The son's preoccupation with caring for his mother over seeking knowledge

Question:
Caring for his mother and attending to her keeps him from going out with his righteous brothers, especially on the day of this seminar to attend and listen to it, and he misses out on much good besides this. What is your opinion, Your Eminence?

Answer:
Seeking knowledge is obligatory if a person needs it. Seeking knowledge is obligatory. So if his parents refuse, there is no harm in disobeying them in that matter for the sake of seeking obligatory knowledge, because a servant is in dire need of knowledge. However, he should do so with a good manner, with kind words. He should ask for their approval and permission, saying, "I need to seek knowledge." He should go out to seek knowledge, such as attending this seminar, or attending circles of knowledge, but with a good manner and a good approach.
And if they are in need of him, and he can appoint someone to take his place during the hours he goes out to bring their needs, then that is what he should do. He is required to do what he can of dutifulness to them, while striving to seek knowledge. Likewise, if they prevent him from praying in congregation, he must pray in congregation and not obey them in that.
Likewise, if they prevent him from performing an obligatory duty upon him, such as zakah or fasting Ramadan, there is no obedience to a creation in disobedience to the Creator. Obedience is only in what is right, as the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said. But he should do so with a good manner, not with violence or harshness. He should explain to them, seek to please them, and speak to them with kind words, perhaps Allah will guide them, so that there is nothing between them.