What is the jurisprudential ruling regarding a wife's refusal to have her husband's elderly mother live with them in the same house?
Kindness and benevolence towards one's mother are an absolute obligation, especially in her old age. Allah the Almighty says: "And your Lord has decreed that you shall not worship except Him, and to parents, good treatment. Whether one or both of them reach old age [while] with you, say not to them [even] 'uff,' and do not repel them but speak to them a noble word. And lower to them the wing of humility out of mercy and say, 'My Lord, have mercy upon them as they nurtured me when I was small.'" And the pleasure of Allah is in the pleasure of the parents, and His wrath is in their wrath. Preparing a suitable dwelling for the mother, attending to her service, and fulfilling her requests are obligatory. And reuniting her with your father in a new marriage contract is better if possible. The right of parents is greater than the right of the wife, and every rightful person must be given their due.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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