What is the ruling on sitting with one's mother when she watches channels that show movies and series containing music and seductive images, and what is your guidance for repelling ostentation and obsessive thoughts when hearing praise, and is refraining from sitting with cousins who backbite considered a severing of kinship ties?

If a mother watches TV series and movies that violate Islamic law, she is engaged in a reprehensible act and wasting her time on something that brings no benefit. Her excuse of boredom is unacceptable; she will be held accountable on the Day of Judgment for every minute she spends in front of the screen. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "There are two blessings concerning which many people are deceived: health and free time." A mother should be a good role model for her children.

Children must be patient with her and pray for her guidance, as this is part of honoring one's parents. And Allah guides whom He wills.

If you cannot convince her to stop watching and listening to music, then persuade her to lower the volume, and seek help from those close to her. It is not permissible for a Muslim to remain in a place where there is a reprehensible act, according to the Almighty's saying: "And when you see those who engage in [offensive] discourse concerning Our verses, then turn away from them until they enter into another conversation." This is an act of kindness on your part to leave the gathering when there is a reprehensible act.

Fear of afflictions is commendable, but one must be careful not to let it prevent them from doing good deeds and righteous work. One must turn away from misgivings and rely on Allah in their work.

If you are in a gathering where backbiting is occurring, it is obligatory for you to object. If they comply, then there is no harm in staying. Otherwise, you must leave the gathering, and this is not considered severing ties of kinship.