I am studying far away from my mother, who lives alone and is in good health, but she needs someone to keep her company in her loneliness. I am torn between interrupting my 5-year studies and returning to my mother, or completing my studies. Note that I stayed with her for two years after my father's death, but I was harassed by society because we were women without a man, so I was forced to live with my sisters. I fear that I am falling short in my duty towards my mother, especially since my sisters do not care for her.

All praise is due to Allah, and thereafter:

If your mother does not permit you to travel with your sisters, or if she needs your presence, then you must stay with her. If she permits you to travel for your own benefit, but she needs someone to comfort her in her solitude, then it is preferable to remain with her, because Paradise lies there [in her service]. As for using annoyances as an excuse, there is no difference between your presence with her or with your sisters; protection comes from a woman adhering to her religion and her chastity. One should not use the future and obtaining a certificate as an excuse, for Allah has guaranteed provision. The advice is to remain with your mother and comfort her in her solitude, knowing that it is not obligatory to abandon your studies if no religious prohibition results from the travel.