u/Yahusayn12

I'm asking these respectfully and in good faith. I'm genuinely interested in how these are understood.

1. Abu Bakr & Umar

Why should I accept Abu Bakr's caliphate when:

Sahih al-Bukhari reports that Fatimah (ra) remained angry with Abu Bakr until she died over Fadak.

Sahih al-Bukhari reports that Ali (as) delayed giving bay'ah until after Fatimah's death.

Historical works such as *Tarikh al-Tabari* contain reports that Umar threatened the house of Fatimah.

How do you reconcile these reports with the legitimacy of the first caliphate?

2. Aisha

How should I understand Aisha's participation in the Battle of the Camel against Imam Ali (as), who was the caliph at the time? How is this reconciled with the obligation to obey the legitimate ruler?

3. Tawassul

If tawassul is accepted by many scholars (e.g. the hadith of the blind man), why is saying "Ya Husayn" considered shirk by some if the belief is that Allah alone grants all help and Husayn is only sought as a means?

I'm looking for respectful, evidence-based answers, not insults or sectarian attacks.

As-salamu alaykum.

I have an honest question, especially for practicing Muslims.

I'm 34 years old. I work as a dishwasher at a fast-food restaurant, and alhamdulillah I earn enough to support myself. Soon, in sha Allah, I'll also be starting a second job as a street cleaner. I live in my own two-bedroom apartment, and I'm grateful to Allah for everything He has given me.

I also have a prison past, but alhamdulillah Allah allowed me to be paroled, and I've been trying to build my life in a halal way ever since.

Sometimes I compare myself to all the successful people I see online, and it makes me wonder if someone like me would even be considered for marriage. I don't have a prestigious career or a university education, and I may never be wealthy.

My question is: would a practicing Muslim woman overlook my job and past if she saw sincere repentance, good character, and a man who works hard through halal means? Or would being a dishwasher or street cleaner be a dealbreaker?

How would you feel about someone who hasn't had any contact with their family for nearly 20 years? Would that be something that would bother you or make you hesitant, or would you want to understand the reasons before judging?

I'm genuinely interested in hearing different perspectives.

Please be honest. I'm not looking for sympathy just genuine perspectives. May Allah guide us all to spouses who value taqwa, honesty, and good character over status. Ameen.