How to Handle a Mother’s Problems with Her Sons and Their Wives

Question:
One of the listening brothers, who indicated his name with the letters (B. M), says: My mother is a frequent backbiter, and she wants me to sit with her. I am now forty years old, and I want to return to my Lord through prayer, fasting, and dhikr in my room. But my mother wants me to sit with her doing nothing but talking, complaining about her sons and their wives. What should I do? Is it permissible to leave her and sit in my home for dhikr and prayer, or should I sit with her, knowing that she has a maid who serves her? May Allah reward you with good.

Answer:
You must strive to please her and advise her regarding backbiting. Do not cut off ties with her; rather, sit with her, advise her, and explain to her the rulings on backbiting. If she complains to you about the shortcomings of your brothers, help them to reform and guide them so that they become upright and dutiful to her.
Likewise, regarding their wives, be with her in what is good, not in what is evil. Be with her in advising your brothers and their wives to give her her rights, and warn her of what Allah has forbidden, such as backbiting and similar things. This combines the benefits. May Allah reward you with good.

The presenter : May Allah reward you with good, and may He do you good.