless lump

When I pressured my husband once about his lying...he told me to go to hell....which he has never ever said to me in all our married life. When I ask him when we are coming....or when we'll see him....he's hung up the phone on me. Then he didn't call me for 10 days. He's being cruel and all I want are my rights. Last time on the phone I told him when the girls will finish exams and gave him a date to figure out what is happening.
Here's what I'm prepared to do:
*if he comes, he had better be staying 3 mos, if not, I'm gonna have a fit
*if we are going....I may not come back to egypt....I will make my decision while I am there
*if he continues to put me off and tries to let things slide...saying he cant get tickets, or we should wait another month...or or or......I will up and take the kids and go back on my own.

I'm scared, anxious and very very worried. I married this man when I was 18....he's all the life I've known.....but I am prepared to take steps if he continues to refuse to give me my rights. He has no plan......he had the nerve to say to me on the phone that if he was to stay in Cda for 4 mos, he'll owe me 4....or if its 6 mos, he'll owe me 6....even if a year....he'll owe me a year. To which I replied.....I'm not willing to wait that long. That is neither islamic or even proper. So what do you all think.....?? I need some feedback......
*

14 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

Asalaamu alaikum,
You know...I do not have any real advice but I think that you should do what feels right to you. You can ask everyone thier opinion on this but there is only one opinion that really matters and that is yours. We can spend all day telling you what we would do in the situation and what we think you should do. But when it comes down to it you are the one that must make the final decision, you are the one who will reap the benefits and or consequences of that decision. I love you and I wish I had an easy answer for you but I do not. Just do what you feel will be best for all parties involved. Sorry I am no help....

4:23 AM

 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Why do you even need an answer? If this was published to the ordinary public the answer would be simple...get rid of this loser as fast as possible. The only question really is ..why would any woman allow herself to be treated this way? This man has treated you like dirt..why are you trying to understand or rationalize it? why would you accept a man going with other women..sleeping with them...marrying them? well. all the best..think of your children and the examply you are setting..

5:16 AM

 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Anonomous, need you be so harsh? Islamically her husband is allowed another wife if he so chooses. Is is not that easy to just up and leave someone whom you love, and who is the only life you have known. As far as her childen are concerned she is a wonderful and loving mother. The example that she sets is not of any question. Her children have grown to be beautiful, understanding, intelligent and very loving. She needs to rationalize and understand the things that are going on. Everyone needs that if they are in that situation. Letting go is just not as easy as we would like to think it is. Easier said than done.

6:32 AM

 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Dear Safa and UmmAbdur-Rahmaan,

Islamically the husband is NOT "allowed" to take another wife “if he chooses”. There is no sunnah indicating that the Prophet married because he was lonely or because he arbitrarily “chose to”. Polygamy is allowed only under certain circumstances and loneliness is not one of them. Please do not make yourself believe this. If he was lonely he should have taken Safa with him. Allah wouldn’t have created love between two people if it had to be played down. There is nothing wrong with loving a man but if he has hurt you the way he has, try and stand back and treat him like he deserves. Don’t kill yourself with Prozac. It will only harm your mental health and your children’s future. Instead tell your husband that you want to live with him. 5 years is enough.

And yes, anonymous was a bit harsh but I think s/he is just frustrated like me that Muslim women sigh and pine rather than speak up for their rights.

10:54 AM

 
Blogger Safa said...

I think all your comments are wonderful and great eye openers.....I need the variety. My kids are 14, 11, 8 and 3. My 14 yr old is upset with her father and is the only one who knows about him marrying twice....the other ones only know about the present one. To be honest, its hard on all of them, they are most upset because he did it without telling us. And of course, because he hurt me in the process. It's not easy deciding what to do. Part of my problem is that I love him so much......and my heart hurts........and I also realize that our relationship will probably never be the same. I don't know if I'll get over it. I started taking the prozac because I couldn't get out of bed, I was non stop crying and it was horrible. My kids suffered so much during that time.....and I needed to get some hold on my emotions....everything was out of whack. I find that it has helped stabilize me where I can think and not break down in a fit. Until now I am having episodes of the shakes when I start thinking. I do intend to keep pushing him for my rights, even if I have to get his family involved. I don't feel like my husband is treating me like dirt....rather I liken it to an old shoe. It's old and well worn, but its comfy and makes you feel good when you wear it.......that's me. But dirt? Nahhhhh. I mean with all my harping.....masha ALLAH, he's been a good husband before all this......he provides well for us......it's just been since he had the first wife that he started the hiding. He says out of his love for me......but I say out of his fear and weakness. I will not leave my husband if I am in Egypt....the girls need me, I have dedicated the last 5 yrs to raising them mostly all on my own.....and if given the choice, I know they would come with me. In Canada, the laws are more favourable towards me. I shall see, and truly only Allah knows where my path is......I just need to keep building my strength until I get the next phone call. It's been two days already since I laid things on the line......

12:03 PM

 
Blogger egianqueen said...

Safa - this is a decision that you and you alone can make - with much prayer and fasting Allah will help you - just make sure that your rights and the righs of your girls will be protected -i.e. if you decide for divorce then you would be better off in Canada where your rights as mother are more protected than they are here. Know that we are here for you - rooting for you - crying with you - angry with you - and all that good stuff.

12:53 PM

 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I was too harsh and I'm sorry for that...I guess the anger I feel at a man treating another person like this made me angry..but I was also angry at your seemingly "passive" nature..c'mon, girl..if you look after all those children you are a strong lady...this guy is taking you for granted and taking advantage of you..don't let him..he'll respect you more (if you care..I really don't think he's worth it) if you stand up for yourself..don't accept his actions..I did not realize you were so young (18) when yu got involved with him..that's part of the problem..you did your growing up and independance thing after you met him..hey, you're living in a foreign country bringing up a bunch of kids ..you must have something on the ball:)...tell this jerk where to go and that he can't treat you like that:):)

9:30 PM

 
Blogger Safa said...

everyone here makes sense and honestly, I don't think you are harsh, anonymous. You know what? I am passive by nature.....I have the sort of personality where I say, whatever is gonna happen will happen anyways. And I did do my growing up and independance with him. So all of a sudden, I find myself in a corner where I have to get out of. I've backed right up against it and I'm still hesitating. That's just me. I have to be sure. I know my ability, but I need to know what his direction is first. So who knows what will happen. Today is his 40th birthday. He promised me 3 mos ago that he would be here with us for this one......obviously he's not. I'm going to let the girls call him today, but I'm not going to talk to him. I can't.
You know, before I married him, I was a stronger person, I decided to convert to islam when I was 16, on my own, and then had an arranged marriage with him at 18. Isn't that brave? I've just grown so dependant on him.....I know I am an obedient wife, never question.......but all that has changed after I realized he's been lying to me....I can see it when he's going off.......I suppose that this 5 yrs in Egypt has been a trial for me to be confident in my abilities. It's really the next phone call that's going to make my decisions for me.........thanks for all being an ear......

1:57 AM

 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

As-salaamu Alaykum, Safa
The advice I am going to give you is something you probably already know, nevertheless a reminder benefits the believer. First I ask Allah to strengthen you and increase your patience and perserverance as well as bring you ease and success to your situation, Aameen. Please continue to be patient and ask Allah for advice before you make any decisions (istaukara). Be sure to keep in mind your children and those that you are responsible for but most importantly keep Allah in mind and what it is that is most pleasing to Him. I wish I could offer more advice but I have never been in a situation where my co-wife wasn't in the same country as I. But I can tell you that I dealt with any issues I may have had by seeking advice from those who were sincere and rightous not those who were hasty and ignorant, most importantly I sought advise from the one who knows best, Allah (SWT). I love you fisibillah, and remember that Allah will never burden one beyond their scope and that His tests are a mercy from Him.

As-salaamu Alaykum

5:56 AM

 
Blogger Anna in PDX said...

Salam
I have a friend in almost your exact situation. I am in not a very good situ myself. Can't believe it when I read this on a website by a completely different person. How many stories like this are there. Please do write me at my private e-mail and I will send you my cell phone number - if you are in Egypt again you can contact me and my friend.

12:59 AM

 
Blogger Safa said...

I can't find your email address anywhere....maybe I am missing something?? LOLOL....wouldn't be the first time.....my email address is in my complete profile.....go ahead and email me....we can talk from there, insha ALLAH....and yes, I'm in the 10th of Ramadan City....very much in Egypt.....

1:29 AM

 
Blogger amygdala said...

oh goodness. so many stressed wives have their blogs round here... perhaps we should start a collective for mutual support and biscuit-posting. my thoughts are with you. i won't slag your bloke off cos i know it's not as simple as that. much love x

you know what? i'd like to read a blog about a muslim woman who has a happy marriage. anyone know one?

3:02 AM

 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I am happily married alhumdullilah.

4:10 AM

 
Blogger Safa said...

oh, I'm sorry....did I forget to leave out the part about me being happily married? LOLOLOL!!! Post back with me a month from now, who knows?

10:00 AM

 

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