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Fatwa CenterHer husband does not want her non-Muslim mother to live with them
Question
Salaam. Mu husband is Muslim. I am converted Muslim. My mother is divorced and live in other country and I don't have sisters or brothers. My husband says that he doesn't want my mother to live with us even if she is old, because she is not muslim and he thinks she doesn't like him. What is my rights regarding my mother in Islam?
Answer
All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, is His Slave and Messenger.
It is your mother's right over you that you be dutiful and kind to her, and her being a non-Muslim does not forfeit this right. For further information in this regard see Fatwa 85180. You should know that calling your mother to Islam and presenting it to her well are the best kindness you may show to her. Perhaps Allaah The Almighty will guide her to Islam through you and this is a great asset. The Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, said: "If Allaah guided one person (to Islam) through you, it would be better for you than possessing the red camels (i.e. the most precious breed of camels)." [Al-Bukhari and Muslim] The Hadeeth includes both men and women.
In addition, your mother's right upon you is to financially support her if you have money of your own and she is in need of financial support. You should also be keen on giving her gifts, contacting her, checking on her and the like, which would help attracting her heart to Islam.
However, your husband has the right to reject your mother's living with you; perhaps he fears that she may entail harm on your religion or the like. He also has the right to reject your mother's living with you even if there is no harm involved, as long as the house is his own property.
Anyway, if you managed to convince your husband to let your mother live with you, it would be fine. If you could not and your mother needs someone to help her due to her old age or sickness, try to provide a maid for her or rent a house close to you so that you would be able to look after her. If she is too old to get married, encourage her to marry so that she would have a husband to fulfill her needs.
Allaah Knows best.
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