{"_id":"676ac9eb631b2ecff5b5cbd5","title":"{\"ops\":[{\"insert\":\"How should I deal with the guilt that comes from external pressure on housewives?\\n\"}]}","question":"{\"ops\":[{\"insert\":\"I am a wife who does not work. I have been receiving a lot of comments about why I do not have a job yet, or why I don’t make my own money. People in my life tend to make comments about how housewives are lazy and don’t have anything going on for themselves. I’ve begun to feel low self esteem because of this.\\n\\nMy husband has always been comfortable with the idea of me being a housewife. Because of this, I’ve decided to take care of our home and really use my new “free” time to read Quran, learn my deen, and help out my husband, family, and friends whenever I can. I spend my days doing things and I don’t just laze around doing absolutely nothing.\\n\\nMy husband is pleased with what I do at home for him. However, I now feel a sense of guilt that I do not help him or do enough. I feel like I’m not a important part of society at all and I worry that if my husband dies or randomly divorces me (God forbid), it would be all my fault if I ended up in a terrible position in life.\\n\\nNow I’m anxious about my future . Would it be better to just go and seek out a career? I’m very tired of people assuming that I’m lazy and just using my husband. I also don’t want to be doing something wrong without realizing it (staying at home and not helping my husband by seeking a career).\\n\"}]}","answer":"{\"ops\":[{\"insert\":\"In Islam, being a housewife is a noble role. Taking care of the home, supporting your husband, and investing in your spiritual growth are not small things. You are playing an important role in your household, and if your husband is pleased with your contributions, that’s a strong sign that you’re fulfilling your responsibilities.\\n\\n\"},{\"attributes\":{\"underline\":true,\"bold\":true},\"insert\":\"Addressing External Pressures\"},{\"insert\":\"\\nWe live in a materialistic society that often sees value in people only to the extent that they contribute to wealth-building and material gains. As a result, the critical role of a loving housewife in nurturing and supporting a healthy family is frequently overlooked. However, your work at home contributes to the overall well-being of society in an extremely valuable way, even if it isn’t always visible to others.\\n\\nIslam honors the unseen work, the dedication, and love you pour into your home. People around you may not understand the beauty and importance of a housewife’s role because society tends to place more value on visible, outside work. Don’t let the opinions of others devalue the blessings that come from what you’re doing.\\n\\n\"},{\"attributes\":{\"underline\":true,\"bold\":true},\"insert\":\"Anxiety About the Future\"},{\"insert\":\"\\nIt’s understandable to feel anxious about the “what ifs” of life, but trust that Allah has a plan for you, and He is the best of planners. Your value is not tied to whether you have a career outside the home, but if it gives you peace of mind, you can explore ways to balance your current role with learning skills that might help you in the future. It’s perfectly fine to feel a desire to secure your future while still maintaining the beautiful role you’ve chosen now.\\n\\nRemember that you are not obligated to work outside the home unless there is a need, and that is something you and your husband can decide together. What’s most important is that you are both content with the balance in your marriage.\\n\\n\"},{\"attributes\":{\"underline\":true,\"bold\":true},\"insert\":\"Feeling Like You Don’t Do Enough\"},{\"insert\":\"\\nYour contribution to your husband’s happiness, your home, and even your own spiritual growth is immensely valuable. The time you spend learning the Qur’an, your deen, and supporting family and friends is a beautiful investment. Don’t let anyone make you feel guilty for this. Every person’s path is different, and your current role is just as important as any other.\\n\\n\"},{\"attributes\":{\"underline\":true,\"bold\":true},\"insert\":\"Conclusion\"},{\"insert\":\"\\nYou are not lazy, nor are you failing in your responsibilities. Your worth is not determined by a paycheck or society’s opinions but by your sincere efforts to please Allah, your husband, and to better yourself. If you want to explore a career or acquire new skills for peace of mind, you can take gradual steps toward that while maintaining your current role, but don’t let external pressure force you into something you don’t truly desire.\\n\\nKeep your heart anchored in trust that Allah will provide for your future, just as He is providing for you now. Ultimately, your true worth is defined by your relationship with Allah, and no one else can measure or diminish that.\\n\\nMay Allah grant you peace and confidence in your role, and may He continue to bless your marriage and your efforts.\\n\"}]}","tags":[{"_id":"668d9ff00b76658b4c2329a9","tag":"Contemporary Life: Jobs and Career","count":120},{"_id":"668d9ffb0b76658b4c232ade","tag":"Marriage: Roles and Responsibilities","count":56},{"_id":"668d9fe00b76658b4c2327c8","tag":"Women: Other","count":52}],"createdOn":"2024-12-24T14:49:15.091Z"}