Is a mother who mistreats her daughter, separates her from her siblings, and demands money from her in exchange for housing—despite being well-off—sinful and deserving of punishment? And why did Allah command us to treat parents with kindness but not command parents to treat their children likewise?

The notion that Allah did not command parents to be good to their children is incorrect. Indeed, the Sharia has enjoined justice between them and forbidden their oppression, as substantiated by His (the Most High) saying: "Allah instructs you concerning your children," and the Prophet’s (peace be upon him) saying: "Be mindful of Allah and be just among your children."

And if parents fall short or act wrongly, that does not negate their right to dutifulness, and it is not permissible to respond to ill-treatment in kind. For the right of parents is great, and dutifulness to the mother is a cause for the children's dutifulness, Allah's pleasure, success, and happiness. A believer should repel evil with good.