Responsibility

153066

Is it mandatory in Islam for daughters-in-law to take care of their husband's family, including doing household chores?

Sayyed Mohammad Al-Musawi, Sayyed Mohammad al-Musawi is originally from Iraq and heads up the World Ahlul Bayt Islamic League in London. Other than being involved in various humanitarian projects, he frequently responds to... Answered 1 year ago

It is not obligatory on daughters-in-law to serve their husband's family, but it is good to do things which help your husband to be a good son for his parents as much as can. Kindness is always good but Islam does allows insulting or hurting others under any circumstances. Be kind as much as you can and remember the reward of kindness as well as the results in this life as every daughter-in-law will be a mother-in-law in the future.

Wassalam.

174701

Son . Responsibility . Parents . Daughter . Wife . Children

As an only son, what are my responsibilities towards my parents? Are a son's responsibilities any different to those of a daughter? What are my responsibilities towards my parents in relation to those towards my wife and children?

Your responsibility is to look after your parents and serve them as a humble servant and try your best to please them and obey their orders in lawful matters. Your responsibility as their only son is more than the responsibility of your sister. Doing your best and serving your parents does not mean that you ignore the rights of your wife. Her rights on you remain preserved, although there should not be any contradiction between complete service to your parents and fulfilling the rights of your wife, but never do anything which can harm the feelings of your parents. They are your gate to paradise and eternal success

. Wassalam

152995

Responsibility . Mother . Brother . Children

Is it my responsibility to live near my mother, even though she and my brother dislike my religion and pressure me to abandon it, despite the fact that I have two children and it would require moving to a non-Islamic country?

Amina Inloes, Amina Inloes is originally from the US and has a PhD in Islamic Studies from the University of Exeter on Shi'a hadith. She is the program leader for the MA Islamic Studies program at the... Answered 2 years ago

It sounds like there are a lot of factors to take into consideration (including what country you want to raise your children in and their educational opportunities in each place).

I can understand not wanting yourself or your children to be around negativity towards your religion, especially if they are living in a country where Muslims are the minority, and it is already difficult to be a practising Muslim/raise children as practising Muslims. From that angle, since you would not be receiving religious support from your family, it is good to consider whether there is a supportive, healthy, and welcoming Muslim community there to offer support for yourself and your children, especially in teaching children about Islam in a positive and appealing manner.

Probably there are pros and cons to staying where you are, or moving. There may be some hidden blessings to moving there but also some challenges. So it is good to consider all aspects (financial, religious, educational, social, emotional, etc) and make the best decision.

Possibly this may be situational, for instance, if your mother is at an old age and if you are concerned that she will pass away while you are not present and you would regret that, that might be a factor.

There is probably no rush to make a decision and sometimes when we give something time, Allah decides for us by changing the circumstances of our life to go one direction or the other. When unsure, it is good to pray for guidance, as it often comes clearly.

In any case, silat al-rahm can be done regardless of where you live and does not require living nearby especially these days when travel and communications are much easier.

Responsibility . Mother . Brother . Children

Zaid Alsalami, Shaykh Dr Zaid Alsalami is an Iraqi born scholar, raised in Australia. He obtained a BA from Al-Mustafa University, Qom, and an MA from the Islamic College in London. He also obtained a PhD from... Answered 2 years ago

Bismihi ta'ala

It is your wajib duty to obey your mother, as long as she is not encouraging or forcing you to commit sin. She wanting you to live near her could mean she is still caring for you and loves you. It is just a matter of accommodating to her, compromising where you can, controlling your emotions, and also creating boundaries.

With all the sacrifices you make for your mother, Allah ta'ala will certainly compensate in the best of ways.

And Allah knows best.

147901

Family . Sunni . School . Responsibility . Ahl al-Bayt . God (Allah)

My family follows the Sunni school of thought, but I follow the Ahl al-Bayt. They are unaware of my beliefs. Should it be my responsibility to inform them about my religious path? How would God view my decision to keep this information to myself?

It depends on the situation of your family. If your family members are flexible and open minded and appreciate evidence and believe in freedom of faith, then you can inform them that the authentic evidence guided to to follow Ahlul Bayt (AS). You can also give them some important points which guided you to Ahlul Bayt (As) which can help them not only to appreciate your research for the Truth for your life here and hereafter, but also open their minds to think properly about the Reality of Real Islam of the Prophet and his Holy Progeny.

'If your family members are rigid and closed minded and do not respect evidence nor freedom of faith and want to remain blindly following their fore fathers, then it might be harmful to inform them because it might create enmity and hatred against you.

'Keeping your faith secret is the option of thousands of believers who live in a negative surroundings which can harm them if they disclose. This is called Taqiyya which is mentioned in Quran in many verses. Allah Did Praise in Quran (Sura Ghaafir; verse 28) a believer from Firaon family who was hiding his faith.

Wassalam.

114253

Wife . Husband . Responsibility

If the wife earns much more money than the husband, and without the wife's support the husband can't live properly, is there any new responsibility added on the wife?

Bismihi ta'ala

Nafaqah is wajib upon the husband, and any financial contribution the wife makes is solely out of her kindness and good will. She has no responsibility or duty added onto her towards the house, even if she is rich or earns more money.

Yes, there would be a situation where she must contribute, and that is, for example, when she demands to live in a certain area or house that is more expensive, and she pledges to pay the additional amount.

And Allah knows best.

108639

Responsibility . Sadaqa (Charity)

I recently got informed about damage charges that I had forgotten to pay earlier. I tried to pay the amount but they have sent it to collections and it is lost. Am I able to pay that amount to charity instead in order to clear off my responsibility?

You must try everything possible to give back the rights of others on you to them. If you are completely unable to reach to them, you then should give their money or items to the poor believers on behalf of the real owners whom you could not reach to.

Wassalam.

105435

Responsibility . Baligh . Children . Parents

Is there a responsibility on Baligh children to do Amr bil Maruf and Nahi Anil Munkar on their parents with the intention to tell them about the Nafs, teachings of the Ahlul Bayt (as) and connection with their Lord?

Baligh person is no more a child in Islam. Once the child reaches the Bolough, he/she is no more a child even if the society calls them children. Baligh person has the responsibility to perform every obligatory act or worship according to his abilities. Baligh young person is responsible to do Amr bil Ma'roof and Naahi 'Anil Munkar according to his knowledge and abilities and the possibility of effect.

Dealing with parents must be with full respect even if they do what you think it wrong. You must avoid any word or behaviour which can cause hurting their feelings. Hurting the feelings of your parents or any of them is a major sin.

Wasalam.

94561

Wife . Responsibility . Employment

If my new wife already has a job and pays her own rent, is it still my Islamic responsibility to pay it though we have come to an understanding that she will pay her own for the time being?

Islamic Rules say that all the livelihood expenses of the wife ( including housing and other usual expenses) is the responsibility of her husband even if she is a rich person. If your wife accepted to pay her own rent not knowing that it is the responsibility of her husband, you must tell her the truth and pay for her rent. If she wants after knowing her right of housing on you, to voluntarily pay her rent, that will be favor from her on you, but you are not allowed to force her or pressurise on her to do so.

'Wassalam.

93981

Responsibility . Divorce . Woman

Is it the responsibility of a male relative to take care of a single female after her divorce? If so, which relative does this responsibility fall on?

Bismihi ta'ala

No, it is not the shar'i responsibility of a male relative to take care of a single female relative after she gets divorced.

If the relatives wish to do this out of good will, and for the sake of God, then that is a good thing and they will be rewarded for it. Of course, in the case of a woman getting divorced and her not having any immediate family, it is important that her kin support and take care of her and not leave her alone.

With prayers for your success.

94625

Wife . Family . Responsibility . Salah (Prayers) . God (Allah)

My wife hasn't prayed for the last 5 years. When I ask her, she and her family tell me that this is not my responsibility and it is between her and Allah. How should I deal with this situation?

Mateen Charbonneau, Sheikh Mateen Joshua Charbonneau achieved a certificate from Harvard University in Islamic Studies. He undertook Howza classes under esteemed scholars since 2013 and has been teaching at Imam Mahdi... Answered 5 years ago

You should not abandon hope for her. Continue to encourage her, while not being forceful or pushy. Pray where she sees you and perhaps she will feel remorse that she is not praying.

A scholar in Najaf told me about being persistent, "I remember there was one of the youth who followed my father in taqlid and at some point he became a communist and left Islam. My father would pass by this youths shop on his way to salat everyday. My father would always say salam to the youth, but the young man would ignore him and never reply. My father kept saying salam to him everyday for one year then the youth finally replied to his salam and ended up repenting and coming back to Islam."

89912

Daughter . Responsibility . Parents

Is it a daughter's responsibility to live with the parents and provide for them financially in their old age?

Unmarried daughter should look after her old parents who need her with them. This is a religious and moral responsibility on every son and daughter towards their parents. If the parents are in need for their livelihood expenses, it becomes obligatory on the sons and daughters to financially support their parents and fulfill all their needs.

If the parents feel sad or hurt because of their daughter leaves living with them, it becomes her responsibility to live with them and avoid hurting their feelings.

Wassalam.