Nightmare Alley: The Cost of Parenthood

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Rohaan’s Father’s Disturbing Dream

Rohaan’s parents finally felt life had settled again. Their son was back, and the home felt whole,  but peace can be deceptive.

Sometimes it only hides what lies beneath. Parenthood’s cost is not always visible, and that night proved it.

A Scream in the Dark

Past midnight, a scream shattered the silence.

"Save me! This fire is consuming me. Brother, help me!"

He woke with a gasp, his heart racing.

"It was my brother," he whispered.

His wife stared at him in disbelief.

The Nightmare Is Back

The night passed, but its shadow stayed.

Three nights later, the nightmare returned, more vivid and disturbing than before.

A distorted face rose from the darkness, charred eyes burning with torment.

Flames circled as he struggled free.

He woke with a strangled cry, heart racing, gripped by dread.

A Warning for Every Believer

In the Quran, Allah says,

يٰٓاَيُّهَا الَّذِيْنَ اٰمَنُوْا قُوْٓا اَنْفُسَكُمْ وَاَهْلِيْكُمْ نَارًا وَّقُوْدُهَا النَّاسُ وَالْحِجَارَةُ

"O, People who Believe! Save yourselves and your families from the fire, the fuel of which is men and stones."

(Surah At-Tahrim 66:6)

Then explain how the verse relates to the father's responsibility and failure to protect his child.

A Visit to an Islamic Scholar

Three days later, he sat before an Islamic scholar, drained by sleepless nights. His hands trembled, eyes hollow.

“My brother’s distress won’t leave me,” he said quietly. “I keep seeing him in that state.”

What does it mean?”

The scholar paused.

“Your brother has not found solace. He carried the pain of innocent lives into his grave.”

Did you accept the truth, or protect the image you wanted to keep?

The Root of Suffering: Toxic Uncle and Rohaan’s Trauma

The Islamic scholar said Rohaan’s deepest pain did not come from a single moment, but from Repeated anguish that left lasting scars on his soul.

With sorrow, he added, “You did not truly see your brother’s actions as wrong in your heart. Your brother is now facing the consequences of his deeds.”

Then he said softly, “Pray for him. Allah is the Most Forgiving, Most Merciful.”

Lessons of a Dream: the Hidden Cost of Parenthood

Rohaan’s father’s nightmare reflects a hard reality: the way children are raised today defines their entire future.

Hadith and psychology both highlight the importance of mercy, protection, and emotional security in child upbringing.

Explore: Should a Child Be Beaten in Islam?

Raising Children in Islam: A Sacred Trust

Children are a trust from Allah entrusted to their parents. They should be cared for and nurtured, not as a burden, but as a responsibility.

Allah says in the Qur’an:

“Indeed, your wealth and your children are a trial…”

(Surah At-Taghabun 64:15)

This verse reframes parenting as a test of responsibility, not just affection.

Treat Your Children Fairly: A Hadith

Every action within a home shapes a child’s well-being or leaves lasting inner distress.

The Prophet ﷺ said:

"Fear Allah and treat your children equally."

(Sahih al-Bukhari 2587; Sahih Muslim 1623)

The Qur’an and Toxic Relatives

Islam does not permit accepting oppression silently. Sometimes parents, in the name of family respect, dismiss their child’s concerns and avoid addressing the issue.

This can silence the child and prevent them from speaking freely.

👉This connects with the philosophical idea known as the Paradox of Tolerance.

Allah commands:

Good and evil cannot be equal. Respond to evil with what is best, then the one you are in conflict with may become like a close friend.

(Surah Fussilat 41:34)

How Islam Guides Safety and Boundaries

• Maintain family ties.

  
  

• Set healthy boundaries.

  
  

• Protect well-being.

  
  

• Avoid retaliation.

  
  

The Psychology of Child Development

When a child is ignored, they grow into adulthood carrying.

• Negative outcomes:

  
  

  • insecurity and self-doubt.

    
    

  • low self-worth.

    
    

  • difficulty in relationships.

  
  

  But when raised with compassion and structure, they develop.

• Positive outcomes:

  
  

  • confidence.

    
    

  • resilience.

    
    

  • inner calm.

Reference:

Baumrind, D. (1991). The influence of parenting style on adolescent competence and substance use. The Journal of Early Adolescence, 11(1), 56–95.

Self-reflection:

What are your thoughts on parenting, emotional pain, and family responsibility? Share your perspective below and join the discussion.