Is it permissible for children to demand that their mother sell her parents’ house and divide the inheritance, or to force her out of it, knowing that she has no alternative housing other than a rental, the expenses of which her income is insufficient to cover?
The fundamental principle is that the deceased's estate is owned by the heirs according to their legally prescribed shares, and there is no harm in them claiming their right. However, it is commendable for children, out of honor and filial piety towards their mother, to leave the house for her as long as she needs it and cannot afford to buy or rent another, especially if they are well-off. This is a remembrance of the great right andفضل (فضل) of the mother, as Allah Almighty has commanded.
If vacating the house would cause them significant harm, such as an urgent need to sell it, then they must convince the mother to leave it and provide her with another suitable dwelling (either owned or rented), along with providing for all her other needs such as food, drink, clothing, and medical care if she cannot afford them. The costs of this maintenance should be divided among the children according to each one's financial capacity, based on the words of Allah Almighty: "Let a man of wealth spend from his wealth."
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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