What is the Sharīʿah's (Islamic law's) stance on grandparents who do not care for their deceased son's children, leaving them to their mother? And is there a divine wisdom in their inheritance that they should be compassionate towards their grandchildren, care for them, and help the widow in raising them, especially given the close proximity and the good health of the grandparents and paternal uncles?
The legal custody of children belongs to the mother for their care and upbringing. It is incumbent upon the grandfather, grandmother, and paternal uncles to maintain ties with their grandchildren/nephews, as they are considered like one's own children in terms of the obligation to maintain ties and show kindness to them, especially after the father's death. Therefore, they should visit them, inquire about them, and offer them help and righteousness. There is no connection between inheritance and the grandfather's obligation to care for his grandchildren, as Allah has legislated inheritances for a profound wisdom.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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