How Do I Deal With a Controlling Husband Who Seldom Lets Me Leave the House?


Answered by Ustadha Zaynab Ansari

Question: What is the best way to deal with deep depression caused by a husband who doesn’t allow me to go anywhere except grocery shopping and to visit family?  We are not compatible, we don’t get along, and he does not communicate with me. At the beginning of our marriage I suffered emotional and psychological abuse.  That has stopped, but he is still very strict and controlling.  I feel like I cannot breathe or have control of my own life. If he would allow me to have a social life or even attend Islamic classes it would make a massive difference for my depression.

What are the steps to follow to remove depression and be happy and grateful for what Allah s.w. has given me?

Answer: Dear Sister,

Assalamu alaikum,

Please get help from the local Muslim community: Imams, teachers, religious leaders, community elders…

Isolation is dangerous and the situation you describe is neither healthy nor normal.

Your husband needs to get to the bottom of the trust issues that seem to be plaguing him and your marriage.

May Allah bless you,

Zaynab