Serving the mother-in-law

Question

Zayd’s wife went to her parents’ home because of childbirth. Zayd said: “Serve my mother.” Hinda said: “Keep another woman for the service; I will not serve.” What is your opinion in this matter?

Answer

According to the Shariʿa, serving the husband’s mother is not wajib upon Hinda; but morally she should bear in mind that she is her husband’s mother, and so take care to give her comfort as well, as she would her own mother. And she should obey her husband. After all, when Hinda is in need, the husband’s mother serves her.

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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