QUESTION:
If I am living with parents and my wife in the same home, and my parents ask me to ask my wife to do something which, unknown to my parents, may cause marital friction later on, am I required to still obey my parents? For example, they request that she helps with cooking while she is studying.
ANSWER:
You should politely ask her whether she will be able to happily assist your mother in the kitchen or not. If she is willing to assist, then she should be requested to do so, as the wife should be carrying out the household duties. Rasulullah Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam entrusted the external duties to Hadrat Ali Radiallahu Anhu, and the internal duties of the house to Hadrat Fatima Radiallahu Anha. Also, by her assisting in the kitchen, the mother-in-law will not feel that she is lazy and shying away from work. However, if she refuses to assist, then you should hire a helper to make work easier for your mother. In this way, the matter will be resolved Insha’Allah.
ALLAH TA’ALA ALONE IN HIS INFINITE KNOWLEDGE KNOWS BEST!
ANSWERED BY:
Mufti Mohammed Desai Saheb
Date: 29 Shawwaal 1445 / 09 May 2024
