Is it possible to determine whether a father is bewitched or mentally ill based on the behavioral changes that have afflicted him, such as cruelty, suspicion, violence, and isolation, and how can he be treated given his refusal to discuss this matter? And is it permissible for children to help their mother file for divorce if the father is not bewitched or mentally ill, with the aim of securing housing and expenses for the family?

We advise you on three points:

1. Sincere Repentance: Perhaps what has afflicted you is due to sins, and repentance, supplication, and seeking forgiveness can lift the affliction. 2. Advice and Treatment: If there is a relative of your father, let him advise him and remind him of his responsibility before Allah. Attempt to convince him to seek psychological treatment or ruqyah (Islamic exorcism) from trustworthy shaykhs. If he refuses direct ruqyah, verses of ruqyah can be recited over water for him to drink, along with frequent recitation of Surat Al-Baqarah in the house and purifying it from the means of Shaytan. 3. Resorting to Sharia Court: If he does not respond, it is permissible for you and your mother to raise your matter to the Sharia court to compel him to fulfill what is legally required. This is not considered disobedience, as Islamic law permits litigation between a father and his son.