My mother-in-law is non-Muslim. She doesn't respect my position as her son's wife. She only speaks to me in her son's presence. I've tried to build a relationship with her only to get very cold responses. She speaks to my husband about women he knew before he returned to Islam. She won't visit our home. She simply makes no effort to be a part of this family. I've decided to not put my self in situations to be hurt again. I told my husband that I did not want to attend functions with his family because they don't respect what we stand for and he treats me like trash around them. Should I have done this? If not, what do I do?

Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds; and may His blessings and peace be upon our Prophet Muhammad and upon all his Family and Companions.

We advise the questioner sister, to be kind with her mother in-law and show her the high morals of Islamic Sharia. Do not treat her as she treats you. If you do what is advised and be patient surely, she will respect you, Allah Willing. Allah Says (interpretation of meaning): {… Repel (the evil) with one which is better (i.e. Allâh ordered the faithful believers to be patient at the time of anger, and to excuse those who treat them badly), then verily! he, between whom and you there was enmity, (will become) as though he was a close.} [41: 34],
A Muslim whose heart is enlightened by faith, his heart is pleased by Islam and Allah has raised his grade by this religion should not be at the same level of those who perceive this life as only a means of entertainment.
Therefore, you should seek Allah's Help first and last; supplicate Allah as much as possible for yourself and for your husband; particularly, at the time when supplications are answered. May Allah bless you and us.
Allah knows best.