What is the ruling on housing the elderly and incapacitated mother of the wife in the marital home, and is it permissible for her to move before the completion of her iddah?

We have previously stated in earlier fatwas that it is not permissible for a woman whose husband has died to move from her marital home until her 'iddah (waiting period) has expired, unless there is a necessity. However, if the woman is unable to manage her own affairs and there is no one to care for her, then there is no harm in her moving before the 'iddah expires due to necessity.

Sheltering and supporting the wife's mother is a legitimate act, for which the husband will receive reward and recompense, because it is an honor to the wife and helps her in showing devotion to her mother. It is also an act of helping a Muslim, in accordance with the saying of the Prophet (peace be upon him): "Allah helps the servant as long as the servant helps his brother." It is also an act of honoring an elderly Muslim, for the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Indeed, part of glorifying Allah is honoring an elderly Muslim."