Is it obligatory for children to treat their mother who is sick with cancer surgically and chemically, despite her refusal, and will God know of their shortcoming if they abandon that out of mercy for her?

It has been previously stated that there is a difference of opinion among scholars regarding the ruling on medical treatment. The preponderant view is that it is permissible to forgo treatment unless the illness will lead to destruction and the medicine is certain to be effective, by Allah's permission, in which case treatment becomes obligatory. This is based on the Almighty's saying: "And do not throw [yourselves] with your [own] hands into destruction" (Quran 2:195), and His saying: "And do not kill yourselves" (Quran 4:29).

Cancer is a serious illness, but there is no certainty regarding the effectiveness of its medical treatment. Therefore, if the medicine is not highly likely to succeed, then treatment for it is not obligatory. We advise consulting doctors and gently trying to convince your mother if you are certain of the medicine's success, and there is no need to inform her of the illness.

Treatment with Ruqyah (definition) (Islamic incantations) and prophetic medicines is beneficial and proven, and it does not contradict surgical treatment.